I slumped in the car seat next to my best
friend, Tanner Strick, struggling to finish my Algebra
homework before we pulled up into the school parking lot. I
scribbled down the last answer, slammed the book shut, and
looked up just as we turned into the parking spot. I gathered
my books and binder, and shoved the door open.
Around me, numerous groups of girls stood
gossiping. A few noticed me and gave me a little wave. I set
my books on the hood on Tanner's pickup, and surveyed the
area around me, looking for Brandon. I saw him, and I
wasn't very surprised where he was.
He was surrounded by three quarters
of the cheerleading squad, flirting. I ran my hands through
my hair just as Jewel ran up to me. Her blond hair was pulled
back into a ponytail.
"Cam," she breathed, flashing me
a bright smile.
"Hi." I said quietly,
"What's up?"
She smiled again. "Same old. Hey, I
was wondering, Saturday night could you tutor me? I'm
failing English. And maybe we can hit the movies
afterwards." Her sapphire eyes shined, and I shook my
head.
"Sorry." I muttered, picking up
my stuff. "Plans."
She stomped her foot, and gave me puppy dog
eyes. I shook my head again, to prove my point. The warning
bell rang inside the building, and I shot her an apologetic
look.
"Gotta get to
homeroom."
- - -
I wasn't paying any attention as Mrs.
Trelit explained our project to us, which was strange for me.
Most days, I actually was interested in the projects, the
lessons, the homework, but today, I was just out of
it.
I stared out the window at the withering
grass and cloudy skies. Winter was around the corner, and
snow was on its way. The trees were already bare, when it was
only mid November.
"... I will be doing something
different. I will be assigning your
partners."
I was jerked into reality. She was
assigning partners? To me, assigned partners meant
double the work. I almost always got stuck with someone who
insisted they would screw up the whole thing, and had me do
everything. The class groaned.
She began listing off the partners. David
and Jenna. Kylie and Tyler. Julia and Andrew. I zoned out
again, until I heard my name.
"Alice, you'll be with
Cameron." I turned and smiled at her. Oh, what an
adventure this will be.