Colin pov
Great the new kid just had to come to this school. Well it's not like there are many other schools in this district. But if this is not a bad omen, then I don't know what is. We are in the same classes and to make things worse, he's already trying to steal my best friend. God help me.
I have calculus first period. Our teacher's name is Mr. Mike. He had this dark (with more and more grey streaks appearing each day)springy hair that lined the edge of the growing bald patch, and the hair bounced up and down as he moved, like thousands of tiny little springs. Apart from having the ability to make his subject come to life, I liked his classes because everyone worked individually, so I don't need to interact. I work best on my own.
I realized Mr. Mike was saying "You can sit on that empty seat over there. Hurry along now."
I scan the class frantically searching for another empty seat that is not next to mine but I realized that it was futile. I gradually watch in despair as Colin made his way from the front of his class and sat right next to me.
Oh no.
The air around me suddenly turned fragrant, as if it was packed with the aroma of a field flowers. I felt like I could drown in it. It was warm, sweet and vaguely familiar. Then I realized, to my horror, his shirt smelled like this yesterday. This was his cologne. I smelled him.
What is wrong with you Emily? Could this day get any worse?
I was definitely reacting like this because I couldn't stand him and there was nothing more to it. So I edged away from him gradually.
And then I realized Mr. Parker was also saying "…permanent sitting arrangements for this class. Your seating mates will also be your partner for the group projects we'll be working on. "
I looked at him with alarm. Mr. Mike couldn't possibly be saying we are partners?
I scanned the room and saw a lot of giggling and fist bumping. Everyone seemed to be settling with their partner and I started panicking. I needed to talk to Mr. Mike. Fast. Maybe he'll take pity on me. I am after all one of his best students.
"Can't we do the project independently?" I said quickly. I could see Colin stiffening from my side gaze.
"I agree." He said. He sounded like this is what he's been hoping for. Good.
At least we had one thing in common.
Mr. Mike peered at us from his glasses. "I am the teacher and I would like this project to be done in pairs of two and that's final. Mrs. Williams, you have always been a straight A student, so I'm sure you'll do well. " He gave us a look that clearly stated he wouldn't entertain further complaints.
We have been sitting here for more that fifteen minutes, and Colin hasn't even looked at me once. Although it's not like I care. He sure doesn't look happy to be my partner and this offended me. It's not like I'm the one who's a walking disaster.
Mr. Mike had been listing the details of our project, which actually sounded nteresting- We were to create a calculus journal, similar to the international journal of mathematics with the cover story being about the utilization of calculus in ancient cultures. I don't know why I was too focused on looking the boy sitting next to me. He's taking notes and his eyes seemed to be planted on his paper. He looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. Again, it is not like I care.
When the bell rang, he stuffed his book inside his bag and headed for the door, not even sparing a glance at me. Some partner.
I ran to catch up with him. "Hey." I said.
He turned around. "So now you are talking to me?" He looks at me and lifted one eyebrow. "Look, we got off on the wrong foot." He said. He stretched his hand for a hand shake
He is not expecting me to shake him after well, everything, is he? I scuffed and I ignored his hand. "Thanks but no thanks. Look, I don't care about what you have to say. I couldn't care less about you and you mean nothing to me. I really only care about my grades. So don't screw this up for me. You can't slack up on this."
He kept looking at me for what seemed like an eternity. I noticed that his hair is kinda curly today and there are a few freckles dusting his nose. He's wearing a grey long sleeved shirt that clung to his muscular frame.
His voice was low when he said, "Are you always such a bitch to everyone?"
"What- What did you just call me?" I said, disbelievingly.
He was furious now. "I tried apologizing to you a million times. It's not like i did that on purpose. Why do you have to be so mean? You know what?"
I expect a dig, but instead he said, "Figure out what you want me to do and I'll do it. We don't have to work together in the same room."
I stop short in the hallway. "If you don't want to be my partner, just say so. I'll gladly ask for a change."
"Fine then. I don't want to be your partner." He said it so evenly. Without any emotion. Without glancing at me. Without stopping. It felt even worse than a snide. I don't know why I felt like he hit me in the chest. What made it worse was that I asked for it.
"Fine!" I said with irritation as he slipped between the crowd of students and disappeared.
Just then, my phone beeped; I had gotten a text from Liam.
Liam: Sorry babe. Coach says we need to spend more time practicing before our match with the gators on Friday. Can't have date night today. Some other time. Xoxo.
Perfect. Just perfect.