Max’s room 4pm

When we got back to my house i was still laughing. We both were. Now we’re in my room doing homework. I’m sitting on my bed with Carter sitting beside me on the floor.

I look over at Carter just out of reflex and that’s when i realize that he looks really stumped. I look at his book and realize he’s doing math. Again. I’ve helped him a few other times but he told me he was doing better and that he didn’t need my help anymore. But looks like that was a lie.

I put my science textbook down beside me and lean forward to grab his book. “Here lemme help.” I say as i take his book in my hands before he gets the chance to protest. “Wha- no!”

I look at him sympathetically and hand it back to him. He grabs and turns back around, his back facing me.

“Fine... i won’t bother you about it again. But only if you tell me what your struggling with so i can help you.”

“No.”

I sigh at his stubbornness. He never lets me help him. He does so much for me i wish he’d let me help him too.

“Carter... your always helping me and putting up with my situations.” I put my hand on his shoulder before continuing. “ i know it’s hard to admit that your failing, but I’m here for you and I’m not going to judge you. Ever. Ok?”

There’s a long silence between us and I’m worried I’ve made him even more upset. My heart sinks when his sigh finally breaks the silence.

“Ok.”

I almost don’t believe what my ears are telling me. Am i hearing things? Did Carter Evens just agree to let me help him? Ok hold up, i just need to make sure. “wh-what?”

“Ok... i-I’ll let you help me.”

“R-really?”

“Yeah”

“YES!”

I realize that I said that out loud and immediately look over to Carter. His expression is both that of confusion and amusement. I’m scared for what he’ll say next. That is until he starts chuckling. I do too actually. “What? I love math meaning it’ll be easy to tutor you on it!”

He looks at me for a few seconds more before bursting into laughter. I chuckle at his laughter.

“OH MY GOD! You are such a nerd!

Now its my turn to start laughing. I mean, he’s right and he knows it giving the fact that he starts laughing again too. But before too long the moment is lost when a phone goes off. It nearly startles me right off my bed. Carter looks at the phone that went off, his... and he honestly looks sad.

“What’s wrong?” I ask. He doesn’t answer immediately and when he does he just sounds so upset and i have no idea why. I just wanna give him a hug.

“I-i have to go home. “

“What? But its only 4:30!”

“Y-yeah i know, but my mom will get mad if I’m not home soon. I’m sorry. “

“ its ok.” I say as he starts packing up his stuff.

~ten minutes later~

“Ok uhh...um bye and I’ll see you tomorrow” he says as he scans my room I assume to make sure he’s not missing anything.

“Bye...um text me when you’ve made it home safe ok?”

“Yep will do!” He hollers as he rushes down the hall to the front door. When i hear it open i yell back. “Be carful!”

“Yep! See ya tomorrow!” Then to door closes. I hope he’s okey.

To be continued...