International Affairs

Tag Team

Chapter 12: Tag Team

"What's the most important thing about Co Ops?" Miss Bates asked, something shiny swung around in her hand.

Everyone looked at each other. There was a lot about Co Ops…

"Teamwork," Miss Bates answered when there was no reply. "Many times you will have to work with people you don’t like, or even despise. Perhaps it's a stranger you must trust..."

Miss Bates walked over to Katelyn. With a flash, Katelyn and Derek were handcuffed together.

"Eh?!" Katelyn exclaimed. She tried to pull her hand away but that dragged Derek's arms over.

He pull back on reflex and that yanked her over.

Miss Bates didn’t bother to hide her smile.

“All of you are much too easy to read,” Miss Bates continued. “We’ve had school for maybe a week or two and I already know who doesn’t like who. Am I right?” Miss Bates asked as she clicked Sammy’s and Cole’s wrists together.

Sammy looked wide eyed at Cole. Considering her first encounter with Cole was a fight, Miss Bates was right.

Cole let out a sigh. "I’m so dead...” he muttered.

Jane and Aiden were handcuffed together and the two stared at each other in awkward silence. Everyone in the room shuffled uncomfortably as each girl was shackled with a boy.

Miss Bates had a large ring of keys in her hand and a glint in her green eyes. "Get use to your partner,” she said, swinging the keys about. “I will see you back here after lunch."

Katelyn's mouth dropped open. "Miss Bates!" she exclaimed. "You can't expect us to have to stay handcuffed to someone else."

"But I do...” Miss Bates said, giving a shrug. "Welcome to reality. Good luck, class."

Katelyn glared at Derek but Derek smiled at her, practically beaming. "Shall we go eat lunch?" he asked.

"Fine," Katelyn said, turning away, ready to hurry off. The handcuffs offered no freedom and Katelyn was jerked to a halt.

"Ouch," Derek said, pulling his wrist back. Katelyn stumbled back.

"Stop it!" she ordered.

"Sorry,"

Katelyn sighed. This was going to be a long day.

"Sammy? Jane? Are you going to head down to the dining hall?" she called.

"Yes!" Sammy said, trying to walk.

The same problem occurred. No one was in sync with their partner.

"I have to get something from my room," Cole said.

"Can't you get it later?" Sammy asked. "I want to go to lunch."

"I need to get it now."

"What if I need to get lunch now?” Sammy asked. “Who says we have to go where you want to go...?"

"I'd like to ask the same question..."

"What about you Jane?" Katelyn asked as Cole and Sammy bickered.

Jane nodded. "Sure..." she said, glancing over at Aiden who was keeping maximum distance. Both their arms were practically straight out to the side. Aiden looked rather embarrassed.

"What's with you?" Jane asked. "Do I smell or something?"

“No,” Aiden said, meekly.

“Then what’s your problem?”