7

I looked away from him and pretended to listen to the professor who was still engrossed in calling out names. How could she have paired me with a man I was trying so bad to avoid?

Once she was done with calling out the names, she started to give instructions and filled us on the details of the project. "The history of literature, like I said would either cost, or gain you thirty percent of your grades." She began.

"By the end of the semester, you will turn in your researches using a specific person of impact in the progress of literature today. That means, you have so much time on your hands, and I expect each and everyone of you to use their time wisely." She said.

All I could think about was how I could manage to control myself around him. How would I survive without ripping his shirt off, and taking him in. It was all too much for me to bear.

"Now that is said and done, we shall begin with the day's activities." She turned towards the board and began to write.

*

I was done with my first classes for the day and had an hour break before the last class would begin.

I headed out of class, tugging my handbag and placing my head phones around my head.

A slight tap on my shoulder caused me to flinch, as I had not expected the foreign intrusion. I slowly turned and met the eyes of the intruder.

I got rid of my headphones and smiled at Justine. "Well hello there." I called.

He began to walk by my side, leading me out of the classroom. "Sorry to bug you." He apologised, stuffing his hands in his pocket.

If he had an idea the amount of spark he caused me to have just by sticking so close, he would never dare to walk by my side.

"I just wanted to discuss our project partnership, you know how Mrs Havar could get." He said. We both made a turn out towards the coffee shop and I needed no confirmation to understand it was where the conversation would take place.

"Oh really?" I responded with a blank face. I wanted to do my best without blushing at his words. I was particularly intrigued by the fact that he wanted to discuss anything with me. I was looking forward to making conversation with my favorite human.

"Yes please." He offered a friendly smile.

"So," he began, slinging an arm around my neck and pulling me closer to him. I habitually held my breathe in that short instant as the air around me ceased. "I was worried about having to find time to do this project the minute it was announced, so you could not imagine how glad I felt when I heard we had been paired."

He was grateful to have been paired with me. Did this mean he felt what I felt?

"I see." I rolled my eyes to conceal the pleasure that followed his arm around me.

"Well I had no way to explain to whomever would be my project partner, that I would have too many things on my hand to deal with." He said, pausing his walking steps and placing both hands on my shoulders.

My heart raced faster in its slight cage and my head flew in many different directions. "Wh- what are you suggesting?" I could not help the stuttering.

"You know how I'm mostly ever carried away with things that involve Caramel." The sound of her name caused my face to fall and it took every muscle in me to stop a frown from etching my facial features.

"Yeah?" I asked, venom laced in my tone.

"Well, you are her sister and you understand this. So, I might not be as available as I should be with the project." He explained. So that was his point.

"Excuse me?" I brushed my shoulders out of his grip. "This is academics and it has no involvement in your emotional life. I'm not going to work on this all by myself just because you think you have to keep up with time commitment." I proposed, folding my arms across my chest.

"Ally, what are you saying?" He stared at me blankly, blinking in confusion.

"Listen Justine, " I shook my head gently. "I love my sister and..." I trailed off and carefully added, "and I love you too, but, this does not mean I'm going to let you have it get in the way of your responsibility. Life is not all about romance and you know it." I buttressed my point.

He nodded in understanding, "I guess you are right." He scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment. "I apologize for getting carried away. This would equally be on you as it is on me." He smiled and began to back away.

"Thanks for understanding." I returned the smile. He didn't say another word before turning to leave.

I rolled my eyes in his absence and returned to my headphones. This was my chance to get to spend time with him and he was not going to have Caramel take that away from me as well.

With that, I continued towards the coffee shop having made my mind up.

*

The day was over and I sat on a bench outside the parking lot, waiting for Becca to show up so she could take me home. Justine surely would drop Caramel by.

We were lucky to live so close to school. Once we had gained admission, our parents had made it their decision that we moved to a different city just to favour us. Justine, on the other hand lived on campus.

I hated to wait impatiently for my sister whom I'd call thirty minutes ago. She had promised to be here in ten minutes but she still had not showed up.

The sky was promising a rain and I knew if I waited ten minutes longer, it would catch up with me.

I sighed and stood to my feet to find shelter in case Becca had not arrived before the rain started.

Walking towards a huge tree in the middle of the parking lot, I squinted my eyes at a familiar figure. It was no other than Justine, busy with his phone and leaning against his car.

I looked to see if I would see Caramel lurking around but I couldn't. I decided to go with them since they would be heading to my house in the first place.

My hope vanished and was exchanged with worry when I noticed the redness in his eyes as he looked up at me.

"Justine?" I called, "what's wrong?" I inquired to know, taking slower steps towards him.

"Caramel just broke up with me." He informed.