The Gravity of Us

Chapter 3 (Avery)

I heard it.
The endless beeping of my alarm clock.
I popped one eyelid open to glance at the time.

8:30am

I shuffled over to the bathroom mirror. Eyes that looked void of any life stared back at me. My hair was matted into long, thick ropes of rich amber.

I'm such a ten.

I flashed a sardonic grin.

My hands brushed the faucet nob. It squealed in agreement as the water flowed out of the metal tube. I let the water lick my fingertips to test the temperature. It was just cold enough.

I watched as the frigid water became a pool in the palms of my hands. After it filled to the height of my wrist, I splashed it on my face.

Instantly, I felt a bitter chill race from my cheeks down to my core.

Today is gonna be a great day, I can feel it.

Steam filled the room as my shower water reached my ideal warmth. I stepped in the tight space and prepared myself for the day ahead.

**********

I was early, but the good seats always filled up quickly. I plopped down into a padded chair, perfectly seated in the middle. Sociology was one of my favorite classes. Sociology could just be summed up as asking the question why; why things were the way they were?

Ever since I was a little girl, I was curious about how the world worked. I would ask questions far more mature than what a "regular 10 year old" would ask. It creeped out my fourth grade teacher, and ostracized me from the other students. That, and fact that my mom's values rubbed off on me. Somehow, I juggled being condescending and polite, all at the same time.

Soon, more and more students flooded into the lecture hall. I watched them all; starting with the platinum blonde haired girl with tight black leggings and purple halter top hoodie to the stocky guy with a bright red face and khakis.

"Alright people, take your seats," Professor Barrett announced while walking in.

It was first semester, and I had yet to make a friend in this class. I was a little uncomfortable among the sea of unfamiliar faces, but I tried not to let it show.

After all, Confidence is attractive Avery, wear it proudly.

"Last night, I got to thinking." He paced, arms crossed as he treaded back and forth across the room slowly. It reminded me of a tourist exploring an art museum, studying every piece of art they could see. Except in this case, Professor Barrett was studying us.

"It almost winter break, there's only about two months until your final. So, there's really no point in giving you all a bunch of assignments when the project is going to require all of your attention," his tone matter-of-fact.

Silence rolled into the class while Professor Barrett took a few minutes to think.

After a few minutes of deep thinking, his words cut through the dead air.

"I'm just going to tell you all now. It's a group project, and you're not going to like it."

The mass of students groaned and erupted into fits of frustrations.

His laugh was dry.

"Oh forgive me, I forgot you all were babies with credit cards," he scoffed.

Professor Barrett had moved to behind his desk, and was typing away at his computer. Seconds later, a powerpoint popped up onto the projector.

"Sociology is the study of social problems. And that's what you're going to do; in groups of 5, you will design your own experiment relating to social interaction, relationships, and or culture. You will ask a question, and create a hypothesis. The reason I am introducing you to this project this early is because a considerable amount of research will need to be conducted."

Why did I think today was going to be great?

"I want numbers, facts, an interview with a professional psychologist, sociologist, philosopher- someone that shares majority of the group's viewpoint!" A bit of spittle flew from his lips.

I cocked my head to the side.

Professor Barrett is having a little trouble hiding his excitement.

"After you have finished your analysis, you will hand in a detailed, 12pt font report explaining your research and each person's stance on the topic. By then, we will have 2 days before the final, in which each day four groups will present their discoveries to the class. These should be about 15 to 30 minute presentations."

The entire class was in complete shock. It all sounded like a massive headache.

"Now, the part you all have probably been dreading, your group members."

He reached under a desk and quickly scibbled on a notepad.

"I had made the groups before this class, but just did a bit of switching. There will be 12 groups of five."

Taking a small sip of water before clearing his throat, "Group one: Reyna Shields, Drake Young, Ellie Thomas, Lucas Q, and Gavin O'haro."

"Group two: Serena Morrison, Will Callahan, Cora.."

I needed fo think, so I zoned out. Typically, group members are useless, and I couldn't risk a bad grade on the final.

Tomorrow, I can spitball and see what project I come with. But I'll also need to take some time to look up professionals in the area. From there, I can start-

"Group seven: Natalie Royal, Tyler Forbes, Avery Taylor, Gina Williams, and Blake Masterson."

I looked up, trying to make out my group members from their facial reactions. Unfortunately, I only managed to pinpoint two. Natalie Royal was the slim redhead with blue eyes in the front off to the left that grimaced when Professor Barrett stated her group members. The three other girls around her pouted shortly after, I guess it was because their names didn't follow after hers.

The other was Tyler Forbes. He was on the right side of the class, opposite to the door. Feet propped up on the seat in front of him, he was stretched out as if this was his home. He had raven black curls, and a blank expression on his face.

I knew it was him because the moment his name was called, he jolted out of his nap in alarm.

I rested my chin in the palm of my hand defeated.

If my other two partners were anything like the ones I had already seen..

I felt something bounce off my head. I looked around for the culprit, and saw a crumpled piece of paper resting on the floor. I snatched it, unfolded the crinkley mess.

I found it very rude when you stormed off two days ago. Wouldn't even let a guy apologize.. technically it was your fault for not paying attention, but that's in the past. Anyway, just wanted to say that I can't wait to work with you.... partner ;).

P.S. look to the right, and up..

I glanced over my shoulder and saw the very same guy who crashed into me the other day. He wore the same cocky grin he had on the last time I saw him. His smile revealed perfectly white teeth. I hated the fact that I noticed his bronze skin was a tiny bit darker from the other day, and how his nose was straight and his jaw strong. He was the most attractive man I had ever seen, and he was staring at me. What was even worse was that somewhere deep inside, a part of me liked it.

I abruptly turned around. I felt all kinds of heat crawl up my neck.

I'm screwed...