248 Days

November 12th

I assumed it was a result of what was to come the following day, but I was blessed with a laid-back day. No ridiculous memory recreation, Grayson for once, caused me little irritation.

     If Grayson wasn't making my day a pain, of course someone else had to. And who better to get under my skin, than Amanda Cole. I was living my worst nightmare, trapped between Grayson Ryder and my ex best friend.

     Presented with a group project for English class, much to my dismay Amanda had been assigned as Grayson's partner. Though fate did seem to have it in for me lately, I was sure Amanda had convinced the teacher to give her the partner she preferred. Upon first hearing of their partnership, I accidently snapped a pencil between my fingers. Katie alleged it was jealousy, but I was quick to inform her that it had nothing to do with Grayson. I quite enjoyed the way Amanda made him squirm, but the thought that I would be affected by the after-school work that the project required, deeply aggravated me. The partnership would have caused me no bother if I didn't live in the Ryder's home. I was simply upset by the idea that I would have to see Amanda after school hours. I was not jealous.

     Because my mood wasn't foul enough, Amanda had to join our lunch table. I was beginning to believe that someone was messing with me, testing how much it would take to push me to my limits.

     "Hey, partner," she greeted, voice merry as she forced herself between Luke and Grayson.

     Grayson bumping into me, forced to make room for the girl, half my soup spattered across the table. Amanda paid no notice to the mess, nor the abrupt pause in conversation. Jaw tightening, I focused my energy on cleaning the table. Beside me, Shawna grimaced in anticipation. But there was nothing to fear. I could be mature. I could keep my cool. Gracefully I accepted Blake's napkins.

     "Do you have any ideas for the project?" Amanda asked, casually.

     "Not really—" Grayson tried, gaze flickering between the rest of the group, as if to ask what our plans were.

     "That's alright," she interrupted. She wasn't interested in anyone's idea. Amanda was here for the sole reason of taunting me. But joke on her, I could use a break from Grayson. It's just a damn shame she had to be the one to give it to me. "But start thinking about it. I'm very serious when it comes to my education."

     I snorted, nearly choking on my sip of water. Serious about her education? It didn't matter what they submitted. All she had to do was cry, and daddy would get her the grade she wanted.

     Eyes flicking my way in irritation, Amanda pretended not to hear me, exaggerated act of cheerfulness maintained.

     "I think we better start soon. Does this week work?"

     Grayson scratched the back of his head, brows furrowed in thought. I knew he was mentally going over his valued calendar.

     "I'm kind of busy—"

     "I'll come to your place. Make it easier for you."

     "Alright," he said awkwardly. "That could work."

     "Great!" Amanda grinned. "How's tomorrow?"

     "I can't." This time he didn't hesitate. "I have plans for Alex's birthday."

     Accustomed to easily getting her way, thin red lips twitched. "You can't spare a few hours?"

     "Not tomorrow."

     Catching her irritation, body subtly tensing, I smirked.

     "Does the day after tomorrow work?"