"And for our last group, I've put together Katherine Pulitzer and Jack Kelly. Class dismissed." Katherine groaned inwardly when the professor finished his announcement. They're assignment was to be able to create a fantasy wedding with a budget of $20,000. Of course she would get stuck with Jack Kelly, the most obnoxious boy in the entire school. She actually used to have a crush on him, but she suppressed her feelings once he became annoying. She gathered her books and headed for the door, but she was blocked by none other than her partner.
"So, we're partners now, huh?" he smirked. She rolled her eyes.
"Yes, it seems we are. Now please let me pass."
"Now, hold on just a minute. We only have a week to do this project. Don't you think we should get together so we can actually get a good grade?"
"Since when are you concerned about getting good grades?"
"I dunno, maybe being in your presence has motivated me." Katherine sighed. She obviously wouldn't get him to leave her alone until she agreed to meet him somewhere.
"Alright, fine. My father is away on business for a few days, so I guess you can come to my house after school today."
"Works for me. See ya there, Miss Pulitzer." He smirked, and walked away. Katherine rolled her eyes. He was the most impossible boy ever!
oOo
Katherine was on her way home after school when the last person she wanted to talk to called out.
"Hey, Kath, wait up!" Jack caught up to her. "Watcha taking off so fast for?"
"Obnoxious boys that won't stop pestering me."
"Hey, if we're gonna work on this project today we gotta be nice." Of course, Katherine had forgotten about the project, and the fact that she had invited Jack to come to her house after school. And it drove her crazy that Jack was actually right. They had to at least be civil towards each other if they wanted to get a good grade. So she put up with him. When they got to her house, Katherine was immediately in work mode.
"So, Jack, I was thinking that if we – "
"Katherine, you're back!" she was cut off by an energetic voice that belonged to her younger sister, Lucille.
"Yeah, Lucy, but – " she was cut off again.
"And you got a boy with you!" Jack chuckled.
"Well, yes, but we have a project that we need to work on, so if you could leave us alone for a bit then – " she was once again interrupted. This kid didn't let her get a word in.
"No!"
"And why not?"
"You two need to have a tea party together!" Katherine blushed and glanced at Jack, who was watching the exchange with an amused look on his face.
"Lucy, I really don't think that's a good idea."
"But you have to! You can be a princess and the knight in shining armor!" Jack crouched down to Lucy's level.
"Look, kid, no offense, but your sister and I really need to work on a project, so if you could just bug off, that'd be great."
"Jack!" Katherine reprimanded, pulling him back to his feet. Lucy scowled at him. Jack opened his mouth again, no doubt to say another stupid thing, when the little girl's face changed. She widened her eyes, tilted her head, and smiled cutely. Katherine bit her lip.
"Lucy, stop that!" Of course, her sister didn't comply. "C'mon, you know I can't resist that face!"
"I know." Lucy replied sweetly. Katherine hesitated for a moment, before blurting,
"Alright, fine!" at that, Lucy squealed.
"Kath!" Jack protested. "Just cause she gave you a puppy dog look, your gonna agree to a tea party?"
"Jack, I can't help it. Relax, it probably won't take too long." Before he could respond, the little girl let out a loud, overdramatic sigh.
"Hurry up!" she whined. Jack raised his hands in defeat.
"Alright, fine. Lets get this over with."
oOo
Jack and Katherine were now sitting at a tiny pink table, with Lucy sitting on the couch watching their every move. Katherine leaned her elbows on the table.
"I'm really sorry about her. She can be really overdramatic sometimes, but you get used to it." She whispered to Jack. He smiled.
"Ah, it's fine. I get it. And ya know, this isn't too bad."
"Yeah, I guess your right."
"Hey Kath?"
"Yeah?"
"Since we're being forced into this slightly romantic situation, I think I should tell you something."
"...and what is that?" Katherine nervous, what could he possibly have to tell her?
"I wanted you to know the reason I've been kinda hard on you lately." She raised an eyebrow at him.
"Okay..."
"It's, uh, it's because... I kinda like you."
"Really?" her voice went up an octave.
"Yeah... do you hate me now?" Katherine suddenly burst into a fit of giggles. Jack looked at her quizzically. "Is something funny, princess?"
"I'm sorry..." he laughter began to die down. "It's just... I like you too."
"You... you do?" she nodded.
"Yeah."
"Now kiss!" Lucy called out from her spot on the couch. They had been so caught up in the moment, they forgot about the little girl. Jack laughed.
"You wanna?"
"Of course." So they kissed while sitting at a small pink table with a plastic tablecloth. And it certainly wasn't their last.
