Learning and mutual aid
History class had just started and the class was plunged into studious silence. The professor was passionate about his subject and demonstrated it through his detailed explanations and fascinating anecdotes. Chloe, attentive and interested, took diligent notes. Next to her, Red struggled to keep up.
Red had always had Maddox as a tutor, and although he was brilliant, he did not excel in all areas. History was one of his weak points, and this was reflected in Red's knowledge. The professor, observing Red's lost look, decided to ask him a simple question to involve him more.
"Red, can you tell me in what year the Battle of Montmirail took place?" he asked, his tone encouraging.
Red suddenly felt naked in front of the entire class. She desperately searched her memory for the answer, but nothing came. The man, kind, tried to help her by giving her clues. "It was during the Napoleonic Wars, and it's a key date."
Red opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Chloe, seeing her friend's distress, discreetly raised her hand. "1814, sir."
The professor smiled, acknowledging Chloe's intervention. "Very well, Chloe. Thank you for your help. Red, don't hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear."
Red nodded, red with shame and frustration. She hated feeling like this, unable to answer a seemingly simple question. Chloe gave her a reassuring look, but Red avoided her gaze, too embarrassed.
At lunchtime, Chloe, determined to help her friend, picked up her tray and sat across from Red. "Red, I know history class can be tough. If you want, I can help you study."
Red hesitated for a moment, but Chloe's kind insistence eventually convinced her. "Okay," she replied softly. "It can't hurt to try."
Chloe nearly jumped for joy at that answer, and Red couldn't help but find her adorable. Wait, what? Adorable? Red had never found anything, or anyone, adorable. The feeling unsettled her, but she tried not to think about it.
The day passed quickly, and by evening, the two girls had settled into their room for a study session. Chloe had her notes and books ready, ready to help Red catch up.
“Okay, let’s start with the basics,” Chloe said, opening a textbook. “The Battle of Montmirail was in 1814, during the Napoleonic Wars. What do you know about those wars?”
Red sighed, feeling a little overwhelmed. “Not much, actually. I know who Napoleon is, but that’s about it.”
Chloe nodded, understanding. “No worries. We’ll take it step by step. Napoleon Bonaparte was a French general and emperor. His wars, called the Napoleonic Wars, took place between 1803 and 1815. They shook Europe.”
Red listened intently, trying to take it all in. Chloe's soft, clear voice made the learning less intimidating. They continued to study, Chloe patiently explaining each event and important date, answering Red's questions with kindness and encouragement.
As the evening wore on, Red found herself enjoying the study time. Chloe had a way of making history lively and interesting, and Red was beginning to understand things that had always seemed inaccessible to her.
By the time the review was over, Red was feeling a little more confident. "Thanks, Chloe. That was really helpful."
Chloe smiled, pleased to be of assistance. "You're welcome, Red. I'm glad it helped. We can continue tomorrow if you want."
Red nodded gratefully. As she got ready for bed, she couldn't help but think back on the day. She had felt strange emotions, and for the first time, she had found someone adorable. This feeling disturbed her, but she decided not to think about it too much for now.