The final parade had come and gone. I knew I was going to miss my friends, my workplace, and the environment I had grown used to over the past year. As I packed up my belongings, a flood of thoughts rushed through my mind.
I found myself asking, "So now what? What comes after this year of service?"
I had applied for jobs during my service, but nothing had worked out. Meanwhile, some of my friends especially the ones from well-off families already had job offers waiting for them.
"Why does it always feel harder for people like me?" I sighed, grabbed my bag, and boarded a bus heading home.
When I arrived, my family and neighbors welcomed me like I'd been away for years. It felt like a small celebration.
Everyone had something to say some were greeting, some asking questions, and of course, a few were eager to know what I brought back for them.
As the days went by, I began searching for something to do. I wandered around town, hoping to find a job somewhere anywhere.
One afternoon, while walking down Third Street, I saw a woman stepping out of a large white duplex. As I passed by, I noticed she was taping a notice to her gate. Curious, I slowed down to take a look.
The sign read:
"Home Lesson Teacher Needed URGENTLY."
At first, I kept walking. But after about eight steps, I paused.
"Why am I walking away from this? These people look wealthy… they can probably pay well."
Without overthinking it, I turned back. I walked up to the gate and knocked. The security guard opened it and led me in.
He walked me to the front door, called out the woman, and quietly stepped away.
ME: Good afternoon, ma'am.
MADAM: Good afternoon, young man. How can I help you?
ME: I saw you putting up a notice earlier, and I'd like to apply.
MADAM: Oh, you mean the home tutor position?
ME: Yes, ma'am.
MADAM: I hope you passed your high school exams? How were your results?
ME: smiles Yes, ma'am I did well.
MADAM: Hmm… I was actually hoping to hire a graduate. My first daughter is preparing for her college entrance exams, so I think a graduate would be more suitable.
ME: I glanced at myself and thought, "Wow… so having a small stature is now a disadvantage? Don't I look like a graduate?" Then I smiled. I'm a graduate, ma'am.
MADAM: Really? Oh! I'm so sorry for the embarrassment. I truly didn't mean to embarrass you. You just look really young. Please, come in.
She led me into the living room.
The interior was impressive bright colors, tasteful decor, and modern furniture. I took a seat while she settled into the chair across from me.
MADAM: I'm really sorry about earlier.
ME: It's no problem, ma'am.
MADAM: What state are you from?
ME: Greybridge
MADAM: How old are you?
ME: slightly embarrassed I'm 23.
MADAM: Twenty-three? At what age did you graduate?
ME: I was 21, ma'am.
MADAM: smiling You must be a genius I like that.
She leaned in slightly.
MADAM: Let's get to it. My first daughter, Janet, is 19. She didn't pass her last college entrance exam, so she's retaking it. I need you to tutor her in Physics, Chemistry, and Math.
Oh! I almost forgot what did you study?
ME: Chemistry, ma'am.
MADAM: Perfect. Then you should do just fine.
As she spoke, my eyes drifted to a large photo hanging on the wall in front of me. It was of a beautiful young woman light-skinned, striking features… and a noticeably full bust.
That must be Janet, I thought
MADAM: I also have a son. He's 12 and in junior high. You'll be tutoring him in math.
ME: Okay, ma'am.
She turned her head and called out, "Kira! Please bring me a bottle of soda with a glass."
A young woman appeared from the kitchen. Based on her outfit, I assumed she was the housemaid. She had a calm, modest look fair-skinned, probably in her early twenties. There was something naturally pretty about her, a simple charm. A dimple appeared when she moved her lips, and she had a soft, curvy figure.
She placed the soda on the table, turned around, and walked away.
Whoa… she's definitely got presence. I took a sip of the drink and tried to stay focused.
JANET: "So, what's your name again?"
ME: "Dylan."
JANET: "Right. Mom already told my brother and me that you'd be tutoring us. So let's talk."
ME: "Alright."
JANET: "I really hope you're good at teaching. You're the fourth tutor we've had this year. The others were all disappointing. If I find out you're not any better, I'll tell my mom, and you'll be fired."
My heart skipped a beat.
ME: "I understand. I'll do my best. Teaching is something I'm genuinely passionate about."
JANET: "Good. Now about the schedule Mom said five times a week, but I'd prefer three or four. And she doesn't need to know that. Understood?"
No wonder you didn't pass your last exam. Lazy much? I thought to myself but I simply nodded.
ME: "Okay."
JANET: "So, what days and times work for you?"
ME: "Any time that works for you works for me."
JANET: raising a brow "Really? I thought you worked at a school or something. Don't you have another job?"
Wow, this girl's direct, I thought.
ME: "I used to teach during my national service. I just finished and I'm still looking for a full-time job."
JANET: eyes widening slightly "You're a graduate? And you've already completed service? Wow… I honestly thought you only had a diploma or something. That's actually impressive."
She smiled again.
Seriously… my small stature is making me look like a high schooler, I thought, sighing inwardly.
ME: "So, what time would you prefer?"
JANET: "Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Come at 2 p.m., teach me until 4, then switch to Gideon from 4:30 to 6. Does that work?"
ME: "That's fine. Can we start today?"
JANET: "Sure. Do you want to wait or come back by 2?"
Thinking for a moment…
ME: "I'll come back by 2. Is your mom around?"
JANET: "Of course not. She's at work—she's a banker. She usually doesn't get back until 6:30 or 7."
Man… this girl's got such a sharp tone, I thought.
ME: "Alright. I'll see you later then."
JANET: "Wait. Let me get your number, just in case."
She turned and shouted, "Kira! Bring my phone it's on my bed!"
Kira returned with the phone. Janet took it from her while she was still standing there. Kira looked at me and gave another soft smile.
JANET: "Call your number."
ME: "3426 **"
JANET: "Saved."
She quickly flashed the number. My phone vibrated.
ME: "Got it. Alright, I'll be on my way. I'll be back by 2 p.m."
Janet handed the phone back to Kira and told her to return it to her room. I left the house and stepped out through the gate.
Just as I reached the sidewalk, my phone rang. It was an unknown number.
ME: "Hello? Who's this?"
CALLER: "It's me, Kira. That's my number. Save it. I'll call you later. Bye."
She ended the call before I could say anything.
Wait... what exactly does she want from me? I wondered.
She must've memorized my number while I was reciting it to Janet... smart girl.
---
Fast forward...
It was 1:30 p.m. I left my apartment and headed to the white house for the lesson. When I arrived, I knocked on the gate. The security guard recognized me and let me in.
I walked up to the main door and knocked again.
But I could barely hear myself over the loud music blasting from inside.
There was no way anyone could hear me over that.
Then I remembered I had Janet's number.
I called her. No answer.
I tried Kira instead. She picked up quickly.
A minute later, the front door opened.
I stepped inside and found Janet in the living room, wearing a pink crop top and a pair of tight shorts. She was sweating lightly, clearly from dancing. The music was still playing low in the background.
ME: "Hey Jane. I'm here for the lesson."
JANET: "Umm… Dylan, right?"
ME: "Yes."
JANET: "I'm not sure I can do the lesson today I'm really tired. I've been dancing non-stop. Honestly, if Kira hadn't told me someone was knocking, I wouldn't have known you were even outside."
Wow… smart move, Kira. She's more aware than I gave her credit for.
ME: "Okay Jane. So… what now?"
JANET: "Maybe just wait for Gideon to get back from school. You can teach him instead."
ME: "Alright."