Contrast (Being Rewritten)

Chapter 9

Carmen

"On this assignment you will be working with a partner," our English teacher had just got done explaining our project. I immediately look over at Kyle who smiles back at me. This is what everyone in our class does; teachers says we work in groups you run to your best friend.

"Sit back down!" The teachers yell stop everybody's normal movements. "Today I will be choosing your partner." The class groaned as one and Kyle gave me a sympathetic smile. I listened as she randomly picked pairs. When she finally called my name I crossed my fingers, hoping she would call Kyle, who still hasn't been giving a partner.

"Carmen, you will be with Willow," I sighed and looked over at her. Well, it could've been worse. Once all the names are called I beckon her over to my table to work. She looks scared, her face still wearing the same look as when she saw me on the stairs.

"Hey, Willie. Excited to work together?" I can see her nervous look turn annoyed.

"My name is Willow, not Willie. And I am not excited to work with you," she said it bluntly and turned to her textbook. After a second of silence, she turned back to me and mumbled a sorry.

"It's okay. It's nothing. Do you honestly think that you're the only person to snap at me?" I ask. She smiled, a real genuine smile. Okay, maybe I had started this off on shaky ground... But I trust Willow to change that. She'll have to. I think that it's been drilled into her brain somewhere along the road.