Yes.

You knock on Ms. Nora’s door and it’s the landlady herself who greets you.

“Ah, John! Good to see you. I assume you’re here to talk about the tutoring job?” She asks.

“Yes. My sister told me about it.” You say.

“Please, come in.” She offers and you accept. She leads you to the living room. You sit down on the couch and Ms. Norah sits in front of you, across the coffee table.

“You see, my daughter Vivian is not doing very well in school. Her grades are dropping and neither I or the teachers are sure why. She’s not a troublemaker, but it seems she’s not paying much attention in class or even taking notes.” She sighs. “That’s why I want someone to help her. Shelly tells me you were very studious at school, and since you’re close and we know you a bit already, I’d feel more comfortable if it was you who helped my daughter.”

“I have no problem with it, but… is SHE okay with it?” You get the feeling Vivian doesn’t like you very much.

“Vivian, could you come here for a moment!” Ms. Norah call her daughter who is apparently in the second floor. It’s not long before you hear the steps and see Vivian enter the living room.

She’s wearing black sweatpants and a matching sweatshirt. Her red hair, is completely loose and even a little messy. She looks completely surprised to see you, and even embarrassed. Her face slowly turns red and she avoids your gaze. You don’t blame her. She probably doesn’t want anyone to see her in her home attire. This won’t make her dislike you any more, you’re sure.

“Vivian, I’ve asked John here to be your tutor,” Ms. Norah begins, and Vivian turns her head to her mother so fast her hair gets in her face. “He’s a college student and got very good results back in high school. Besides, he lives here, so scheduling can be more flexible. What do you say, are you okay with him being your tutor?”

“…” Vivian steals short glances at you. There doesn’t seem to be hostility, but it’s still hard to define. Caution? Curiosity? Embarasement? “Okay.” She finally answers, nodding. She’s definitely hesitant, but you don’t get the impression she’s not completely against this.

“Really? That’s good.” Ms. Norah smiles. “Would it be too troublesome to start tomorrow? “

“Working on a SUNDAY!? But it’s God’s day!”

…is what you want to say, but you can’t bring yourself to. You just can’t say no to Ms. Norah, and this is your chance to, at the very least, get on friendlier terms with Vivian.

“It’s fine.” You nod.

“Thank you very much. And I’m sorry for so suddenly pushing this on you.” She looks genuinely apologetic. “Vivian, bring your textbooks so that John can see them and prepare.”

Vivian goes back upstairs ad comes back with a couple of textbooks, which she hands you herself. Her gaze lingers on you for a moment, but she quickly turns around and goes back upstairs.

You leave and go back to your apartment. Shelly’s there, wanting to have some more fun with you, but you tell her you have to prepare for tomorrow, much to her disappointment.

“Just remember, this was YOUR idea fault.” You tell her.

She pouts.