Breathe

CHAPTER 6: CASSIE AND NICK

CASSIE

The cold wakes me up. I am shivering. I look out my window and see that it's raining outside. The rain... That's probably why I wasn't able to wake up earlier. The cold made it easier to sleep. I smile.

I get up and start to get ready for school. Uncle is still snoring outside, so that's a good sign. After eating a quick breakfast, I head for my car. I get in, start the engine, and drive away.

NICK

"Nick! Wait up, man!" Nate shouts. I smile at him. We are walking towards my first class, which is Literature. When I enter the room, Mara immediately jumps at me. "Hi Nicky," She says seductively. I just smile. I don't know how to be rude, and I don't know what the hell is going on with Mara. She and I were never close. But she's been annoying me since the start of the school year. Usually, I would've told Cassie all about this and she would've had a solid explanation as to what these scenarios mean, but since she's avoiding me, I cannot really tell her anything.  

So of course, I do what I can to get away from Mara. I gently pull away from her and start to walk towards the back of the room when I notice her. I stare. She's looking out the window, oblivious to the world around her again. She's gorgeous. She must have felt me staring because she turns her head and looks me in the eye. Her eyes...

"Cass!" Nate calls. Cassie smiles tightly and turns away, the magic gone. I clear my throat and sit down.

CASSIE

"What happened to Jason during his journey for the golden fleece?" Ms. Greene asks. I raise my hand. I know this stuff. Literature has always been my strongest subject. But alas, Nick has always been interested on the same things, meaning he also knows this shit. With my luck. Ms. Greene naturally calls him.

"Jason went to find the Golden Fleece and he experienced a lot of challenges on the way. My favorite challenge was Medea. She was very... mean. But anyhow, he found it and succeeded in his quest." He says with confidence. The nerve of this guy in unbelievable. Okay, he and I used to argue about this. Still, he gets under my skin when his point is different from mine. Like, we're best friends or we used to be best friends, right? How come we think differently?

"I disagree." Everyone turns to look at my direction. "Medea wasn't mean. He cheated on her and what she did was her way of avenging herself."

"That is mean." Nick points his fingers at me. His eyes enlarges like he cant' believe I am talking to him, his face showing various emotions before settling on annoyance. Why? No idea. Another trivia? His eyes are usually capable of intimidating people. But not me. Never me.

I smirk at him. "No, Medea might've been wrong but so was Jason. He should've known not to cross her, considering she has magic or powers or whatever."

Nick glares at me. I glare back.

Ms. Greene clears her throat. "Now, now." She says. I can see she's trying hard not to smile. "Though we may be fascinated by your debate, I suggest that we proceed to our lesson. You are both correct! Now open your books to page 60."

I look away but I can still feel him glaring. I don't mind because his reaction is normal. I have been pushing him away, and the one time I actually acknowledge him, I do it in debate. I'm a bad person, but that is exactly what I want him to see. One he refuses to acknowledge, damn him. 

Ms. Greene clears her throat and begins to speak again. "Now class, a special project for all of you. For the semester, I want you to write a story with your assigned partners. It must be a novella. You'll be conducting research about mythology all over the world and create a new story consisting your very own characters. The best novella will get an A, and a surprise gift from the school. This is a way to show your talents for creative writing. However, there's a catch. I will be the one to pick your partners."

Ms. Greene starts to call names and I look out the window. How I wish this is just an individual work. "Nick..." I hate doing things with a partner. "And Cassie."

I look at Ms. Greene. NICK? Of all people? Again? NO WAY! NO FREAKING WAY! I'VE BEEN SAVING HIM FROM ME! She continues to call out names. "Brielle and John. Na-"

"Wait!" I shout.

"Now-"

"Ms. Greene, surely you realize that Nick and I are..." I look at him and see that he's looking at me with confusion written all over his face. Damn it. I am such a bitch for doing this, but he cannot be with me. "Best friends. We're also already paired together in Ms. Piper's class! Don't you think it will be unhealthy for us both? We can promote growth by having us paired to other people." Ms. Greene raises her eyebrows at me. I take a deep breathe. "Ms. Greene, I'd rather do this project alone." I say.

"Sorry, Cassie. You're still partners. I think it might be good for the both of you, especially because as you mentioned, you guys are the best of friends. You already know how the other works. This is a solid advantage if you ask me." Before I can say anything more, she cuts me off. "No more protests. You stay together and hope for an A or you do individual works and get an F, which will be a shame considering you're both very good at this."

I am speechless. Nothing more I can say, obviously. I look at Nick and see him staring at his hands. I know I've hurt him. Again. But what am I supposed to do? Ms. Greene continues on to give the instructions to the class as if nothing happened. "Class, I know that not all of you agree with me with your partners." The class groans. "However, no matter how many times you beg me to change your partner, my answer will be no. And if you will be persistent on doing this project alone, you'll all get an F, regardless of how beautiful your story will be. Understood?"

I close my eyes and sigh. Kill me now. Like, right now. 

My favorite subject just turned into a nightmare.

"Class, I'll give you the remaining time to talk with your partners."

I hear the chairs being pushed and pulled, and their feet shuffling. I don't open my eyes. "Hey," I hear Nick's deep voice. I open my eyes. His cold eyes are staring at me. I knew then that I've pushed too far. I lost him. He's done with my shit.

"Hey," I say. He sits down beside me. Nick is handsome. Gorgeous even. I miss him so much. SHUT UP, BRAIN. 

He smiles his smile that makes girls swoon. The one reserved for strangers. I hate it. "Let's talk about this project." I say. 

"Okay. We meet at the field every day after class." I raise my eyebrows at him."I have practice."

"How about we meet at the library? After your practice."

"Okay. 6pm at the library then?" He asks. The coldness in his eyes is not wavering. 

"Yes." 

The bell rings, I gather my books and rush outside.