Page 21 of Playing with Fire

The video went live on the school account which prompted almost the entire student body to watch it. Science was my final class which turned out to be a free period.

Mrs. Lawson paid no attention to our class as she remained glued to her phone throughout the period.

I made my way to the back of the class as usual before falling into my seat. Student after student settled into their seats while my gaze fixed on one individual who chose his spot ahead of me.

God, it's cold in here.

I need to start by bringing a sweatshirt. The air conditioner stays on during all class periods because Mrs. Lawson never turns it off.

The sound of Mrs. Lawson speaking interrupted me because I hadn't heard her voice in more than a week while I was about to insert my earbuds.

I turned my gaze to her desk when she rose to her feet. She announced that we all need to complete an end-of-year project.

The entire class groaned.

You should complete this task to my satisfaction because you have an entire week to prepare. she points out. Select any subject you've studied throughout the years and design a poster around it. She walked through each student while distributing papers which included rubrics on their backs.

She gave permission for students to select a partner if they wished before moving to the front of the room. The entire group showed remarkable enthusiasm as they stood and moved around to find their partners.

While most girls joined Jaxon's group Jaxon still had two brainy girls who didn't follow the crowd. The only girls who didn't beg Jaxon to be their partner were Neha and her friend Sabrina who I believe was her name.

As I observed his simultaneous entertainment of everyone I rolled my eyes. As I moved halfway through the direction I noticed someone staring at me.

I apologize ladies but I'm already partnered up. Jaxon told a lie that made me laugh inwardly.My gaze lifted to revealhis direct stare upon me. My expression falls as I declare, "We are not partners."

"Says who?" he presses.

"Says me. Being stuck with you is something I would prefer to die than endure. I fire back.

"Well, too bad," he smiles. My scowl intensifies when I notice Mrs. Lawson approaching us. Jaxon immediately announces, "Emerson and I are partners!"

"No, we're not!" I position the paper on the desk before sitting upright.

"You and Emerson?" Mrs. Lawson asks for clarification while holding her pen firmly in her hand. "Yes," he says.

I respond with "No" at the same time he speaks but his answer seemed louder than intended. Who would like to share information about their partner with me? Mrs. Lawson rotates to address the entire class.

A groan escaped my lips as I buried my face in my hands.

This cannot be happening.

"Can I switch my partner?" I raised my voice so Mrs. Lawson could hear my request this time.

"Sorry. She informed us firmly that switching partners was impossible once their names were written together.

Oh c'mon.

His laughter stood before me, and it increased my irritation. Students may begin working now if they wish but they also have the option to delay until the deadline. The project needs completion before Friday's class. Mrs. Lawson gave her announcement before returning to her desk for the day.

You know you're a pain in the ass? I mutter to him. He shrugs after standing from his chair and declares his willingness to watch me suffer. When will you make this poster? He asks, sitting beside me.

"You mean when are we?" I correct him. Since you decided to join me as my partner you have work responsibilities to fulfill.

"Yeah, we'll see about that." he laughs. "I'm a very busy person."

My scowl deepens, but my irritation rises. "Fuck you." I blurt again without thinking.

Let's hope no one else heard that.

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