BitterSweet (Editing){Complete}

Chapter Four- I Need You

        I sat quietly at my desk and watched as Stephen walked through the door. He looked like shit. I chuckle to myself as he walked by. Stephan Thompson looking like shit, that's a big "understatement." But still..."Maybe he's not as unreal as I thought," I mumble to myself as I gave him one final glance, before turning my attention back to the board.

"Okay class, I want you guys to partner up. You got two minutes to find a partner before times up," Mr. Hemsworth said before turning to his desk to take attendance. I groaned too myself. I hated partnering up with people in this class. They never understood my needs to overachieve on assignments. Something about having a teacher compliment my work and keeping it on display adds confidence to my self-esteem.

        It's a weird addiction, but it helps me in the long run. I was determined to get a scholarship to make something of myself. I wanted to leave a mark on the world if it was the last thing I do. And my first step to fulfilling that dream was to take my education seriously. I needed to get accepted into UCLA for my dream college.

        Suddenly, a warm body brushed against my arm as they sat into the empty seat beside me. I turn sideways to analyze the person who wanted to be my partner. Stephan Thompson. Just my luck.

"Um, not to be rude, but why do you want to be my partner? Didn't we get into an altercation, yesterday? Soo... yeah... I rather not be your partner. I'm pretty sure others would want you though," I said with a tight smile.

"Why not?"

"Because I don't want to be left with doing all the work. I got other things to do instead of stressing over completing another person's works because I feel extremely guilty for being too blunt."

"Who says I won't do my work?" I silently took note of how he doge my bait.

"The way that you look says it all. So, can you please just switch with someone else before the time runs out?"

"Times up! Now get to know your partner for the time being, since you're going to be stuck with them for a month," Mr. Hemsworth comment, "coincidental", after I stated that snide remark. Dammit. Dammit. Dammit. This is not fair; I wanted to cry out. Out of all the people, he could have paired up with, why would he choose me? It's not like I left a good impression on him anyways, considering the first conversation I ever had with him consisted of me insulting his dead mother. I sighed out loud and laid my head on the palms of my hands; then, I preceded to squeeze my eyes shut.

"Why me? Just why?" I asked in a strained voice.

"Because I need your help, not in this class, but in math. My grade average is dropping from a B to a C, and I've heard you're a good tutor in math. So will you help me?"

"Why you need help? A C is a passing grade. Isn't that all you need?" I was suspicious of his intentions.

"Just because I'm a "jock", doesn't mean you have to assume I'm a "brainless person" and only depend on my "football scholarship". That's not the case. I know that one injury will be the death of my career, so I have a backup plan. And for my backup plan to work, I would like to have more than passing grades. I want exceeding grades," he said as he looked deeply into my eyes, daring me to challenge his words. I was appalled. I hated being a part of the stereotypes, but imagining a guy like him actually caring about his education was a shocking revelation. But could I really say "no" to a guy asking for help? All he wanted was to exceed in math. Also, by observing his posture, I could tell he wasn't a guy that usually ask for help. So, the fact that he had the nerves to ask me, told me enough that this was important to him.

"What's your grade in here?"

"A 97," he replied back instantly. Well, that lessened my doubt about him not helping me complete this project.

"Okay I will help you, but I have one condition..."

"Which is?"

"Well, you have to buy me lunch whenever I ask you too," I said with a devious smile.

"Done," he said without hesitation and I was overly excited at the thought of food being given to me for free.

"Well, since that's settled. I have other rules too, but I won't get to that unless I absolutely have too." He just nodded his head at my comment and continued to stare at me. It bothered me that when he stared at me, it made me self-conscious of the way I look; so I ran a hand through my black hair to ease my nerves. However, he continued to stare at me in awkward silence, too where I couldn't take it anymore and blurt out:

"You look like shit," my eyes widen in shock, and I slap a hand over my mouth. I can't believe I just said that. His eyes then narrow at me as he replied back,

"Why thank you for stating the obvious. I think I realize that when I walk out of my house this morning," he said coolly as he kept his composer better than I did.

I chuckle a nervous laugh and said, "Well to make you feel any better, you looking like shit gives me hope."

"In what?"

"That maybe not everyone is as perfect as they seem," I said while staring off not daring to meet his gaze. I glimpse up at him when I was met with silence once again. His lips were set in a firm line, and his eyes flickered away from mine. He then turned forward to shield himself from view, eliminating any chance I had to "read" his emotions. I scrunched my face up in confusion. He's so mysterious...

"For your assignment class, I want you and your partners to have a presentation expressing life meanings, life lessons, or relatable matters. Be original and entertain me. I want to see what you guys are capable of doing without me setting too many restrictions. A visual view is recommended if you want to score over a C. Make sure you break down the quote if you can do so. I expect exceptional work students! Class dismissed," I guess Stephan snapped out whatever mood he was in because he then turned towards me with a smile on his face

"Is meeting up after school, today, good for you?

"Hum, considering the fact I don't have an active social life at the moment, and color guard practice just got canceled. I think I'm free," I said with a smile of my own. He breathed out a sigh of relief.

"For a moment there, I thought you were going to reject my offer."

"I was until I remember I got you buying me food," I then chuckled as I collected my bag and made my way out the classroom without waiting for his response. Day one, after our rough encounter, and it seemed as if we were on good terms. So much for it being too late to apologize.