If the Story Aligns

Chapter 4-Unfortunate Pairing

Rhea Griffin

The kid who hit me with his body is in this class? He wasn't here yesterday. Or one of the twins. I look at Elysia and she doesn't look surprised, which means they probably just ditched yesterday.

"Alright class, it is time for the annual history project. As most of you have heard or seen from previous students, this is a paired project where each group will have to immerse themselves into the role of a historical couple for a wax museum." The teacher states "Before you ask, no you do not get to choose your own partner, I will be assigning them." The class sighs in annoyance.

I turn to Elysia who looks annoyed and ask "Is it really that bad?"

"Oh my god yes, everyone complains about it when the time comes along, and the worst part is for the wax museum we have to dress up, memorize a skit and it's available for the whole school to come see." I dreaded hearing this, it seems like it would bring too much attention.

"Good news is class, you can pick the historical couple I won't be assigning them this year." Our teacher adds. "Now onto groups, Elysia and Roman," Right next to Asher is Roman who is also in this class. Elysia looks disappointed, nervous but also excited. I'll have to ask her about that later. "Kyler and Maria, James and Courtney..." He goes on until I notice most of the classes names have been called, "Lastly, we have Asher and Rhea," No, I especially can't be doing this now. Just as I was thinking this, the bell rang. I wait till everyone leaves before I walk up to Mr. Rhodes. "Hello sir, I am so sorry but I don't think I can do this project, I still have a lot to catch up from my transfer and I tend to have really bad social anxiety, is there anyway I could do this project alone. I also live alone so I have to work to afford to live which means I wouldn't have much time to meet up with Mr. Reed." Honestly half this was bullshit but I really didn't want to do it.

"Ms. Griffin I'm sorry to hear that but I can't let you out of the project, if you don't do it both you and Mr. Reed will fail resulting in neither of you graduating. I can't make exceptions." He responded.

"Okay well thank you anyways, I have to get going," I quickly stated then left.

. . .

As I was leaving school I saw Asher in what looks to be a basketball jersey, and just as I notice him he notices me and jogs over. I start walking away in hopes to avoid this conversation.

"Rhea," he says as I leave "Rhea!" he states a bit louder "Oh my god Rhea, wait up." I finally stop and turn around.

"I just wanted to talk about the history project, it's due in three weeks. Can I have your number so I can text you about a time to meet up." I hesitate for a second before giving him my number.

"Yeah, sure, I've really gotta go right now though so just text me about it later." I look back at him and decide to add "Good luck at your game." He smiles at that.

"Thanks, you should come watch us, Roman and River are on the team too."

"I'll think about it." I say and turn back to leave, there was no chance I was going to go to that game, especially with another fight tonight. The fight was in a few hours and I had to do a few things before in order to prepare. I hop on my bike and I head in the direction leaving town. I needed to visit an old friend...

Arriving at my friends house I walk straight inside, my ex boyfriend who is also technically my closest friend looks at me. He was my first boyfriend and my first time but we were like 15 at the time and it was just stupid and we are both far past that and any feeling. He also tend to be more into people with certain body parts I definitely don't have.

"RHEA, You're back so soon. Did you really miss me that much?" he says.

"Yeah yeah yeah, don't be too flattered Cooper, I need something from you." I grin

"Of course you do, go on." he chuckles.

"Well you know how I moved for fighting amongst other things, I just needed a few things to protect myself, and I already know you have what I want." I stated.

"God Rhea seriously, I will give you it because I love you but you have to make sure to be extremely careful." Cooper sighs.

"I know Cooper, trust me I know, I wouldn't ask you for this unless I thought I really needed it. It's a sketchy area and I can fight but you never know if other people will be armed." I respond, "Oh, I don't want any guns though, that's too much. I prefer things I can easily manipulate." Cooper agrees and goes on to grab a few knives and other weapons I can easily conceal and take back with me.

The drive home felt a lot faster than the way there. I guess it was just from the comfort of seeing Cooper. Once I arrived at home it was already almost time to fight, I had to leave almost immediately, fights were starting soon and I was entered into a few more serious competitions. I hopped on my bike already in my hoodie and pants making sure to not put on my mask until I'm in close proximity to the ring. Just as I was nearing the stadium I saw a bus full of teenage boys, it looked to be the basketball players coming home. Once arriving I noticed it was more packed than the other day I came here which meant more bettors, and I needed to do good.

. . .