Complicated. (A One Direction Story)

CHAPTER 3- Our Project...

-Athena-

Worst.

Class.

Of.

My life.

I might end up murdering Styles before the year's over. Hell, before the week's over.

From the moment he entered the room, I had held my breath, the fear that he would catch my eye and decide to sit next to me had taken over every thought in my brain. I don't know why I had this fear, we didn't like each other nor know each other anymore, the only time I had even glanced his way in years was this morning, and only because we had accidentally walked into each other. Why I had thought he would choose to sit by me is beyond my comprehension. All I knew that the fear was there, and I was strongly against it happening.

I almost laughed, though, when he scanned the classroom and completely skipped where I sat. I was in the corner of the class, near the windows, but, c'mon. I didn't think I was that invisible.

But, apparently, I was wrong, because a smirk took over his features as his eyes caught with Nathan Whelk's and a shout rang out across the classroom, and my existence was completely ignored and forgotten. This put me off for a moment, but I soon regained my normal view of Styles- annoyance. So, I contently flipped through the pages of my binder, landing on a clear sheet in the correct section, and then twiddled my thumbs impatiently before the class began. "Ahem" Mr. Caverly gained our attention quickly, well, at least most of our attention. But low murmurs filled the room and the students' heads shot back to get a good look at the pupils who were caught speaking. To no one's surprise, it was Harry and Nathan, whispering avidly and seemingly unaware of their surroundings. A scowl was plastered on Mr. Caverly's face as he went to punish the two talking boys, and my lips formed a smirk at their misfortune. "Hey. You really think I'm gonna let that happen, after he shouted for you the moment you walked through the door?" he questioned, his hands on his hips as he scolded the boys. The class quietly chuckled at their faces- I do admit, the -look of concern, surprise, and realization that was mixed in each of their expressions was pretty funny. "Styles, go sit with Becker, she's all alone over there. Remember to bring your books with you." I felt the smirk slip from my face as I realized that Mr. Caverly had meant me. I swear, I almost groaned. When he smirked at me, I could've vomited, and I bit my tongue to hold back a response to Mr. Caverly's seating arrangement.

You've got to be fucking kidding me.

Class began as Harry settled next to me, while I ignored his presence. I quickly followed Mr. Caverly's instructions to take notes of the requirements he began to write on the board. I almost forgot about Harry as I listened intently to the teacher, that is until a raspy voice whispered in my ear, "Do you have a pen I could borrow?" I jumped, sending him a harsh glare for scaring me before I dug into my binder to retrieve a pen for him. "Pencil okay?" I asked, seeing as it were the only writing utensil I could find. "Yeah, that's great, than-" "Styles!" Me and Harry's heads both shot up, as if we were doing something worth being yelled at for. Mr. Caverly paid me no attention, instead glared at Harry and said, "Styles, if you interrupt my class once more, you will have detention with me, Friday" Harry nodded nervously, and Mr. Caverly turned back to the board.

I giggled quietly, biting my lip and smirking at Harry. He rolled his eyes and took the pencil from my grasp, then took notes with me. This isn't so bad, I thought to myself, we don't even have to ta- "Okay, class! Now that you understand what I expect of you, I'm gonna get right to it- this class is not easy. But, in order to do well, you must work with the people around you. That means talk to those who sit next to you, at your table."

Damn it! I really need to stop thinking positively, I think fate reads my mind.

"We will start with "Romeo and Juliet" -it's mandatory in 12th grade English curriculum, and I like to get it over with first." Mr. Caverly peered at us all, wanting to see our reactions to this statement. As expected, the boys grumbled and groaned while the girls went dewy-eyed and smiled broadly. I sighed at my class's predictability as I was handed the first act. "Sorry," said the girl who handed it to me, "there's no more. You'll have to share" she glanced towards Harry, then turned back around. I, again, almost groaned aloud, but I bit my lip. Luck was not on my side that day.

Harry grinned at me and moved closer, to get a better look at the packet in front of me. I quickly moved the packet as far away from me as my eyesight would allow, so that Harry wouldn't be forced so close to me. Yet, it didn't seem to be far enough, because I still felt his hot breath on the back of my neck. Damn it, why'd he have to be so tall? I was extremely uncomfortable, and his close proximity wasn't helping. As Mr. Caverly began to read aloud, as we read along silently, I squirmed in my seat, trying to be as far apart from him as possible. Of course, because nothing ever works out for me, he whispered, "I can't read it" and slid closer to me. Our shoulders were touching. I decided to ignore it, and read the story as best I could, but I have to say, that was easier said than done. His even breathing was distracting enough, and where our shoulders touched left my skin with a tingly feeling. I knew it was wrong- I shouldn't fancy my enemy. He left me. He made me an outcast. Even when he did like me, he only liked me as a friend. I shouldn't fancy him. I knew this was wrong, but-

"Athena" his raspy whisper interrupted my thought process, and my head shot upward to meat his gaze- my blue eyes meeting his sparkling green. "What?" I asked. For an odd reason, I felt out of breath. "Turn the page" he said, chuckling. "Oh..." I said, a blush covering my cheeks. I quickly flipped the page, but couldn't find the words that corresponded with what Mr. Caverly was saying. "Where are we?" I whispered. "Right... there." He leaned down to show me, running his fingers along the words where we were. His curls tickled my forehead, and I blushed again before murmuring "Thanks." For the rest of the story we didn't speak, but occasionally our hands or arms brushed, and I felt tingles up my arm. Again, I inwardly groaned. What, did I fancy Harry now? I had no idea, but the way I felt near him scared me.

I decided, instead, to focus on the story. Although I made fun of other girls for drooling over it, admittedly, I really liked it. I loved the idea of love, that no matter the consequences. A love that was unconditional. Just the idea gave me butterflies. So, I was giddy when I read when they met, though I refrained from sighing along with the rest of the ladies in the class. As we finished the part of the story we read, the girls smiled widely, and the boys looked almost relieved. "Okay!" Mr. Caverly called for the class's attention. "We read a part of the story. You're kidding yourself if you don't think we're going to do a project on this." Some of the rather daring students groaned aloud, while the rest rolled their eyes in his direction. I awaited anxiously for him to announce it- seeing as we read a romantic scene where Romeo met Juliet, I wasn't looking forward to it. Although, like every girl, I do enjoy a romantic story every once in a while, I absolutely hated talking about it. Love embarrassed me, because I knew I was unfit for it. I was too awkward to ever gain a guy's attention, felt too passionately, and ended up with a broken heart. So, love wasn't a subject I was very comfortable with, especially if it include a project, where I would have to speak aloud about it. "Of course, we most ficus on the most important part that we have read- when Romeo and Juliet meet. Of course, to show that you fully understand Romeo and Juliet's feelings, I will need you to act it out. Yes, that involves partners. If there are two boys or two girls, I have wigs. Here's the partners" As he lifted up the list he left on his desk, I felt a sudden burst of dread. Due to my bad luck, of course romance was exactly what he intended to be the subject of the project. And, we had to have partners. I don't think my luck could be worse. I waited for my name to be called. In my mind, I repeated, "Please let it be a girl. Please let it be a girl. Please let it be a girl." "Athens Becker" My head snapped to attention, and I listed. Carefully as he called the next name. "You will be partnered with..." He glanced toward his list to check who I would be with, as I grew impatient. "Harry Styles".