CONTRADICTED STARS || L. PARTRIDGE [1 | EDITING]

12. Pride And Conceit

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THE NEXT DAY was worse than before. The Ataraxian girl was starting to get used to the peering eyes all over the campus whenever she walked in, but there was something different with their looks this time. Instead of curiosity and jealousy, it was disgust and disdain instead.

As if her heart wasn't already dropping six feet underground, Louis came into view. She looked away, still watching his movements from her peripheral line of sight.

Thinking he was about to approach her again, he mentally prepared herself - only to be proven it was futile when Partridge continued walking without a halt, ignoring her presence that blocked the stone pathway to the building they both had always walked in.

It felt new. Sudden. Like something lacked.

The sun hid behind the clouds of grey, refusing to flash the light of warmth. The class was dreary and all heads were drifting away with the wind of imaginations.

The elbows that crossed the boundaries of the assigned desks never touched again to gain right of property.

Louis kept himself as distant as possible. As much as Cabrera fancied the idea of mirroring his actions, she concluded it was unnecessary in every way.

"Today, you will be assigned by pair to report the different marketing strategies and what you think is the most effective. Your sole presentations will add up half a point to your house. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Professor."

"Good. Ataraxias, your seats are exactly even as well at the Athenas. I choose to pair you all with your seat mates. I shall hear no complaints." Cabrera looked at her right where Zeke was already paired with another girl, leaving her no other option but be stuck with Louis. She turned to him, clearing her throat.

"Yes." Louis stated.