ERA- Ross Lynch

Chapter 9: The Project

Emmaline's POV:

I just hope I don't get a stranger for my partner, I thought to myself.

"I'll be assigning you into groups of two, one male and one female for the most part." Mrs Hoffman explained.

Ok that's not too bad, I know more males than females in this class anyay. I know the three Lynch brothers compared to just Marcie and Angel. Mrs Hoffman began to rattle off names.

"Marcie Thomason, with Ross Lynch." She said after a few names went by, disappointing me slightly, I guess I just wanted to work with him because we're friendly again.

"Riker Lynch" she sighed, "You're with Angela Jones" a flutter of annoyance passed over not only her face, but Riker's as well. Was this what she was trying to say before class, she was in a flurry of excitement about Riker. But there's no way, couldn't have known.

"It's Angel actually," Angel said, looking far too smug.

Mrs Hoffman continued to rattle off names before finally reaching my own.

"Emmaline Adler, Rocky Lynch." I felt a surge of excitement. I mean, I was hoping to be with Ross, but Rocky is hilarious, this'll be fun.

Mrs Hoffman continued to list partners before beginning to explain what this project will be. Pretty much this will be a sort of semester long project, retelling Great Gatsby in a modern version, coinciding with the chapters we read, and in the end we'll make a phony modern scene. She said we could write it out or act out a little scene. I mean, I'm no great actress but acting seems way easier than writing, I'm hoping Rocky agrees.

"Alright everyone meet up with your partner and go over some ideas, you have two chapters of reading due Wednesday and then your choice assignment, up to our place in the book from wednesday, is due next monday, so make sure to use your time wisely." Mrs Hoffman ordered, seemingly proud of herself for this assignment.

I watched as Rocky pulled his chair from his desk, pushed it up to my desk so that the back of the chair pressed against my desk. He swung his long legs around the chair and sat on it in, almost a straddle, with

a goofy grin plastered on his face.

"Sooooo partner. I vote we act out the scenes, writing the whole chapter over in modern slang, not for me." he said grinning widely.

"Oh no complaints from me, I hate writing" I agreed.

"Ok so, I'm free any afternoon this week, but friday and saturday nights are band practice" Rocky stated, looking almost proud of his commitment to his band.

"Alright how about Wednesday because then we'll have the next two chapters done?" I asked.

"Deal" he finalized.

As Rocky and I took this time to get ahead in our reading and write down ideas, I began to look around the room. Observing the other groups silently. Riker looked utterly uncomfortable as Angel looked thrilled. Mrs Hoffman kept looking over to them seemingly wanting to interrupt, maybe Angel really did interfere.

I peered out the corner of my eye to Marcie and Ross. Her chair was scooted up close to his as she peered over the paper he was writing on. He seems utterly thrilled by their partnership.

"Is there something going on between them?" I asked quietly to Rocky, trying to seem disinterested.

"Oh, he liked her for a while back in Sophomore year but it hadn't worked out, band practices took up most of his time so he didn't have time to look for a girlfriend. Maybe this is his chance though, they look pretty cosy" He noted.

"Mhm" I responded, this discovery was very off putting, but who am I to care, I have Link.

"He said something about trying to impress someone at the party the other night, now that I think about it, it was probably her. Good for him, finally getting back out there." Rocky said, seeming proud of his brother.

"Yeah, good for him." I said trying not to sound too hurt, I really thought I might have a chance with him. I thought he liked me.

~

It's lunch. I should be thrilled. I should be scarfing down this amazing looking PB and J. But no. I'm staring like a creeper at him. But not just him. He's talking to someone, showing off, to Marcie.

The site made my blood boil, I wanted to walk over and tell her to backoff, but I have no right to, he's not mine. Instead I just sat here, grumbling and picking at my sandwich.

As we all began to pack up in preparation for the bell's chime I couldn't help but feel let down. I began to prepare myself for the fact that Ross'll walk Marcie to her next class. And I'll go to sociology alone.

We all stood up upon hearing the bell and headed for the door. I tried to focus ahead of me and not look around desperately hoping Ross will walk up to walk with me. As I approached the door though, an arm pulled me back.

"Trying to get rid of me so soon after forgiving me?" a smiling Ross asked me, making my heart melt at the sight. I shook my head with a slight chuckle.

"Besides, can't leave the room without your personal door opener" he said cheesily, holding the cafeteria door for me.

Ross and I exited the cafeteria, all my fears and jealousy left behind.

~

Hi everyone,

Sorry this chapter is a little short.

It sets up for something pretty big in the next chapter!!

Thank you so much for your support, we're so pleased with how well ERA is doing :)

Stay safe and healthy

Jane and Alex