This is the first of a 3 chapters story.
I recommend that you read all 3 parts before making your mind how to score it.
The whole story is likely better than each chapter by itself.
.........................................................................................
I accepted a teaching job at a college in the Twin cities as an associate professor.
My specialty was mathematics and statistics.
For a relatively young guy of 32 years old, the salary was a adequate, especially since I was a bachelor and had no dependents. Except for my 4 years old great Dane, Buck.
I found a reasonably priced house in a quiet neighborhood, that had a dog park nearby.
The first day I took my big black dog to the park, I wasn't sure what to expect, so I put a leash on him and we strolled together.
Half an hour later we saw a small white long haired Chihuahua running our way.
The tiny dog stopped one yard in front of big Buck, wiggled his tail and barked at him.
Buck stared at this tiny nuisance and didn't react.
The white Chihuahua came closer and tried to smell buck's butt, but it couldn't reach it...
Since Buck did not show any signs of stress or aggression, I freed him.
To my surprise, he laid down, wiggled his own tail and allowed the small dog to smell his behind.
Then the tiny dog jumped to Buck's front and tried to challenge him to a run.
Buck accepted and the two of them began chasing each other playfully.
As I was enjoying the two opposite size dogs enjoy themselves, I heard a shout, "Lucy! Lucy, where are you?"
The owner showed up from around the corner.
It was a young lady, around 20 years old, dressed in gym clothes.
She watched for a moment the 2 dogs running together and then approached me.
"Hello sir, is this your dog?"
"Yes it is."
"My name is Abby. The white Chihuahua is mine. I don't remember ever seeing you or your great Dane here before. The 2 dogs play very nicely together."
"Nice to meet you. My name is Brad and the black beast is Buck. He is 4 years old and very docile."
"So what do you do?"
I chuckled, "Do you mean my work?"
Her face looked cute. She smiled at me, "Yes. In case you didn't notice, I am very open. In fact, I am too nosy at times. I am not used to seeing new people around here."
"It's my first time in the park. I just moved in from California and in two weeks I'll start teaching mathematics and statistics in the local college."
"I hate math! It's my weakest subject in school. I think that I am going to flunk it and it's a pity, because I am doing well in all other areas..."
"I hear it a lot. In fact math in high school is not that difficult, but often the teachers are not doing a good job making the subject more likable. And once a student gets behind, it is hard to catch up."
"Brad, it's easy for you to say, because it's your job, but I like social studies, politics, literature and psychology..."
"How old are you young girl, if I may ask?"
She smirked, "Don't you know that women are reluctant to divulge their age?... Anyway, I am going to be 19 in September."
"I recall that when I was your age, 14 years ago, I hated literature and liked math, physics and chemistry."
"Listen, do you give private lessons? I can pay you. I really want to improve on my math score, otherwise I won't get accepted to a good college. I want to continue my studies in the east coast, preferably in Boston."
"I tutored several students in California, but I haven't done anything here yet. As I said, I am new to this neighborhood. My suggestion - Talk to your parents and if they agree, I can work with you twice a week in the afternoons on whatever material you need help with."
"That will be great! Especially now that our dogs like each other too."
The next 2 days I was busy organizing my new home - Buying new furniture, working on the plumbing, installing home security device.
On the 3rd day I took Buck with me to the dog park again.
Within 5 minutes I saw Lucy barking and rushing toward Buck.
Abby appeared a couple of minutes later.
She smiled and sat by me, "I missed you. I thought that you decided not to help me..."
I laughed, "Dear child, I just moved in and I have many errands that I need to take care of before I start my busy teaching job. By the way, did you talk to your parents about private lessons?"
"My mother supports everything I decide, in order to improve my chances of graduating successfully."
"And what about your father?"
"My father doesn't live with us. He divorced mom years ago and married his younger girlfriend. They live in Wisconsin."
"Sorry to hear that. If you are interested, we can meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I do not know my teaching hours yet, so I cannot promise that our afternoon schedule will stay the same, but for the next 2 weeks we'll start at 4:30 pm and finish at 6:00. Will it be OK?"
"You want to do it at your home?"
"Yes I do. I have a work room with multiple math books, a dedicated computer and soft lighting - All supposed to make it quiet and comfortable..."
"Your family does not mind you bringing students to your house?"
"Abby, I am not married and I have no children." Then I gave her my address.
She stared at me and mumbled, "I wonder why... I'll be at your house on Thursday at 4:30 sharp."
I was too busy to go to the dog park until Thursday.
Abby rang the bell right on time.
I let her in and immediately apologized. The house interior was not finished yet and needed further improvements.
However, the work room was ready.
I offered Abby some cookies and and asked her what she wanted to drink.
She chose green tea, which luckily I had at home.
While I went to prepare our tea, Abby pulled out from her bag the material she wanted to start with.
I joined her with the tray in my hands. I placed it on a small table nearby.
Three books were on the desk; Algebra, Geometry and Statistics.
