Midnight

3

Before I could realize it, the week was coming to a close.

Monday, Everett spoke to me as if we remained friends all along, as if I hadn't convinced myself he hated my guts. Part of me regretted not taking that chance to ask what the hell had been going on with him. But he was so peculiarly out-going and polite, I was dazed. Tricked into the thought of possibly renewing what once was. I couldn't believe he used me in order to buy the right leotard for his sister.

On Tuesday, he looked at me in such a manner that made me want to shrivel up in a ball and disappear. He glared so ferociously, as if he stared hard enough I'd spontaneously combust and solve his problems.

Then he never spoke another word to me for the remainder of the week.

Wednesday, and Thursday, nothing. I'd occasionally catch a glimpse of his gaze, the same angry one from Tuesday, directed towards me or Damon, how was I supposed to know?

But today was interesting, different.

I couldn't differentiate between my anxiety and excitement.

Mr. Lindsay had assigned partners. And, thanks to my luck, Everett and I got paired together.

When our teacher called out our names, I caught a glimpse of Everett's clenching body. I watched the tension rise on his shoulders.

Mr. Lindsay left the remainder of the period for us to discuss with our designated partner, but Everett stiffly swiveled away.

All I could manage was an apprehensive gulp. For the rest of the hour, I tried to shrink down in my seat, desperately wanting to be unseen.

+

"Mr. Lindsay, why am I paired with Everett?" I slammed my hands more aggressively on his table than I wanted to seem, but it would have to do.

He peaked up through his glasses, as if he hadn't noticed I stayed after class.

"Is there a problem with him?" He folded his book closed, leaning forward. "You seem to gravitate towards him."

"I gravitate towards Elizabeth," I crossed my arms, answering a beat too late. His answer had stumped me. Sure, I wanted to speak to Everett, I ached to return what once was. But a newly discovered tinge of anger had erupted in the wake of being placed next to him everyday. I may have to treat him the way he treats me in order to show what a dick he's been.

"Yes, and you've worked together in the past. But the others don't know how to do anything other than plagiarize off of Wikipedia," He watched me with a strange fond look. "I seperated you and Elizabeth because I want you to teach them how to do actual work. And I trust you'll do it well."

For a quiet moment, we stared each other down, waiting for the other to fold.

How was I supposed to pass this upcoming project when my partner wouldn't even look in my direction? Elizabeth got paired with a self entitled jock, too. We would both work much better together, why couldn't he see that? Though I considered myself stubborn, I knew there was no other option when debating with an English teacher than to fold. 

"Fine," I grunted, aggravated. I grabbed my bag and stomped my way to the exit.

Just as I stepped through the door frame in my storm of frustration, I ran head first, or rather nose first, into a hard surface.

"Ow!" I pulled back immediately, I cinched my eyes shut, cradling my nose.

I knew my nose was sensitive, how could I not watch where I was going! I felt the quick pace of blood trickle down over my lip.

I pulled my hand back from my face, and much to my chagrin, my nose was bleeding as aggressively as I felt moments ago.

I stumbled back a bit more, trying to somehow catch the blood pooling around my chin, and see what or who I had just run into.

"You don't want to be partners?"