Foreign Affairs

Chapter Three: Revisionist History

Foreign Affairs

Recap:

"Take a seats, everyone. As you should all be aware, your group projects begin today. Liliane is holding out pockets with all the information you need to get started, including your partners name. And no trading. All partners are final." Prof. Leonal

"But me and Walter? Seriously?" Swan

"You'll be spending a lot of time with this person, so be nice. The assignment counts for thirty percent of your final grade. I suggest you take it seriously." Prof. Leonal

"Sweet, I'm with Aqella. What about you, Ness?" Ivena

I open up my envelope and read the name, then look up and lock eyes with....

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"Oh god... I'm partnered with Noel." Ness

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Chapter 3

I storm out of the classroom, still reeling from the announcement of my project partner.

"I cannot believe Professor Leonel paired me up with Noel!" Ivena is just a step behind, and I'm soon joined by my bodyguards.

"You know, Noel is really not that bad..." Ivena

"Easy for you to say. Last I checked, your kingdom hasn't been on the brink of war with Ardona for centuries. We'll be stuck working together for hours! It's way too public for my liking. If Noel and I are gonna have a chance at being anything more than mortal enemies, we need privacy." Ness

"As long as you work on the project on campus, you should be fine. Security's doubled since the paparazzi breach, and no one here is about to snitch to the press about another classmate. That's just asking for trouble." Ivena

"Huh... you may have a point there." Ness

"Besides, I think you have other things to worry about than the media somehow finding out about a project you're forced to do with Noel."

"Force what?" Ness

"Like how Noel feels about all this! I don't think he was particularly flattered by your reaction in class." Ivena

"Oh. I didn't think he'd noticed..." Ness

"Trust me, Ness. He did notice." Ivena

"You serious?" Ness

Ivena rolls her eyes at your over-eager response.

"I just don't--" I am cut off by the sound of my phone ringing. The screen flashes my mom's name along with the official presidential seal. "I gotta take this."

"Talk later, roomie." Ivena

I wave to Ivena and Murphy before taking a few steps down the path to find some privacy. Finn follows me, his eyes scanning my surroundings. I can't help but feel invisible to him as I raise the phone to my ear.

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"Hey mom." Ness

"Since when are you friends with that Andra boy?" Mom