My weakness

Chapter 9 : Jesse won?

Monday morning, the class is immersed in a studious atmosphere. Billie and Jesse stand in front of the class, ready to present their work on global warming. The teacher observes attentively, curious to see how this unlikely duo will come out of it.

Professor (P): Good morning, everyone, today Billie and Jesse are going to talk to us about global warming. Go ahead, you're up.

Billie (B): (Breathing deeply)
Thank you, Professor. So global warming is a serious problem that...

Jesse (J): ...which threatens our planet. But don't worry, Billie and I have done extensive research to present you with an infallible solution: an army of penguins armed with giant ice cubes!

The class laughs, even the teacher can not help smiling.

P: Jesse, please take this seriously.

J: Okay, okay, I'm kidding. Keep it up, Billie.

Billie resumes, and the presentation runs smoothly. The slides scroll, the explanations are clear, and the graphics well chosen. Classmates listen carefully.

P: All right, all right. Any class questions?

One student raises his hand.

Student (E): How did you choose your subject?

B: Well, we thought global warming was a crucial and timely topic. It was important for us to raise awareness.

Jesse can't help but add a touch of humor.

J: Besides, we wanted to save our penguin friends!

Another general laugh follows.

P: Thank you, Billie and Jesse. I'm pleasantly surprised. Well done.

After the presentation, Billie and Jesse resume their seats. Jesse whispers to Billie.

J: Not bad, right? Penguins, it worked!

B: smiling Yes, it was... original. Thank you for not spoiling everything.

J: Always there to bring my personal touch. We make a good team, right?

Billie hesitates for a moment, then smiles.

B: Can be sometimes...

Nate (N): Congratulations, my love! You did well with the craziest guy in the class.

Billie (B): Thanks, Nate. It was a little difficult with his jokes, but we managed to present seriously.

N: That's why I love you. You're amazing.

Billie smiled, feeling the comfort in Nate's arms. However, despite the congratulations, she can't help but think of Jesse.

B: Jesse may be weird, but he's not so bad when it comes to working.

N: Oh, don't start defending that guy. He's probably just trying to destabilize you.

B: Maybe. But he still contributed to the presentation. It's like he can be serious when he wants.

N: Well, it doesn't come close to your ankle, sweetheart. You're way above that game.

Billie huddles more against Nate, trying to chase thoughts about Jesse out of his mind.

B: You're right. We should celebrate tonight, right?

N: Great idea. And then we can forget about this group project and focus on much more enjoyable things.

Billie nods, trying to ignore the doubts that haunt her. She gets lost in the comfort of Nate's embrace, but deep down, a small part of herself continues to wonder if Jesse has a bigger impact on her life than she admits.