Fate

Chapter 2, Partners

Jayliah's POV

I nervously shifted in my seat. The box continued to move around. Normally I'm not so... I guess you could say scared. People always tell me that they admire my confidence. So with that, I can't let anyone ever know if I'm nervous, depressed, or scared. I want people to be able to rely on me. To trust me, and come to me with their problems. If I show those emotions, it'll just burden them.

Suddenly the whole class looked at me. What did I do something wrong?!
"Jayliah?" the teacher said my name. Had she asked me a question?
"Yes?" I replied in a polite tone.
"You will be partners with Esmee." I looked over to where the mysterious girl sat.

As usual her hair and eyes were covered by a hood. How is that even allowed? What was she trying to hide? Acne? Greasy hair? A scar maybe? She held a slip of paper in her hand, that had my name on it. Inwardly I sighed, relieved that it was her, and not some inconsiderate jerk.

But my face remained emotionless.
"Ok." the box continued down to those who didn't have a partner yet. My mind started drifting again. When I did this, I didn't realise I was staring at Esmee, until she shuffled her feet uncomfortably. Oops, wouldn't want to make her nervous. I looked away.

When the box had finished going around the room, and everyone had a partner, the teacher clapped to get everyone's attention.
"Alright now a few rules. Number one is that you are not allowed to switch partners. Number two, although I will give you time in class to work, most of it will need to be done in your spare time. Number three, if you are both boys or girls you are allowed to meet in each others dorms."

"But you all know that boys are not allowed in the girls dorms and vice versa. You can meet up in the library. This assignment will be due a month from now. It is not a project that you can put of to the very last minute. Now today I want you to take the time to get to know your partners better." The teacher finally finished talking, and went back to her desk.

Well I guess that's a signal to talk to our partners. Getting up I walked over to Esmee's desk.
"Hey, so your Esmee right?" she nodded her head, as if afraid to speak. Of course I already knew that.
"My names Jayliah. Nice to meet you, I hope we can become friends!" she jumped as if she had been electrocuted.
"M-me to..." This was the first time I heard her voice.

Esmee's voice was soft, polite, bashful, and sweet. Which was almost the exact opposite of how I imagined it. With her hood pulled up all the time, you really don't know what to expect. Her stutter was so cute. I don't know why I did it, but I had a sudden urge to pull her hood of.

Reaching a hand out, I stopped myself. Then I grabbed her hand as if I were planning to shake it the whole time. She gasped at the unexpected touch. Her hand was warm, but not sweaty. Shivers when down my spine. For several reasons. Because of her gasp, and the way her hand felt in mine. Like they were a perfect fit.

I pulled my hand back after a few seconds, though it felt like a million years. Then I smiled at her. Must be my imagination.
"What dorm building are you in?" I asked her. The school was so big, that they had to have three different dorms for the girls.
"Building A." she answered me with more confidence this time. Esmee spoke up so her voice wasn't as quiet.

"I'm in Building C. Do you want to meet up later today? Let's say around five?" Ah I can't believe I just invited her over! She probably thinks I'm so weird. But then again we do have to work on our project...
"Umm, sure." It looks like she's getting used to talking to me.
"Ok great! My room is number 221b okay?"

Then the bell rang, signaling the end of class. Wow that went fast. Maybe when I shook her hand it was longer than a few seconds.
"Alright... I'll see you then." Esmee hurriedly grabbed her binder, and notebook, then stood up.
"Kay then. Bye!" she left in a hurry, and stumbled a little on her way out. I smiled to myself.

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Hey to whoever is reading this. If anyone is -_- oh well. Thank you so much! And I'm a newbie so if you could give me pointers that would be great :) I'm still going to be writing if people don't read it. At first I was like naw, but now I just want to write and have fun with it.