A Field of Poppies

10

What's better disappointment, or absolute terror?

 That's what I asked myself in my head over and over while Mrs. Woods picked out groups for the project. As she pulled out groups of three I stole quick glances at E.B pondering the thought in my head over and over again.

As I stared at him I noticed the small hump he had at the beginning of his nose and how it smoothed out to a round point at the end, and how the paleness of his eyelashes emphasized the mix of Persian and Royal blue his eyes had. He really was beautiful and I hope he knew that... wow, I have it down bad don't I?

''And our last two groups are Alexis, Talia and Nikki and Conner, E.B and Marshall''. A quiet sigh of relief passed through my lips, I guess disappointment is better , Nikki raced to the back of the class and perched in the seat right in the middle of Alex and I ''We're gonna make the BEST group in the history of ever you guys''! ''I think that we should get permission to check out the girls and the boys locker rooms and the cafeteria, Oh''! But also the staff breakrooms because I heard from Jessica that they smoke in there a lot and she knows because once she went in to return some missing work to Ms. Nelson and said that she had to hold her breath for a super long time to keep herself from going into a coughing fit''.'' She said that there was a window open but only a little bit so barely and smoke was going out and I bet that there are a bunch of nasty bacteria there, what do you guys think?''

''Uhmmmmmmm'' I started not knowing how to finish or where it was going, ''Those all sound like wonderful suggestions but most of them aren't available like the boys locker rooms and bathrooms, but we already know that all three of us can go in the girls locker rooms/bathrooms and probably the teacher's lounge if we ask for permission so those all sound like fair game''!

Sometimes I wonder if Alexis's responses would be so speedy if she wasn't in debate.

''You're projects are due in two weeks so you all have plenty of time to find and map out your area's, find and collect your bacteria, identify your bacteria and lastly print all of your findings on your project board''.  ''Any questions''?

Courtney raised her perfectly manicured claw in the the air ''Yes Courtney''?  Courtney twirled one of her auburn locks with her finger as she spoke, ''Yea I have a question and it's a mega serious one, do we HAVE to do this project''? ''Like is the grade really worth it I mean we have the rest of the year to make up for it if we skip it right''? Mrs. Woods was visibly frustrated from the look of her face, her lips were pursed to a thin line and a vein was popping out the top of her forehead.

''Well Courtney that certainly is an interesting question with and reasonable answer, in the case that any of you choose to not do the project a replacement assignment will be provided to you''. ''And what the replacement option''? Jaqueline smirked. ''A thousand word essay along with a few test prep quizzes and about two weeks of saturday school''. Mrs. Woods reciprocated the smirk.

''You see this project grade will affect the learning you will receive for the rest of the year so it's pretty important''. '' Now I would assume that you two would like to take my project option, or would you like to continue with the replacement''? 

Courtney and Jaqueline's eyes were as big as saucers it was hilarious

''We'll just take the project ma'am''. Courtney and Jaqueline slumped in their seats.

''Good, and remember working outside of school is allowed so feel free to arrange 'hang out' dates or whatever you kids call it''. 

''We'll start working on the project tomorrow but until then please take out your homework from yesterday and let's review''.

I was so busy getting out my unfinished homework that I didn't even notice the pen rolling towards me and tapping against my shoe. I leaned forward to pick it up when someone else beat me to it, looking up we made eye contact almost immediately ''Sorry Talia my bad I dropped my pen''. E.B gestured toward the pen in his hand.

''Uhh yea that's a very rolley pen you got there''!

''Rolley''? God strike me down with a golden lightning bolt because I really just can't anymore.

''Yeah I guess so, anyway sorry to bother you''. He chuckled lightly. ''Oh no definitely not you're never a bother''. I blurted out

Jesus cheez-its what's wrong with me

''Oh! Really''? His eyes held a light sprinkle of joy in them after I said that.

''Anyway bye'' and with that he turned around and left.

...

I seriously need help