You Are Just What I Needed

Chapter 1: A Forced Partnership

     Carter's P.O.V

  I remember the first time I saw her. I was listening to The Weekend on my airpods with the volume all the way up. It was early in the morning so there was barely anybody at school. I was 14 and worried about how freshman year and trying to find my classes ahead of time so I don't look like an idiot. Back then all I cared about was what people thought of me. I wanted to be like those cool guys in the movies. The ones that girls go crazy for, like Peter Kavinsky. Turns out I wasn't the only one in the school as girl with a scarf wrapped around her head, looked like she was doing the same thing.  It was so early that the floors were still slippery from being mopped. I stared at her in surprise, but she didn't seem to notice as she nearly passes me by. That is until she slipped, out of instinct I catch her in my arms and I see her face more clearly. She had big brown eyes, tiny brown freckles on the apples of her cheeks, and small pink lips. Wait isn't there type of rule that men can't touch females in her religion? I freaked out and dropped her instantly.

"Ouch! I don't know whether to get mad or to thank you," The Muslim girl said as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Oh I'm sorry, that was an accident. It's just I never seen a Muslim in real life before and didn't want to disrespect your religion," Wow, I have never been this uncool in my entire life.

"It's okay, I get that a lot, not the whole dropping to the floor thing, but the shock." I watched as she pulled her tiny body back up again.

Then came the awkward silence.

"Well I better get going" The girl said walking and disappearing after turning into a corner.

My mind always goes back to this moment in time, but I don't why. I never had another conversation with her until now. These past 3 years I just waved hi in the hallways, y'know to be friendly, which she always returned with a smile. It's so weird how someone who represents something so violent can look so sweet. I think we could have been friends if it wasn't for Simon. I never actually knew her name until today.

Luby's P.O.V

"Alright class, it's time to partner up. Only two people per group." said Mr. Yoshida, as the room began to scatter before my very eyes. I can feel a lump form in my throat as my anxiety rises. I scan the room and see that I was the only one alone. I hate this feeling. I hate this situation.They probably don't mean to isolate me, they just want to hang out with their friends. Plus I'm so shy, so I never talk to anybody anyway, but a part will always think it's because I'm Muslim. I gather up my courage to raise my hand. "Yes, Ms. Torres?" Asked Mr. Yoshida. "Can I work by myself?" I said in my signature high-pitched voice. "Unfortunately not, this project will take up the whole fall semester, it's mandatory for you to have a partner if you want the full 10% of your grade . We have a even number of students in this class and I know you are all present, so who wants to be Luby's partner."

Wow, I can feel how hot and red my cheeks are. I don't think I've been this embarrassed in my entire seventeen years of living. I'm thankful that I sit in front of the class, so that I don't have to face the other students, but I still feel their eyes on me , their pity for me,  just wish my friends were here to comfort me right now.

As he said that a group of three boys in the corner of the classroom caught Mr.Yoshida's eye. "Carter, Simon, Xavier care to explain yourselves?

Oh no I can already see where this is headed.  Carter Hernandez, Simon Smith, and Xavier Tanaka were the most handsome and popular guys in school. Xavier the wild child/ class clown. Simon the buff snarky nerd, and Carter the giant humble jock. Mr. Yoshida will probably pick Carter since he is the nicest out of the bunch. Boys in general already make me anxious enough, given the fact I avoid our male counterpart at any cost, but to have Carter as my partner would be super awkward. I think I'll lose it. I better keep my gaze down when it comes to him.

"Yo, we we're just tryna decide who's not gonna be in the group Mr.Haru, sir!" Xavier yelled respectfully, earning a chuckle from our teacher. "Please don't address by my first name while we are on school grounds. Since you all are having a hard time choosing I'll pick for y'all. Carter Hernandez you better get well-aquainted with Luby Torres because she will be your partner for the remainder of the semester." The teacher turns to face me and states, " Don't worry Luby, Carter is a dilligent young man and will do his fair share of the project."

" Alright Class you have 15 minutes to brainstorm ideas." Mr. Yoshida retreats to his chair and reads his favorite manga.

Carter pulls up right next to me and says "Mr. Yoshida is right y'know. You're in good hands."

And this traumatizing moment was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.