One week after the gym incident and I've tried to let go...partially. The next day after Ellie's video chat, I spoke to Vanessa and she assured me that it's normal to feel what I felt, telling me she's proud of me for making such a huge step.
I've gotten to know Darren and James better because of Ellie's persistent. Who knew boys loved watching Disney cartoons and well, Darren also loves my personal favourite, The Little Mermaid.
You just got to love Ariel. Who won't? She's got the same hair colour as Ellie and she's so cute.
Now, we became friends and sit at lunch together. Zane seems more closed off since the previous week and I've really not said anything much to him.
Why?
Really have nothing much to say to him.
At lunch yesterday, we were talking and all he could do was stare at his food and said he needed some fresh air. I was at first taken aback but I didn't just know-a feeling came up. Sometimes, I wish that feeling find its way back to the pit of hell.
Currently, I'm in Biology class and I'm excited for this project. Our teacher, Mr Collins had briefed us on what the project will curtail. We are waiting to know who our partners are. Ellie doesn't attend this class so, I'm alone.
Mr Collins clears his throat, "What is expected of you children is to pick a topic of your choice and make a comprehensive presentation in front of the class. For your presentation, I've added an extra week for practice because presentation duration is ten minutes and that includes questions. Due to the time limit, this assignment will go on on throughout the week after next. Without wasting much time, here are your partners," he straightens the paper in between his hands and brings calling out the names.
"Serena and Luke, Josh and Frank, Bridget and Sonia..." and that's all I hear before I zone out. I'm really excited to know who my partner is. Would my partner love my favourite topic or not. I'm so anxious that I start fiddling with my hands. I finally come back to my reality when Zane, James and Darren walk into the class. James and Darren spot me and wave. Mr Collins is really angry but tells the boys to get a seat. I scan around and the only available seats are close to me which they realise and walk towards. Darren sits by my left, Zane by my right and James, a seat after Darren.
"Hey," Darren says and that earns him a smile. "So, what's going on?"
"Mr Collins' just picking partners," I can at this moment feel someone staring at me but I don't bother to look behind me. "I don't know who my partner is and that's what make it fun." I smile.
"Hey darling, relax. Just hope your partner is me," Darren says with a smile.
"Or me," James says dusting imaginary dust of his shirt.
"I'm smart."
"And I've got a project partner who's got good looks." James laughs, followed by Darren and me.
"Seriously, have any of our names been called?" Darren asked with a serious look across his face.
"Nope," I purposely pop the 'p'. "So your luck."
Mr Collins' still calling names and in the end, Darren is paired with Michelle and James with Regina.
"I wish I were to be paired with you. You're smart and I love those glasses on you. Any person paired with you would love to see you wearing those stuff anytime. You're pretty." James said with a smile.
"Thank you." I said shyly with a smile and probably blushing. If I am, no one can see it due to my chocolate brown skin tone.
"Cassandra and...Zane" Mr Collins says and that makes I and Zane look at each other. We are both shocked.
"Z-man, you and Cassie are gonna be partners. Lucky." Darren says folding his arms across his chest, smirking. Zane gave Darren a glare that surprisingly didn't scare him. Normally, Zane's glare could make a person freak out, run or faint. Maybe I did exaggerate in the fainting part.
At the end of class, I pick up my bag and rush towards Mr Collins' desk. He's arranging papers.
"Please can you change my partner?"
"Not at all Ms Evans,"
"Can I at least switch with someone else? I could be James' or Darren's partner. Just please" I plead. I push my glasses a little bit above my nose.
"All partners have been shared and no one has complained and wanting a partner switch. I'm sorry but I can't do anything"
"Can you just do me a little favour? Please!"
"Ms Evans, you do your project with your partner or risk failing this class," I gulp at the sternness of his voice. "Pick a topic and prepare for your presentation. I will see you for your project presentation and submission." Whilst saying this, his voice was calmer and softer. I think he just wanted to pass his message across the first time.
Someone is behind me. My stubbornness won't make turn back so he knows that and decides to speak.
"I'm sorry about that," his deep voice states smugly. He walks in front of me with a smirk on his face. "Later partner."
I need to shut this guy up in one way or the other. Not in a mean way. Just to make myself look cool. I clear my throat and look into his eyes.
"Library. 3pm. Don't be late." I walk out the class, leaving him there shocked. Way to go Cassie. Who's the boss now?
The library.
The home of books.
A glorious place to read and for others, sleep due to the quietness and peaceful environment.
Who am I kidding? I'm here to finish my English homework. I'm writing when someone grabs my pen from my hand.
"Hey," I turn to see no one but Zane standing behind me. "What was that for?" He shrugs.
"I. Need. My. Pen." I jump trying to get my pen from him but he raises it higher every time. I finally get my pen and I huff at him, sitting down and back to my homework. He stands in front of me and grabs my pen once again.
"Dude!" I shout but he places his index finger on my lips and smiles briefly.
"Relax," he stops smiling and moves a little bit closer to me. I could just describe this situation as uncomfortable. "Chill a little. You're feisty-"
"I'm not,"
"Yes you are,"
"No, I ain't,"
"Whatever! Learn to relax and let go. It'll do you some good."
"Thanks Dr. Phil..."
"Anytime." I roll my eyes at him as he hands over my pen to me. I smile briefly and continue writing. He tucks loose strands of my hair behind my ear and I just stare at his blue eyes and his curly hair that contrast against his skin tone. His pink lips and wow, he's got a nice body.
"Are you-"
"No!" I blurt out a little too quickly.
"Sure...you're not. Tell me you like the view." he says with a hint of sarcasm.
"You know, you're been too cocky that I think your ego can't handle it." I smile at him.
"Ow! Nice comeback darling. But it hurts." He smirks at me. "Tell me I'm handsomely cute."
"No!"
"Come on!"
"Fine, that's if it'll make you sit."
"Deal!"
"You are handsomely cute-"
"Sure-"
"Ish!"
"Damn it!"
He walks over to where I'm sitting and looks down at my note.
"You have a pretty handwriting." I look up from my note, staring into his blue eyes.
"Thanks. So about the project-"
"Really?" he sighs and looks at me.
"Yeah...really," I open my bag and pick out my Biology textbook, flipping to the content. "Pick a topic-" He rolls his eyes beside me and mutters the word "nerds".
"What did you say?"
"Nerds!" he says louder.
"Never you call me a nerd in your life" I say in a warning tone, holding my pen towards his face. He puts the pen down and laughs.
"Feisty much."
"No...I just don't like it,"
"Fine, I won't say it."
"Thanks. Just pick a topic while I finish this." I turn back to my homework before five minutes, I'm done. Well, that wasn't hard. I slam my pen down on the desk and look back at him. "Have you pick one?"
"Hmm?"
"A topic?"
"Oh yeah, this one." He points towards the topic 'Cell Division'
"My favourite..." we said in unison. We looked at each other and smiled, bursting into laughter not long after.
"Let's get to work." I reach out for my bag and pull out my notepad while Zane flips over to the chapter.
"What are you suggesting?"
"I think charts and diagram would do the trick."
"I like what you're thinking."