Page 1 of Attractive Forces

1

Jake

It begins with Mr. Luddick.

Okay, so most epic stories don’t begin with a chemistry teacher, but as they say in the science world, there’s always an exception to the rule.

“Jake, can you see me after class?” he asks as I walk into last period on Friday.

I know for some students, those words trigger the soundtrack of theJawsmovie. Dah-Dum. Dah-Dum. Dah-Dum Dum Dum Dum. But for me, a teacher wanting to see me is usually about one of the extracurricular activities that I nerd out to.

Sure enough, when I approach his desk after the bell rings, he’s not chewing into me about lost homework or a bad grade.

“I was wondering if you’d be interested in doing some tutoring? Coach Collison has a player who’s struggling.”

“Yeah, sure.” I don’t even need to think about it. Tutoring is easy money. And I’m all about easy money. Especially now.

“Great. Here are the contact details.” He hands me a Post-it Note.

‘Logan Madison’ is written in extremely neat handwriting, with a phone number underneath.

It’s a big school, and I’ve been here less than a year, but I learned who Logan was on my first day. He’s the captain of the championship-winning rugby team in a school where it’s all about rugby. Basically, Logan Madison is to Heath Valley High what Prince William is to England. Enough said.

“Is there a problem?” Mr. Luddick asks.

I realize I’m standing there, staring at the Post-it like it contains the secrets of the universe.

“No problem.” I shove it into my pocket. “I’ll send him a message,” I promise as I leave the room.

“Have a good weekend,” Mr. Luddick calls after me.

I head to my locker.

Logan Madison wants a tutor. The knowledge rolls around my brain like a marble, refusing to lodge somewhere permanently.

“Hey, you.” Chloe comes over as I’m dialing my locker combination.

Chloe was the first friend I made when I arrived here. She has the girl-next-door look all sewn up. Big hazel eyes, scattering of freckles, curly brown hair. She’s also the most cynical person I’ve ever met, with a biting wit.

She’s like a My Little Pony with sharp, sharp teeth.

“Hey.” I grab my calculus textbook, along with my biology folder, and stuff them in my bag. Yup, an exciting weekend ahead, as usual.

“What did Mr. Luddick want?”

“To see if I’m interested in doing some tutoring.”

“Are you?

“Yeah, I mean, I’ll shoot them a text and see if we can work out a time.”

“Who’s the lucky person whose mind you get to fill with electrons and protons?”

I hesitate before telling her. Like, I don’t know if Logan wants it blabbed all over school that he needs tutoring for chemistry.

Chloe misinterprets my silence. “Let me guess, it’s some cute girl, and you’re going to attempt to seduce her by talking about how opposite charges attract.” She says the words with her usual acerbic twang, but her shoulders lock like she’s bracing herself for my answer.

“I’m a bit offended you think I need chemistry banter to entice someone.”