When P.E. was over and we were excused to the locker room, I could feel my shoulders dropping in relief. I was free to get away from Samuel. I had known him back in New Jersey. His parents had been friends with mine. More specifically his dad with friends with my dad. Samuel was sweet at first and it was obvious that my parents wanted him and me to date. So, we did. I was fourteen at the time and more naive than I should have been. He'd hit me and tell me how much of a disappointment I was. My father saw him beating on me and didn't do a thing. I was so happy when he had moved away. Now here he is and by the look on his face, he's not just going to leave me alone. 

Walking to seventh-period math class, I kept looking over my shoulder to make sure that Samuel wasn't there. Seeing that he wasn't, but knowing that he could turn up at any moment, I walked faster, hoping that I wouldn't have my next class with him. 

Reaching class, I took the same seat that I'd had in fourth period and waited patiently for the teacher to begin his lesson. 

"Bellworks everyone!" Mr. Gripes shouted as the last few students filed into the classroom.

Sighing, I tore a piece of paper from my notebook and started copying down the math problems that were written on the board. 

"I hate to do this, but could I get a piece of paper please?" Connor asked as he sat down beside me. 

Jumping, I looked up to meet his piercing green eyes. 

"Yeah, sure. Here," I replied and handed him a paper. 

"Thanks," he said with a smile and turned to do his work. 

I turned back to my paper and focused once again on the math problems. Chewing the end of my eraser, I studied the first of the three equations. 

Why the hell did they have to add letters to math problems? You don't see numbers in language arts class! I thought, getting frustrated. 

"Need help?" Connor asked quietly. 

I looked at him for a few seconds, wondering why he cared, before nodding my head 'yes'.  Leaning closer to me,  Connor began to explain how to do the math problems. Eventually, I started to understand.

"Thanks, Connor," I smiled. 

Connor simply smiled back. 

"Alright, everyone! I've got a worksheet for you all to work on and once you're done the homework assignment is on top of the printer!" Mr. Gripes announced as he passed out the worksheet. 

"Oh, what joy... More math..." I mumbled and heard Connor snicker. 

"Calm down Angelina. I can help you out." 

I smiled before looking down at my paper to see what I was up against. Groaning I buried my face in my hands. 

Similar figures? Really? I learned this in the eighth grade! I didn't understand it then and they expect me to understand now?  

"Come on Angelina, I'll teach you," Connor said. 

"You don't have to. I-I'll figure it out," I sighed. 

"Jeez Angelina, don't talk like that. You're not going to fail math class so long as I'm here. Now move your hands so I can teach you." 

Slowly, I moved my hands away from my face and leaned toward Connor. As he began to explain things, I paid rapt attention, soaking in whatever information I could. 

When school ended I walked to the front of the school with Connor. 

"See you tonight at the game?" he asked eagerly. 

"Of course," I smiled. 

He nodded and we turned to go our separate ways. Climbing into my mom's car, I was instantly bombarded with questions. 

"Jeez Mom..." I sighed and answered every one of them.