Collision

Chapter 21

I pulled down the rolled up sleeves of my jumper. I looked at myself in the mirror once again. Looking unrecognisable was my goal. I pushed my hair forward and some strands of hair fell over my face. I am slowly looking like one of those loners. I took a deep breath and scurried out the door. Don't make scene. Don't talk. Just keep your head down, Ava.

I did just as I told myself to, and I made it all the way to my locker with no one giving me any recognition. I couldn't help but give myself a small smile. I grabbed my English books and shut my locker. I held my books higher than usual in order to cover my face.

I entered the classroom and quietly headed towards my normal seat located next to Mia's. Fortunately Mia wasn't here to bombard me questions about where and why I left, quite yet. I looked at the board and saw that Miss Morgan had written a reminder about our project. Damn...we've got an English project! Haven't even started. I mentally groaned but quickly composed myself so I wouldn't be gaining attention. Wait a minute, Nicholas isn't even in this class, right? Why do I need to act like a "nobody" if he's not even here? Okay maybe I'm keeping my hopes a little too high, there is a still a chance we have the same English class. Let a girl dream. I kept my self busy with my notes until I heard Mia's chair being pulled out.

"Well hello Miss I-am-going-to-disappear-now-because-I-like-a-boy-who-is-standing-too-close-to-me" Mia said chuckled as she sat down. I blushed ever so slightly.

I gave a dry, sarcastic laugh. She pouted at me and smiled. I couldn't help but smile in return.

I heard the clicking of heels and knew Miss Morgan was arriving any second now. I neatened out my books and looked forward. Trust me, when she wants to she can make any tough guy cry.

Just as I expected Miss Morgan walked through the entrance. She was wearing a red dress with her hair in an up-do bun. Everyone shut their mouths as she made it to the front of the room. She placed her belongs neatly on her desk and cleared her throat. "Okay, as I've written on the board your project is due in 3 weeks. If you can't do it in three weeks you have to tell me before the due date and you have to give a valid excuse" she said sternly. I heard a few murmurs and trust me, so did Miss Morgan.

"Mouths shut while I'm talking" she said harshly. Nah...she isn't in a good mood today. Everyone shut up and stopped fidgeting.

"Okay, today we will be-" Miss Morgan began before she was cut off by the creaking of our classroom door. We all turned our attention towards the door to see Luke and Nicholas standing there. Luke still had his hand on the handle and cussed under his breath. He looked around at the class with a sheepish look.

I reluctantly looked over at Nicholas who looked so calm.My heart legitimately plummeted when I saw him. Please tell me he is just lost...

Miss Morgan looked pretty pissed, I felt bad for the boys. She raised an eyebrow. Luke cleared his throat nervously. "Eugh, sorry we're late Miss Morgan. I was told to to show him around" he said.

Nicholas' eyes began scanning the room and I instantly bowed my head down and relaxed it in my hand. Need to act casual.

"Fine...take a seat, you both haven't missed out on much" she sighed. I hesitantly looked up and thankfully Nicholas was paying attention to Miss Morgan. Luke's shoulders dropped and his body loosened. He was definitely worried, not a sight you see often.

Miss Morgan furrowed her eyebrows together slightly as she looked at Nicholas. "So you're new?" She asked. Luke kept on walking but Nicholas stopped. He shoved his fists in his pockets casually.

"Yes Miss" he said. I could tell all the girls were eyeing him up and down while they had a chance. Trust me, they were pleased with what they saw. Miss Morgan nodded her head and headed towards her seat. Nicholas just stood there for a few more seconds before he decided to leave. He took his hands out of his pockets and pushed the sleeved of his black hoodie slightly higher. That cleavage though. Fortunately he didn't walk right past me. Okay, I knew he was going to notice me sooner or later. Had to try though.

I heard one of the boys whispering "she is f*cking scary". I didn't know whether they wanted to die but either way I would have kept my mouth shut. Miss Morgan was looking intently at her laptop screen. She slowly looked up at one of the student behind me. That kid is dead.

"Nicholas is it? From South View?" She asked. I let out a breath for the person who nearly just died. She pulled her dress down and stood up.

"That's me" he said a little too jubilantly. I pushed strands of hair behind my ear. My hair is becoming a nuisance.

"Ok" she said cooly. "You got expelled didn't you?" She added. The vibe just got eerie. I really wanted to turn around and look at his reaction but I was too worried he would notice me.

"Yeah" he said stiffly after a few moments of silence. She nodded her head and looked expressionless. Her attention went to the board.

"Oh" she said as if she just remembered something. "You have a project due in 3 weeks. Don't worry you don't need any prior knowledge maybe just a few basic stuff. I think I have a sheet over here..." She said as she made her way to her packed folder. She swiftly brought out the sheet and took a quick look. "Hmm...you need a partner" she said. I wanted to scream and run. Instead I stayed collected and cool on my sit. Partner? Who needs a partner? I'm sure he can work alone or in a group of 3....

"Uh, Miss" Mia said raising her hand. No....what is she doing? I looked at her with pleading eyes but she blocked me out. There was a evil smirk forming on her lips and that was when I expected the worst. Breath in, breath out...don't worry what ever happens, it is for the best. I kept on giving myself positive thoughts for what felt like forever but was instead a few seconds.

I wondered if Nicholas still remembered her. Imagine if he ended up liking her. That would be cute...I mean she used to dream of dating him. Then again so did I....off track Ava! Miss Morgan looked at Mia and nodded for her to continue. Please don't, please don't, please don't!

"Ava doesn't have a partner" when she spoke it felt like a devastating slow motion moment. However, Miss Morgan looked relieved.

"Ava, I forgot sorry. I guess you two should be partners" she said. Oh my gosh what do I do. I gave Mia a quick death glare which said "I am after you". I am not sure if the message got across because she just smiled innocently at me.

"It's okay, I'm sure he will prefer to work in a group of three. I reckon that will do him better" I said with a forced smile. For your information I never talk in class so this is new to me.

"No, I think I'd prefer to work with you Ava" I heard Nicholas say humorously. Mia looked like she was going to squeal from excitement. I scrunched up my nose. Damn it he knows I am here for sure now, I could hear it in his tone.

I pushed back my hair with my fingers nervously. This is not working out for me. "Miss if she doesn't want to work with him I can. She could just work with Matt" a girl named Ivory said. That girl is obvious with her intentions. I heard Nicholas' familiar chuckle. It made me feels this weird giddiness when I heard it. Man...what is wrong with me?

"You don't need to do that, Ava will soon see that being partners with me is going to be the best thing that ever happened to her. She's just in denial" he said nonchalantly. What just happened?! Without thinking I turned around to look at him. He was already looking at me and giving a small smile. Lost my cover, great. Even though I knew it would be a better idea to look back at the front, the look in his eyes didn't let me. He looked so good, how can a human look that...perfect?

"Guys...is there something I don't know about?" Luke said. I got out of my faze and glared at him. Nicholas just laughed it off. I looked back at the front and leaned back. Miss Morgan was looking between Nicholas and I.

"So are you partners?" She asked. Before I could reply Nicholas did.

"Definitely" he said with a slight determination that was covered up with the small chuckle he gave afterwards. Yippee.....