Whispers on a Wing

Chapter Eight

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Once Mr. Reeves had finished going through the paper he glanced at the clock that was mounted on the back wall and rubbed his hands together. "Okay class, we still have ten more minutes before the end of class so I thought we could go over your next homework assignment. This one will need you to be in groups of two and rather than you lot picking your own partners, an act I assume will cause a fail for some of you, you'll all be doing your assignment with the person sitting next to you. That way I know at least some of you will have a chance at passing."

I had been with Mr. Reeves up until the point he had mentioned the word partners and then my brain froze. He couldn't be serious could he? Did he really expect me to pair up with this idiot next to me and produce something that was worth a decent grade? Not to mention the fact that this meant spending time with Jake outside the vicinity of school, something I had not intended to do. Why the hell did Jake have to choose today of all days to come and sit next to me and why on earth didn't Mr. Reeve say anything about me sitting here. It was probably because he was happy he wouldn't have to pick someone to be with me or for me to do it on my own. This was easily fixed though, I just had to talk to him after lessons were over and let him know that I was more than happy to do this alone and I didn't need anyones help in getting an A+, least of all Jake's help.

I listened in as I took down notes about the paper we would have to write and submit before shoving all my books and pens into my bag. The lesson still only had a minute left but Mr. Reeve's had finished slightly early and told us we could chat amongst ourselves until the bell rang. The news was great for the others, it meant they could catch up with each other before their next lesson, but for me it meant having to listen to the big ape next to me as he gloated about me having no choice but to spend time with him outside of school.

"Looks like I got my date with you after all," he smirked as he wiggled his eyebrows up and down."

"It won't be a date," I ground out as I waited impatiently for the bell to ring, only thirty more seconds. "And besides, we aren't even going to be partners, not after I'm finished talking to Mr. Reeves anyway."

"Do I drive you crazy so much that you can't even be around me for school work?" he asked, portraying shock.

I rolled my eyes at his performance. "Yes you do," I grumbled.

"You heard it here first folks," Jake suddenly announced to the whole class. "I drive her crazy," he hollered as the others laughed and looked our way. How did I know he was going to twist my words someway into meaning the complete opposite of what I actually meant.

"You know that's not what I-" but before I could finish the bell rang and Jake was already on his feet, waiting for me as he stared at first my seated self and then my bag that was still on the floor.

"Didn't you say you wanted to chat to Mr. Reeves? Better make it quick before we're late," he laughed.

I quickly got up out of my seat and grabbed my bag before running up to Mr.Reeve's desk. "Sir I was wondering if I could have a word?" I asked as I shouldered my bag, very aware of the fact that Jake was standing a mere few feet from us, within earshot.

"Of course Kathy what is it?" Mr. Reeves asked as he gestured to the floor space around us, stating that I could go ahead with my question.

"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind me completing this paper alone. I work better that way you see and I hate having dead weight dragging me down," I explained, the second part more for Jake's benefit then Mr. Reeve's.

"You're a bright girl Kathy, probably the brightest in your year," Mr. Reeves said as he leant back on his chair. " And I know you could complete this paper on your own without any issues, but I'm sorry, this paper is assigned to you and Mr. Sulfree," he stated.