Save Me

Partner

"Ngh...fuck this routine..."

I rolled out of bed like I do every weekday morning, and began my morning routine. I yawned, walking down the road alone. I didn't stop when I passed his house, I never do. He's established that he'll be sitting on his car waiting for me to pass by every morning. I heard him jump off and land on the ground before his footsteps began to follow mine.

"Good morning."
"Morning..." I respond flatly.
"Ew. Why you so crabby?"
"It's 6:32 in the morning."

He didn't speak again until we were almost on campus.

"You smell like a blunt. I think you should at least try to mask it."
"I'll do it tomorrow."

He shrugged, throwing his finished blunt on the ground and stomping it out. I noticed a group of females staring at him and decided to walk a little faster to put some distance between us. Of course, once the bell rang, he still followed me to class. I sighed. At least I don't have to sit next to him here.

"Um, Cara..." my timid chemistry teacher, Ms. Boulia, squeaked.
"Yes ma'am?"
"Mr. Serggero sent out an email this morning...saying that you have to be partnered with Christopher, our new student..."
"Well tell Mr. Serggero it ain't happening."
"Ah, well, I already switched the seating chart..."

I rolled my eyes. I'm gonna be catching contact highs all year long at this rate.

By the end of class, we had been assigned a partner project due in one week's time. The bell rang. I had been assigned Christopher as my partner by request of Mr. Serggero. Great. Jessica gets the class genius and I get a pothead. I wouldn't mind so much if he even pretended to have any interest in the class. He sat next to me and texted all period, he even glared at Ms. Boulia when she asked him a question until she fumbled nervously to the next student. I grumbled internally down the hallway to my next class while he followed nonchalantly. Class was relatively boring and I was glad when the bell rang for lunch. I maneuvered my way swiftly through the halls, making a beeline for the lunchroom. That's where I bumped into some random guy. He was taller than me, and burly. Judging by his jersey, he's on the football team.

"Yo watch where the fuck you goin!" He growled, snatching the front of my shirt.
"Aye fam, it was an accident. Step the fuck back. Don't put your hands on her."
"And who the fuck is you?"
"None'ya business, just keep your fuckin hands off her. She a little ass female, what'chu gon look like puttin your hands on her?" Christopher barked at the football player. "Wouldn't wanna risk your spot on the team for attacking some girl, hm?"

The jock seemed to think for a moment. Christopher looked around.

"You causin a scene, nigga let her go. You takin a major L just cause of how the situation looks."

He shoved me away from him, causing me to stumble backwards into Christopher's arms. I steadied myself quickly as everyone else returned to whatever they were doing before the commotion began.

"Thank you..."
"Don't thank me. Now you owe me a favor."
"A favor?"
"Yeah. A favor."
"Um..."

He brushed me off and went into the cafeteria doors. I followed. After lunch the rest of the day went pretty routinely. I managed to make it through the rest of the day without bumping into anyone or anything. The only homework we ended up with was the project. I smiled softly, hearing the final bell of the day ring. After gathering my belongings I stood and walked out of the classroom. Christopher followed. I paid him no mind all the way across campus until we reached the art room. He all but hissed at the building in the center of campus.

"Why you here?"
"Art Club. Don't you see the other students approaching?"
"Hi Cara...nice day today isn't it?" One of the club members, Jason greeted me.
"Hi Jason. Yes it's nice today."
"Who's the guy. New boyfriend? I've seen you two around campus making a scene."
"Christopher. Definitely not a boyfriend. I know him."
"Yeah? Oh, where's Mr. Mahfud?" He asked, looking around.
"No idea...he should show up soon."
"How about you and I go look for him, huh?" He smirked, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and invading my personal space.
"Withdraw before I hurt you, Jayce."
"You know I'm kidding."
"Still not fond of being touched. Where's your girlfriend?"
"We broke up awhile ago. She wasn't giving it up."
"You're still not willing to wait, huh."
"Pussy is thrown at me. I should catch it sometimes."
"Isn't the only thing you'll catch."
"Good afternoon, students." Mr. Mahfud greeted everyone.