Ethan sat up. "No Sawyer we still have ten minutes. My mom paid for thirty full minutes."

Sawyer scowled.

"You got all your answers right Ethan. I have nothing else to teach you today."

"Then sit there and look pretty then." Ethan snapped.

Sawyer looked as though he were about to blow up. The only thing that kept him from jumping on Ethan was the threat Ethan had to go to the vice principal. Sawyer had never been manipulated or controlled by anybody his whole life. Why on earth he was allowing Ethan to do it now was beyond him.

"You aren't cute Ethan, just so you know."

Ethan laughed and smiled with pure delight. "Oh Sawyer but really I am. All the girls think so. You're just mad because I'm making you do your job."

Sawyer looked away.

Ethan relished every uncomfortable second Sawyer had.

Thursday Ethan called in sick from school. He was so tired and had nothing to do nor any tests to take. He used that particular moment to regain new strength and prepare for his final tutoring session of the week with Sawyer. Ethan cried a little, letting his heart break as healthily as he could. He'd be glad when it completely healed.

Mrs. Fester stood in Ethan's doorway. Ethan was on his stomach in the bed looking at a comic. Mrs Fester tapped on the door frame, and Ethan looked up.

"Why didn't you go to school today?"

She asked.

"Mom, come on. I haven't called in any this year, and I'm not feeling myself today. I needed the break. I had nothing to turn in nor to work on."

"I know your grades are great Ethan. But you love going to school. I have never seen you apathetic like this," she walked in and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Son, look me in the eye."

Ethan looked up and over at his mother. When his eyes met hers he literally lost it.

"Oh my God mom I have lost it," he said, rushing into her arms. He gripped his mom's arms like a vice. "My heart has been torn into pieces," Ethan sobbed and sobbed.

"This is over a girl?"

Ethan cried even more.

"Yes mom. A girl. A spoiled rotten horrible girl I got cursed into falling in love with."

Mrs. Fester held her son. For five minutes he cried and cried.

When it was over, his mom let him go and asked him to look up at her.

"Look Ethan. Growing up isn't always easy to do. But it's necessary in life. Your heart will heal. It will take a little while, but I promise, your heart will eventually heal."

Ethan wiped his tears with the back of his hand. "How do you know?"

"Because I have had my heart broken to. Everyone has honey. It's apart of life."

"Yeah I know but it's so hard."

"Of course it is. Love is never easy sweetie. Wait til you get married. It's even worse." Ethan and Mrs Fester laughed over that. Mrs. Fester reached for her son again.

"Just give it a little time. If you need anything you know I'm here. So is your father."

"I know mom. Thanks for the talk."

Mrs. Fester smiled as a tear for her son nearly slid down her cheek. "Anytime baby."

Ethan returned to school more energized than the day before. He smiled a little more, and several people even gained the confidence to approach and say hey to him.

He still remembered how they had ruined his love life, but he was a little for accommodating than before.

He went through his day focused completely on school and didn't think about Sawyer once. When he drove home, he took a shower and changed clothes. He brushes his teeth and looked as good as he could possibly muster.

Ten minutes didn't even pass before the door bell rang. Ethan walked down the stairs and grabbed the doorknob. Taking a deep breath, Ethan took a small leap into the future holding onto what little courage he had left and opened the door.

Sawyer had his bookbag on his back and looked as good as ever. He looked at Ethan and waited to be invited in. Ethan slowly gave the invitation.

Sawyer walked in and Ethan closed the door behind him.

"How was your day today? Ethan asked.

Sawyer walked on and only half listened.

"Fine I guess. Normal."

Both guys set up the session and were ready to begin in minutes.

Ethan listened intently as Sawyer poured into the lesson as best as he could. Ethan took notes and listened.

"How have your grades been? I've been curious on how my tutoring has benefited you."

"The truth? Well it's hasn't been too bad. Eighty nine is my average. It could've been worse. Before the tutoring I had a c minus, or a seventy five. I want to make an A but with only a few weeks left in the quarter I really don't think it is possible."

"It's not impossible .... you could ask your teacher for extra credit."

"To be honest Sawyer I'm so sick of that school, I'll be glad when it's over."

"You to, huh?"

"Yes. There isn't a single person there I really like. And that's pretty bad coming from me."

"It's not surprising though. That school is awful."

"Where are you going to college?" Ethan asked.

"I don't know yet. I am torn between Harvard and Stanford ..... I received acceptance letters from both universities. Mom has the money to send me so ..... Trust me, it won't be in this town."

"I got accepted to Duke. I haven't even opened any of the other letters. I'm glad to be leaving this place."

"Awesome. Well it looks like we are finished here."

Sawyer began to pack his things. The hasty way he was doing it made Ethan's heart ache.

"Sawyer please don't let this school tear us apart. You are the first real friend I've made here."

Sawyer just looked at Ethan.