"Just remember that this project carries a lot of points and will get you good grades so be sure to give in your best, okay?" Mr Weiss, the chemistry teacher, said.
Everyone nodded their heads at him as he went and stood behind his desk, "Just make a group of two students." He finally said while waving his hand in a dismissal.
Everyone started scattering around in the classroom, getting up from their seats. The whole class was buzzing with people talking. Asking each other to be their partners for the project.
As for me? I sat there looking around for someone who would be willing to be my partner. Automatically, my eyes went to the seat next to me. Hoping Olivia had miraculously appeared. But of course she didn't.
A mocking laugh escaped my mouth. The mere thought of how unfortunate I can be made me feel like laughing at myself.
I let my eyes wander in the hope to find someone who wasn't getting any partner but to my surprise everyone was getting themselves partners quite well.
Damn. If I really don't do anything right now I will end up doing the project alone and that is the last thing I want after already being behind in class.
I sighed before putting my hands on the table and standing up. I rubbed my hands together readying myself for interaction with people.
How hard can it be, right?
I was about to step out from my seat when I heard a similar voice.
"You."
I turned my head back to see who it was. I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows in surprise as my gaze met Alec's. He had a chemistry book in his hands which he placed on my desk as he came and stood in front of me.
I waited for him to say something after that monosyllabic word but to add onto my frustration he just stood there without saying anything.
I really didn't have time for this. I really had to find myself a partner for this project.
I tried stepping around him but he held me by my wristâstopping me. I snapped my head back to look him in the eyes before looking down at his hand which was covering my wrists.
Before I could even say anything he realised what he was doing because the next thing I know he apologised quickly before pulling his hands away.
"I was just-" he scratched the back of his head before I saw him take in a deep breath and muttering a, 'Fuck this.'
"If you don't have anything to say can I leave? I really need to find myself a partner for this project." I explained to him.
It's not like I don't want to talk to him. If it wasn't for this project I would have talked to him as long as he wants standing there like a tree, but right now finding myself a partner...no...a 'good' enough partner was much more important.
He stared at me for a second before slowly nodding his head, "Yeah...Wait, I just wanted to thank you." He said in a rush.
I stared at him before running my gaze all over his face.
"For?" I asked confused.
"For that day in the library. Thank you for helping me." He passed me his signature warm smile.
I nodded my head slowly in realisation. That day in library when I helped him hold his book the right way? Was it really that big of a deal for him?
"You're welcome." I accepted his gratitude before trying to step away from him again.
"Also," I heard him say.
I rolled my eyes before looking at him with frustration. What does he want? Why can't he let me be.
"Look," I started but he cut me off.
"Would you like to be my partner for this project?" He asked.
I was at a loss of words. I couldn't help but stare at him blankly. He looked at me in a questioning way.
"What?" I asked.
He chuckled lowly before repeating his previous question, "Would you like to be my partner for this project, Serenity Halls?"
I don't know what it was but the way he said it gave me butterflies.
I cleared my throat, "I need someone who is good enough in the subject."
Although the only thing that should matter right now was finding a partner but I meant it when I said a good enough partner.
"Ouch." He put his hand on his heart pretending to be hurt, "You will be surprised to know but I am quite good in this subject." He laughed.
I couldn't help but wonder why did he want to be partners with me? Because I was very much aware of the fact that he had friends. Some great ones or others just wanting to pair up with him.
"Why?" I couldn't help but ask.
He gave me a quizzical look, "Why what?"
"Why do you want to be my partner?"
He was quick to give his answer, "As a gratitude for helping me."
I nodded my head at him in realisation.
So, apparently he was willing to be my partner as a gratitude. Well who cares? As long as I get good grades it doesn't matter.
"So?" He asked breaking me from my thoughts.
"Sure." I smiled at him.
He smiled back as he held his hand out in front of him. I stared at it before looking at him confused.
"Partners?"
A chuckle escaped my mouth as I realised what he was doing.
"Partners." I said with a small smile giving a shake.
A wide smile appeared on his face as he pulled his hand back, "This will be my gratitude for you helping me."
"And I appreciate it."
"Alec," I looked behind and saw Xavier walking towards us. Alec turned his face to look at Xavier, "I wish Liya had this subject too," he started whining as soon as he was standing in front of Alec, " then at least I wouldn't have to be paired up with," he looked behind before looking back, "Nathaniel." He whispered.
Alec chuckled slightly before patting Xavier on his shoulder.
Xavier gave him a pointed look before asking, "Who are you pairing with?"
Without wasting a second Alec pointed his finger at me.
I looked at his finger which was pointing at me before looking at Xavier who suddenly realised that I was here too. Not surprising at all.
"Hey." I said raising my hand a little.
"Hey." Xavier said shortly before moving his eyes back to Alec, "Let's go if you are done."
I wasn't exactly wishing for Xavier to make a talk with me. Because truth to be told the guy was too cold and intimidating. He doesn't really give off friendly vibes and I can only imagine what one must go through to get close to him.
Thank god that I have friends like Max and Henry.
Alec nodded his head before looking back at me one last time, "I will catch you later, Serenity."
"Sure." I said but he was already gone far enough.
I stood there for a while before taking my seat again. Finding a partner wasn't that difficult after all.
My eyes landed on the chemistry book laying on my table. Huh? My eyes widened as I realised whose book it was. Alec. He forgot it here.
I picked it up as fast as I could and looked around the room hoping that I would find him standing anywhere near talking to his friends. But he was no where to be seen. He was gone. Already.
I let out a breath of sigh before putting the book in my bag. I couldn't just leave it here because of the fact that it might get stolen. I will just give it to him the next time I meet him.
"Serenity?" I heard someone call my name. I looked up and found Olivia smiling at me. I couldn't help but return her smile.
"Where were you?" I asked as she walked towards her seat.
"I am so sorry I got late. I heard we have a project." She said sitting down in her seat. I sat down with her so that it was easier to talk.
"Yeah." I replied.
She nodded her head before beaming at me, "Would you like to be my partner?"
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