Unspoken

The Group

The next day—Monday—started with a fresh energy in the air. The students filtered into the classroom, still lingering on the memories of the weekend, laughing and chatting about what they'd done. Selena and Olivia arrived early and settled into their seats, happy to see each other.

Seeing Olivia's bright smile brought a sense of warmth to Selena, and they fell into an easy conversation, picking up just where they left off.

"So, what kind of music are you into, Selena?" Olivia asked, leaning in with a mischievous look.

"Oh, I'm all over the place with music," Selena replied, laughing. "I don't have one fixed taste. I'll go from K-pop to Brazilian funk, and you know who's always on my list? Daddy Yankee—he's just amazing. And what about you Liv?!"

Olivia's eyes widened with a delighted laugh. "I never would've guessed! You've got such an eclectic taste." She leaned in, a little more serious now. "Me? I'm more... refined," she teased, making an exaggerated 'elegant' face that made Selena giggle. "I love Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber—and my absolute favorite, Taylor Swift. Her songs just get me, you know?"

Selena grinned. "Of course! I mean, who doesn't love Taylor Swift? Her lyrics are so powerful."

Olivia nodded, her expression softening. "I actually... want to be a singer someday," she confessed, her voice a little quieter. "I've dreamed of it forever."

"Olivia! That's amazing!" Selena's eyes lit up, genuinely impressed. "You totally have the vibe of a singer. You have to sing for me sometime!"

"Maybe one day," Olivia laughed, a bit shy but clearly touched by the support. She gave Selena's hand a quick squeeze. "Just... don't laugh if I do, okay?"

Selena smiled. "Never! I'd be the loudest one cheering for you."

The bell rang then, signaling the start of the day, but Selena could still feel Olivia's excitement radiating. The whole classroom buzzed with Monday morning energy as they both leaned back, grinning.

Mr. Carlos entered the room with his usual calm authority, and immediately, the lively chatter faded as everyone found their seats. He took attendance, glancing up from his list now and then with a faint smile, but when he finished, his tone turned serious.

"As I mentioned last week," he began, "we're starting a new project, which will be done in groups. I've already decided on a fair way to organize this, so please listen carefully." He held up a small bag filled with chits. "Inside this bag are chits numbered one through six. This means we'll have six groups, with five students in each group. When I call you up, six of you at a time will come to the front, pick a chit, and whatever number you get—well, that's your group."

The class murmured in interest, a mix of excitement and nerves. Olivia shot Selena a hopeful look, and Selena returned it, both silently wishing to end up in the same group.

Mr. Carlos clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, listen up! Here's how it's going to work," he began, pacing in front of the class. "I'll call up six students at a time. You'll come forward, pick a chit from this bag, and the number on it will be your group for this project. No switching or trading numbers—that's final."

The class murmured, some students grinning, others looking a bit nervous.

"Remember, this project is about teamwork," Mr. Carlos continued. "You'll have to work with who you get, whether it's your best friend or someone you've hardly talked to."

The first group of students went up to draw their numbers, each one reaching into the bag with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

"Okay," he said, calling for attention again. "Let's keep it orderly. As you draw your numbers, head back to your seat. And yes, I'll announce each group at the end, so everyone knows where they stand."

In the back, one student leaned over to his friend, chuckling. "Hope I don't get stuck with anyone too serious."

"Let's hope," his friend replied with a grin.

As more students walked up, some held their chits with excitement, while others looked around, trying to spot potential teammates.

Mr. Carlos scanned the list, clearing his throat before beginning. "Alright, everyone, I have the final group assignments here. Listen carefully, and remember, no switching! Let's start with Group 1," he said, reading out names, "Olivia Garcia, Rafael Diaz, Ana Lopez, Adriana Gomez, and Alex Santos."

Olivia turned to Selena with a disappointed frown. "Well, guess we're not in the same group," she murmured, sighing. "I was hoping we'd get to work together."

Selena gave her a small smile. "Same here. I thought at least one of us would end up together."

Mr. Carlos continued, calling out Group 2. "Juan Perez, Marcela Ruiz, Laura Ibanez, Julian Torres, and Nuria Molina."

A groan rose from one side of the room. Juan leaned over to his friend, Marco. "Seriously? I'm stuck with Marcela and Julian? I don't even talk to them!" he whispered, looking frustrated.

Group 3 was announced next. "Marco Gomez, Carlos Gomez, Natalia Torres, Elena Martinez, and Pablo Sanchez."

Marco smirked, nudging Carlos. "At least we're together, man. This could've been worse."

Natalia rolled her eyes. "Lucky you. I'm the only one who actually cares about this project."

Mr. Carlos glanced at his list again. "Group 4," he announced, "Cristina Santos, Marcos Alvarez, David Moreno, Sergio Perez, and Samantha Cruz."

As the names for Group 5 were called, Selena tensed up. "Group 5: Selena Alvarez, Daniel Reyes, Mateo Castillo, Lucia Hernandez, and Alejandro Moreno."

Selena's eyes darted back to Olivia, who shrugged and gave her a thumbs-up. Meanwhile, from behind her, she heard a low sigh.

"Great," Daniel muttered, slumping in his seat. "Out of all people... stuck with her." He managed to look both disappointed and embarrassed as he exchanged glances with his friends.

"Now," Mr. Carlos said, finally reaching the last group, "Group 6: Valeria Rubio, Sebastian Castro, Gabriel Fuentes, Eduard Borrell, and Joan Marin."

As soon as he finished, a wave of chatter broke out, students grumbling and exchanging glances. 

Olivia leaned in close to Selena. "Well, looks like you'll be working with Daniel," she teased, raising an eyebrow. "Lucky you!"

Selena gave her an exasperated look. "Not what I'd call lucky," she said, shaking her head, but she couldn't help smiling a little at Olivia's teasing.

"Guess we'll just have to make the best of it," Olivia said, trying to keep her tone light. But she couldn't resist shooting a quick look toward Daniel, her smile a little tighter than before.

Meanwhile, Rafael crossed his arms, muttering to Ana, "Would've been nice to be in the same group as my friends, but I guess I'll survive."

Mr. Carlos clapped his hands, bringing everyone's attention back. "Alright, I know some of you are a little disappointed, but these groups are final. Use this as a chance to get to know others and work well together. On Monday, I'll hand out your topics, so be ready to get started!"

As Mr. Carlos left, the room buzzed with quiet grumbles and murmurs of excitement.

"Will Selena and Daniel's new partnership spark unexpected connections—or stir up even deeper rivalries?"