Partners ≡ Nick Robinson

prologue

It happened a year ago. I felt an ache in my chest and my head started spinning and I had no idea why. Little did I know that my mom and dad had died in a car crash on the way home. My aunt and uncle were the only relatives I had left. They lived in Ontario, but agreed to stay with me in Vancouver until I finished my first year of high school, then I would have to move back with them to Ontario. Thats where I would have to continue my life.

Now a year later, it was my first day of sophomore year and uncle Jim told me that I should try making new friends.

"Don't be scared." He gave me a pat on the shoulder. "You'll do fine."

Uncle Jim was always the one to encourage and comfort me. He reminded me a lot like dad.

"Fix that blouse of yours honey, its crooked!" She grabbed a hold of the hem of my shirt and shifted it to the right.

"There you go. Now with that look you'll impress all the boys." She chimed.

Aunt Julia was the perfectionist and positive one. She's just like mom.

I've always liked aunt Julia and uncle Jim. When I use to live in Vancouver, they'd always skype with mom and dad. They'd also visit us every other christmas. Christmas was always better with them anyways.

Later that day, I made my way towards my homeroom. Room 150, Biology.

I noticed that I was a bit early since there was only two students in class and even the teacher wasn't there yet.

I sat in front of the class and hoped for the best. It's not like we're going to have to introduce ourselves in front of the class right?

Quickly students started pouring into the classroom as the bell rang. I could feel my palms sweating as each and every student passed by me and gave me the "is she new here?" look.

"Good morning class. It's a brand new year and I can't wait for what the year has to offer." The male teacher said to the class.

"Most of you already know me from last year, but seeing that there are a few new faces around here, I'll introduce myself." He spoke.

He turned towards the board and quickly wrote "Mr. Carter."

"Now just so that everyone can refresh their memory of who's who and also get to know the new students, I'm going to be doing a roll call."

Wonderful.

Mr. Carter randomly pointed at each student in the class. He wanted us to say our name and one thing we love the most. Simple.

Once he pointed at me, I stood up from my seat. Everyones attention was on me.

"Hi, I'm Jordan Garrett and the one thing I love the most is....my family."

My answer was common and simple but it was true. I love my dad and my mom and I love aunt Julia and uncle Jim. What else could I possibly love more? I wasn't like other students who would say my cellphone, shopping, or concerts.

Near the end of class, Mr. Carter decided that he wanted to create this thing called "Partner of the week." Where at the beginning of every weak you have to choose one person to be your partner in class. That partner will be your partner for everything you do in class for that week, for example, any assignments, homework, projects etc. And after that week you're allowed to choose a different partner if you want.

When all the students started whispering to each other, I automatically knew I'd be that one odd person left out. Even the other new kids made friends in the class except me.

So when Mr. Carter said to walk to your partner, I just sat there. I didn't even turn around to see if there was anyone available.

"Miss Garrett, is something wrong?" Mr. Carter walked towards me.

"I don't have a partner." I responded.

He laughed. "I can see that. And why not?"

"Uh- everyone else is taken..." I used as an excuse even though I wasn't completely sure if it was true or not.

"Nice excuse Miss Garrett but I see one extra person in the class who doesn't have a partner."

I looked over my shoulder and saw a boy on the other side of class, hiding his face with his hand, obvious that he didn't want a partner.

"Mr Robinson!" Mr Carter shouted across the class.

The boy looked up and Mr. Carter pointed his finger towards me. The boy stood up and slowly made his way towards me as he slumped to the seat next to mine.

"Just reminding everyone.." Mr. Carter said to the class. "I'm not allowing no partners! Our class has an even amount of students so everyone should have a partner!" He looked directly at us.

God was it awkward. If this kid doesn't want to be my partner, then I don't want to be his.

"If you don't want to be my partner then I can just ask Mr. Carter to reassign us or something." I said as I started to get up.

"No no no." The boy blurted. "It's not that I don't want you to be my partner, it's just that I don't want a partner."

"Sorry to disappoint you but we kind of have no choice." I told him. "Why didn't any of your friends over there partner up with you?"

"It's because I'm the problem."

I gave him a confused look.

"I'm really really stupid when it comes to Biology okay? My friends know that so they all decided to partner up without me."

"Thats....nice of them."

"So sorry in advance if we fail every project this week." He muttered.

I laughed. "So what if you're bad in Biology. I'll help you. I'm kind of good at it."

He darted his head up and looked at me with wide eyes. "Are you serious?!"

"Yeah...why?"

"I thought you were gonna be one of those students who did all the work and ignore me because I'm of no help."

"Yeah thats not gonna happen. I'm not going to let you do nothing. You're my partner and partners are so suppose to help each other." I smiled at him.

He gave me a friendly smile back. "You're new here right?"

"Yeah I am." I replied.

"I'm Nick. Nick Robinson." He held his hand out for me to shake.

"Jordan. Jordan Garrett." I took a hold of his hand and shook it.

Nick and I were officially partners for that week.

And the week after that,

and the week after that,

and the week after that until there were no more weeks left.