Bridging Hearts (DNF)

Chapter Four - The Pairing

Fanart is not mine.

Clay's POV:

The morning bell rang, signaling the start of another school day, and George and I packed up our things from our spot under the old oak tree. We made our way to Chemistry, the familiar dread of another starting project lingering in the air.

"Ready for another thrilling episode of 'Mrs. Thomson's Wild Experiments'?" I joked, nudging George with my shoulder.

He chuckled. "As long as it doesn't involve another fire."

When we entered the classroom, there was a buzz of excitement. Mrs. Thomson stood at the front with a grin.

Project time.

"All right, class, settle down," Mrs. Thomson called out. "Today, we're starting our new project on chemical reactions. You'll work in pairs to create and present a series of reactions."

A collective groan filled the room. I glanced at George, who looked a uneasy as I felt.

"Don't worry, George. You've got this," I whispered to him.

Mrs. Thomson began calling out names. My heart pounded as I waited.

"George and...Clay."

Relief washed over me. I couldn't help but smile as I turned to George.

"See? Told you," I said with a wink.

We moved to our usual lab station, unpacking our supplies. As we began discussing our project, George increasingly captivated me. We brainstormed ideas, jotting down notes and sketching out plans. I adjust my black tee slightly, nerves getting to me.

"We could do something with thermite," George suggested, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's always impressive."

I laughed. "And highly illegal. How about we stick to something a bit safer? Maybe a series of acid-base reactions?"

George looked at me with a pout. "Fine,"

As we worked, the conversation flowed effortlessly from the project to more personal topics. I learned that George loved comedy and had a knack for cooking. He found out that The Great Gatsby was my favorite book. We bonded over shared experiences.

My friend Jack, from our football team, came over with a smirk on his face. "So, Clay, you and the new kid, huh?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, Jack. We make a good team."

Jack glanced at George, then back at me, and walked away.

"Sorry about that."

"It's okay," George said with a smile. "I'm sure he's nice."

"He is," I said, trying to hide my annoyance. Jack meant well, but he could be a bit much sometimes.

"So, what made you come to Florida?" I asked, carefully measuring out chemicals.

George hesitated, then shrugged.

"I needed a change of pace. It was hard, but I wanted something different."

"I get that," I said softly. "Moving around can be tough."

Geroge nodded, appreciating my understanding. "But, you know, meeting you has made it easier."

I smiled, feeling a hint of blush coloring my cheeks. "Same here, George."

As the period came to a close, Mrs. Thomson walked around, checking on each pair's progress. When she reached us, she nodded approvingly.