Natural Chemistry

Chapter 12: Revenge Is Served

"Okay, everyone, gather around." Daniel instructed clapping his hands to grab our attention.
We all stood wearing our backpacks, track suits and running shoes.

"I am going to list out the pairs. Please stand around and go to your team mate as your name is called out and pick up the map being handed by Krista. Please pay attention, there will be no repetition of names and definitely no negotiation." Everyone groaned, standing a little bit closer to their friends and crossing their fingers. We are in our senior year, how is it even fair that he gets to select our mapping partner for us?

"Chelsea and Ryder." Chelsea squeaked in excitement and surprisingly Ryder did not look disheartened by the fact that he was stuck with a person who ran the opposite direction at the mention of a wilderness.

They both stood together with a genuine grin on each other's face, indulging in a game plan.
Daniel continued to read out the names and not everyone was as lucky as Ryder and Chelsea as they got teamed up with people they disliked.

"Melissa and Vince." I gasped at the words that left his mouth, so nonchalant.

"Yeah, that's all guys. Please take the maps and the place marked with a red dot is where you are and the place marked with the green dot is where you are supposed to go. Please follow the marked route so as to not run into some other group, or worse," He paused for a dramatic effect, "bears."
Some guys scoffed while others just stood there.

But that wasn't what I was thinking about. It was the fact that I was teamed up with someone who hides from me at every chance he gets.

"Everyone has to reach the green dot before sunset and needs atleast fifteen different trees to be listed and their characteristics mentioned beside them. Remember, you will have to give a report presentation when you get back." I inched towards Vince who still hadn't moved from where he stood, hands stuffed in his pocket and his lips in a tight line.

"What if someone gets lost?" A girl asked.

"There is a GPS installed in each of the keychains we have given you. If it is required, we'll track you by it. Though, finding proper signal is not easy so, try not getting lost please. And, if you are in that unfortunate situation, please, if you can, trace your way back here." Krista warned.

"Hello, partner." I murmured giving him a little wave. He seemed least bit interested in returning the gesture as he just walked away towards where Daniel stood.

I saw him talking to Daniel and Daniel not looking happy and honestly, quite scared. Vince was probably asking for a change of partner or no partner at all.  He huffed in annoyance and came back stomping. He looked just like a five year old with a scowl on his face.

"I can't say it wasn't rude that you went ahead and spoke to Daniel whilst I was standing right here." I narrowed my eyes at him, crossing my hands on my chest.

"I went to get the map?" He said in a questioning tone showing me the map crumpled in his palm, looking quite baffled by my attitude.

"Oh, I thought you went to ask for a different partner." I admitted, realizing my mistake.
"It kills me to say this but you are better than the rest of them." The way he spoke it seemed like he wanted to explain himself in as less words as possible.

I was so intrigued by the way his vocabulary worked I didn't even bother actually understanding his words.

Upon realising what he said, a slight blush made it's way up my neck. The butterflies in my stomach woke up and started flattering frantically. Why does he have such an affect on me?

"I know, these teenagers just don't match up to my awesomeness." I said cheekily.

Vince just shook his head and started looking at the map. Though, I could see a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.