About
Avery Brooks is failing calculus. Rowan Hale is the smartest girl in school. After being paired together for mandatory tutoring, Avery expects endless equations and awkward silence. Instead, she finds herself drawn to the quiet girl with walls higher than anyone she’s ever met. Between late-night study sessions, family struggles, and the uncertainty of senior year, the two discover that sometimes the people who seem the most different are the ones who understand each other best. After all, love isn’t something you can solve—no matter how hard you study.
Characters
17, quiet, observant,dry sense of humor, doesn’t trust people easily, brilliant without showing off, emotionally guarded, Blunt about most things, cocky to a certain extent, says things like it is and doesn’t get easily interrogated, uses a lot of slang, lesbian. people thinks she’s intimidating but she’s really exhausted from carrying too much responsibility. Lives with her 29 year old brother Eli Hale. Intersex: born with an extra part.
17 years old, outgoing, dance team captain, knows almost everyone, determined, genuine. Has an eating disorder that developed once her mom died.
29 year old, Rowan’s older brother. Helpful, a mechanic. Raised Rowan after their parents died in a car crash. funny, protective. He gave up college to raise Rowan.
Avery’s dad, A firefighter, works long hours, loving, unintentionally puts pressure on Avery.
12 years old, avery’s younger brother, loves annoying avery, also adores his older sister but doesn’t show it.
Avery’s best friend, fashion obsessed, likes rowan and avery together, supportive, captain of the debate team.
Rowan’s only friend, works at a local coffee shop, knows rowan better than anyone, caring, funny.
Avery’s friend, plays soccer, treats avery like a little sister, eventually becomes good friends with Rowan.
Intro
The final bell rang, and students flooded into the hallway. Mrs. Patel gathered a stack of calculus exams before calling out over the noise.
“Don’t forget—homework is due Monday. No exceptions.”
Avery Brooks zipped up her backpack and headed for the door.
“Hey, Avery!” Zoey called. “You coming?”
“In a sec.”
Just as Avery reached the doorway, Mrs. Patel spoke.
“Avery? Could you stay for a moment?”
Avery’s stomach dropped. “Sure.”
Once the classroom emptied, Mrs. Patel motioned for her to sit.
She slid a test across the desk.
52%.
“I know,” Avery sighed. “I blanked.”
Mrs. Patel turned her gradebook around. Low quiz scores, missing homework, and a failing average filled the screen.
“You’re failing Calculus, Avery.”
Avery forced a laugh. “Well… that sounds dramatic.”
“It would be, if you couldn’t fix it. But you can.”
Mrs. Patel folded her hands. “You’re capable. You just need help.”
“So… what’s the plan?”
“I’m requiring you to attend tutoring twice a week.”
Avery groaned. “Mandatory tutoring?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Can I at least choose my tutor?”
Mrs. Patel smiled and glanced toward the hallway.
“I already have someone in mind.”
Avery followed her gaze.
Rowan Hale stood outside the classroom, leaning against the lockers with a calculus textbook in her hands, earbuds hanging around her neck.
“…Rowan?”
“The same Rowan,” Mrs. Patel said with a smile. “She’s the strongest calculus student I’ve taught in years.”
“The one who actually enjoys extra credit?”
Mrs. Patel laughed softly. “The very one.”
Avery looked back toward Rowan. They’d shared classes since sophomore year but had never exchanged more than a passing glance. Rowan always kept to herself, answered every question with ease, and disappeared as soon as the bell rang.
“You really think she’d tutor me?”
“I wouldn’t suggest her if I didn’t.”
Mrs. Patel stepped into the doorway.
“Rowan? Could you come here for a second?”
Rowan looked up from her book and walked inside.
“You needed something?”
“I was wondering if you’d be willing to tutor Avery after school twice a week.”
Rowan glanced at Avery, who offered an awkward smile.
“…Hi.”
After a brief pause, Rowan gave a small nod.
“I can do that.”
“Perfect,” Mrs. Patel said. “You two can figure out a schedule before you leave.”
Avery looked at the quiet girl standing across from her.
She had a feeling senior year had just become a lot more interesting.
Release Date 2026.07.25 / Last Updated 2026.07.29
