The Bet [FINISHED]

Wednesday

"So, I want you to get a partner and do the project until Monday."

Another day, another try. Cynthia and Olivia already exchanged looks.

Okay, guess it means I have to find a partner.

Lucia always acted understanding, so people didn't think she was selfish. She also had too much pride. The rich blondie always had an arrogant grin on her face while being rude to others.
That's how the rich behaved.
She liked it. Always in the center of attention.

Whatever.

She knew instantly who to ask. No. That would be so embarrassing. Imagine him rejecting her suggestion in front of the whole class. Lucia would never do that. She had to ask him in private.

The school bell rang.

Puhh...okay, you got this Lucia.

This is awkward. Why would she have to calm herself down to talk to someone. Especially someone like Henry.

Maybe because every time their eyes met, Lucia got this strange feeling.
Nervousness. Excitement.
She felt safe in his dark eyes. Although he never smiled. Why would he not smile? His mouth was always in the same position. Except when he talked. When he talked... When did he even talk? Lucia couldn't even remember the sound of his voice.

She shook her head to get rid of those unnecessary thoughts. When she made her way to his seat, she started sweating. Most of the students had already went to the schoolyard, including Cynthia and Olivia. Even the teacher was about to leave.

A few moments later it was just the two of them. Henry always stayed longer. It's like he didn't want to go home. He was reading his book. As always.

Lucia took a deep breath. "Henry."

No reaction. She started sweating more. "Henry?"

She flinched when he closed his book. He then turned his head slowly in her direction. Henry took of his glasses. He had a mole under his left eye.
Wow.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Lucia?"

His voice was soothing, very soft. Although he looked a little annoyed, his voice was calm. The way he said her name. It was beautiful.

"Uh...I just, uh I wanted to ask you..." She started to stutter.
Oh my god, this is so embarrassing!
Henry didn't seem to care about her being edgy. Now she realized who she sounded like. Exactly. Like the boy who confessed to her. That's how dumb she sounded.

"I wanted to ask you...

gulp

...I want you to do the project with me."

Lucia scared herself, at how serious and loud she said that. She started getting more confident. Now that he had taken of his glasses, his eyes were even cleaner and looked darker. Henry looked at her.
This was getting awkward. Both of them just stared at each other.
"If you don't want to do the project with me, you can ju-..."
"Mhm"
"Huh..?"
"The project. We can do it."
"Oh, that's great, uhh.." Lucia was not ready for his answer. "How about we go to your place, would that be okay?"
As she asked him, his eyes were looking at the wall behind her. He was quiet.
Lucia was confused. Did she ask something wrong..? Henry then nodded.
„Okay, so tomorrow?" She didn't wait for an answer. „Great, okay. Uh, can I maybe get you number?"
Henry tilted his head.
He noticed her getting uncomfortable, waiting for him to answer.
Then he took out a little piece of paper and started writing his number down.
His writing is beautiful.
„Here."
„Thank you.. uh.. I gotta go now, see you tomorrow."
While nodding, Henry turned back to his seat.