Take a Bow

Partner Up

Before I could freak out, the bell rings and people start to trickle into the classroom. Immediately I move towards what has been my desk for the last 4 years. Yes, it was in the front row, but it was also right next to the window.

Mr. Munroe walked into the room telling everyone to sit down.

"Welcome back everyone," he says with a smile.

"This semester, we'll be focusing on recording and mixing tracks. The production Elements of music." This caught my interest. Until -

"Each set of partners will ..." I let Mr. Munroe's voice fade into the background as I realise, he wants us to work in pairs?!? No Way! Maybe he'll let me work alone, I mean, he's the most understanding teacher ever. The sound of my name being called brings me back to the harsh reality that he's already chosen the pairs. Crap.

"Yes, Mr. Munroe?" I ask, praying that there was an odd number of students this year.

"You'll be working with Noah on this project. Mia - " My world went fuzzy. I couldn't breathe. Oh, shit! I'm having a panic attack! I stood up and started running. I had to get out. Now.

* * *

I skipped the rest of the day. I sat out behind the music building until Max texted saying he was waiting at his car. Standing, I brushed off my jeans and walked to the side street where all the students park. Searching for Max's beat up Holden, I feel a hand on my wrist, pulling me back toward the body that the hand belonged to. Slowly, I turn to face the culprit, only to see him. Those deep chocolate eyes staring at me with... wait? Was that concern?

"Ella" He breathes. My breathe hitches and I force myself to look away.

"I- I have to go. Max is waiting for me." I mutter.

"I know, I just... Ella, I'm sorry." He says, then turns and walks away. I stood there, stunned until I hear Max's voice calling me. Running over to his truck, I get in and collapse into the seat.

"What happened to you today? You disappeared and then you weren't in Lit. I was so worried." He was so panicked, I felt bad.

"I got paired with Noah for a music project. I freaked and ran. I figured you'd know where I was. Sorry Max." I truly thought he'd know where to find me. It had been our safe spot for years.

"Shit, Ella. I'm sorry. Was that him you were just talking to?"

"yeah. He, you know what, never mind."

"He what, El?" Max pushed.

"He said he was sorry." I blurt out.

"Sorry? For what?" he was getting curious. I don't like curious Max.

"I don't know. For being paired with me? For ditching me when he got popular? Or maybe for kissing me? I do - "

"He WHAT?!?" oops. Guess I forgot to mention that... "When?"

"At, um, at my grandmothers funeral." I say.

Max stops the car.