Flightless Bird

Chapter 15 - part 2

"Good afternoon everyone," she said, "I'm Mrs Shart, and this term we will be completing a project about how to create and maintain healthy adult relationships." The class gave a collective groan.

"Now now," Mrs Shart said, "this project will help you make new friends too!" A louder groan. As Lexi rolled her eyes and I tried to avoid Jacob as he tried (in vain) to catch my eyes, Mrs Shart began to explain our new project. We would be put into groups of two girls and two boys. From your group, you would pick a 'spouse', with whom you would try to spend the most time with. At the end of term, the couple who had spent the most time with each other would win. You also have to try to spend time as a four, and with the other person of the same sex in your group. The whole point is to spent time with people to keep a good relationship. When she was done telling us about that project, Miss picked up a big list and began to read out the groups we would be in.

"Clark, Anna, Jacob and Bree," she said. I saw Jacob shoot me a desperate look, and at the same time Anna flipped her hair at him and shot me a smug look. Miss carried on, until she got to the last group. I looked up when I heard my name,

"Lexi, Adam, Kerri and Jayson." Lexi grinned at me, and as soon as Miss told us to move into our groups I smiled at Adam as he slid down in the seat in front of me, just as Jacob walked past, still trying to catch my eye.

"Looks like we'll be spending a lot of time together," Adam said, mock-seductively. Lexi smiled even wider when Jayson sat down next to Adam.

"Hey Lex. Will you be my 'spouse'?" he asked her.

"Sure," she said, trying to play it cool. Her crimson blush betrayed her though.

"Adam?" I asked. He nodded, leaning closer to me.

"Sorry you don't get to go with your boyfriend, but aren't I the next best thing?" I laughed, and Adam looked over his shoulder. When I had recovered I followed his gaze over to where Jacob was sat next to Clark, obviously trying to ignore Anna. I could see Clark was deep in conversation with Bree, and I knew who that left Jacob with. I got a weird knot in my stomach and my head started to ache as I watched Anna try to get his attention. Finally, he looked towards her and nodded. My heart dropped. I knew I shouldn't really be jealous, but I couldn't help it. In all honesty, I didn't want him anywhere near her. But I had no choice.