Don't Go Without Me - Elmax

02. Extra Classes and Apologies

"I DON’T LIKE MIKE ANYMORE, YOU JERK!" he shouts from the kitchen, making me laugh.

But after that brief moment of happiness with Will, I return to the blank page on Word. I stare at that screen as if it’s a prison when, in truth, this whole town is a prison. I can’t feel free, and I can’t feel alive. I know I’m lucky that Jim adopted me and that I now have a comfortable and stable life, but sometimes this small world in this small town feels so suffocating.

"Jane?" This time it’s Joyce’s voice. "I just got back from work; dinner will be ready soon."

"Okay."

"Oh! And there’s a red-haired girl outside saying she wants to talk to you. Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, no need to worry," I reply quickly, heading to the door.

I open it to see Max leaning against the porch railing, looking at her phone. I clear my throat to get her attention, and she comes over with a wide grin. But I keep my expression neutral, far from happy.

"Hey, Jane, I have a lot to apologize for, but first—"

"I’m not tutoring you," I cut her off.

"I figured. And I completely understand why. But I’m here to apologize. So, I’m really sorry for breaking your model, for indirectly forcing you to tutor me, and for getting your name wrong."

"Okay, you’re forgiven. You can go now."

"Who’s your friend, Jan?" Will interjects, suddenly appearing.

"Hi, Willy!" the redhead replies, making me roll my eyes.

"Actually, it’s Will."

"I know. I just wanted to try a different option... but anyway, that’s not the point."

"It definitely isn’t," I add dryly.

"Well," Max continues, "now that I’ve apologized, I wanted to give you a good reason to tutor me. And again, I completely understand if you don’t want to."

"Especially since I’ve never tutored anyone," I point out, making her sigh.

"Dustin told me you need to save money for a personal goal, and this is a great way to earn some. You won’t have to deal with annoying bosses, and you can quit anytime without any big problems," Max says, alternating her puppy-dog eyes between me and my stepbrother.

"Thanks, but no—"

"Can you give us a minute?" Will interrupts, pulling me aside.

"This could be good for you. You’ll meet new people and earn some money."

"I already said I’m not interested in meeting new people."

"You are. You just don’t want to admit it out of pride," he counters, crossing his arms. I have no argument for that. "Just try it for a week. If you hate it, stop. What’s the worst that could happen?"

I sigh and walk back to the door, staring deeply at Max as I weigh the pros and cons. Damn it.

"I accept. We’ll start tomorrow."

"That’s it, Jane! I knew deep down you were awesome. High five!" She raises her hand, and I lightly tap her palm, feeling a sudden jolt at the touch. We both pull back.

"Wow, I guess we’ve got chemistry—or better yet, electricity," she jokes, laughing like she just said the funniest thing in the world. "Well, I’m off. See you tomorrow!"

I close the door and turn to Will, who has a smug grin plastered on his face.

"She’s a golden retriever, and you’re a grumpy black cat," he declares.

"You’ve been watching too much TikTok. It’s rotted your brain."

"Say what you want to dodge the subject, but the truth is you two have chemistry—or should I say electricity?"

I smirk involuntarily, and we both burst out laughing.

"She’s so dumb," I say between laughs.

"Yeah, that was terrible."

"Dinner’s ready, kids," Joyce calls out, and we head to the table. Will asks about Jim and Jonathan, and Joyce explains that Jim’s still at the station working on a case, and Jonathan went to a friend’s house.

I eat quietly, thinking about what just happened. This was stupid. What if this is some popular kid scheme to humiliate me, like Carrie? Or maybe a bet to see if Max can turn me into prom queen, like in She’s All That.

I know this anxiety will eat me alive until tomorrow at seven—and maybe beyond. But honestly, what can this average-brained redhead do to me that hasn’t already been done? I just don’t get why Dustin gave Max that tip to convince me. Everyone acts like meeting new people is the solution to all my problems.

I hate feeling lonely, but I hate feeling vulnerable even more. Sometimes, I hate being me because it feels like it means being sad forever. That’s why I just want to leave this town once and for all. Maybe Max and her stupid friends will buy me a one-way ticket.