W.A.T.D

Chapter 1 Meeting & Background - her perspective

Estimated reading time - 4 minutes

Eliza was a junior in high school, she had moved every year since 6th grade, and this year was no different. She had just moved to a new town, new school new house new everything, same as every year. She moved there a couple weeks into the school year, she didn't bother making any friends since she assumed she would be moving again at the end of the year. She was bitter about it, but didn't complain. She kept to herself, didn't often share her emotions with other people, even her parents.

I had just entered the school in the morning, I usually get there early so I can sit in class and get a good seat but I was late today, got there just before the bell rang. Lucky for me, in my first class they didn't make me introduce myself, that was a huge relief.
I really don't need people to know who I am, that would only make blending in harder. This year I just want to be like a background character, and that would be pretty easy since I do it every year. I just don't want to deal with leaving friends you know?
Anyway, I was in my first class of the day, and I had to sit in the front, it was the only seat left but I don't really care, I'm just here to learn. The teacher was talking about whatever we learned last class, I was kind of spaced out until I heard her announce a partnered project. Well, this is going to be just lovely.
I didn't know anyone here and I didn't want to so I just sat in my chair while everyone around me paired off, I was just waiting and hoping she would let me work alone.
Eventually, she called the people without partners to the front, there were three of us, some girl, me obviously, and some goth-looking piece of shit.
He wasn't goth, I know that much but I hate him, i've heard people talking about him, Ray is his name I believe.
He was generally perceived as a delinquent but I'd just call him an asshole. He was well known for being rude, mouthing off to teachers, getting in fights and was often found smoking behind the school, it was even rumoured that he was in a gang but I never believed it. Despite all this he was one of the top-performing students in our grade, most people just think he cheats on everything, and I am definitely one of those people. I have never talked to him, no, but I already don't like him.
Much to both of our displeasure she put us together and let the other kid work on her own. I was heading back to my seat and he followed, but when I sat down he just stood there, hands in his pockets and an annoyed look on his face.
I gestured for him to sit down next to me so we could work and he just stared for a second before scoffing and walking past me back to his seat "No way in hell am I sitting in the front" he said as he walked past me. God I just want to punch him in his stupid face right now, but I don't want to deal with the repercussions or arguing with that glorified criminal.
So I rolled my eyes and got my stuff to join him in the back corner. It was nice and secluded back here, it would have been enjoyable if I wasn't sitting next to this emo fuck boy. Just when I settled, the teacher broke the news that would be the beginning of the end of my peaceful life.
"This is who you will be partnered with for the rest of the semester, so get to know each other a bit before we start the assignment" she said to the class, her hands clasped and her gaze wandering around the class before she sat back down at her desk "You have ten minutes to talk" she started a timer and I sank into my seat, groaning and mumbling expletives to myself.
He turned to me and was about to speak before I put my finger to his lips, keeping him from speaking so I didn't have to hear his stupid voice again "Look I don't want to learn about you, I don't want to get to know you. Stay out of my way and ill do the project myself" he definitely didn't like that, he practically growled at me, it was kind of funny actually. He grabbed my wrist so aggressively though, I thought he was going to break it for a second "Don't. Touch. Me" he hissed, I immediately laughed at how dramatic he was being then with my other hand I reached out and poked his forehead, his grip on my wrist tightened slightly but he mostly didn't react other than glaring at me.
Once he let go of my wrist I noticed little crescent-shaped dents in my skin, I didn't even notice how much his nails were digging into me, I'm just glad he didn't break any skin.
"And I'm not letting you do it yourself your going to fuck it up. I'm not ruining my GPA just because you think you're too good to talk to me" he was mocking me, I was sure of it but I wasn't focused on that, I was thinking more about how to start the project, ignoring him till he waved in front of my face "Earth to Eliza?" he said, I snapped out of my thoughts momentarily before tilting my head slightly and looking at him "How do you know my name?" I ask, making sure my tone is rude and dismissive.
I want him to know that I hate him, but he seems indifferent to that, just like the asshole he is "It's all over your shit, just assumed" he responded, I clenched my fists, how can one person possibly be so annoying??? These next few weeks are going to suck, that much I know for sure.