CHAPTER 9: He is my partner

The class fell silent, curiosity filling the air, glancing at each other.

Mrs. Anabella continued, "You're going to choose your partner from your hands." She showed a glass jar

The students stared at each other in shock, the atmosphere charged with surprise and uncertainty. This wasn't a typical assignment. 

Evangeline leaned over to Zoey, a wry smile twisting her lips, and murmured, "Are we in university or kindergarten? It's like she thinks we're still kids." 

Zoey nodded, watching her professor, chewing the gum, and tapping her pen against her notebook. "I was hoping for a regular lecture today. This feels like P.E."

Mrs. Anabella, ignoring the mutterings, continued, "I've written all the boys' names in this jar. Each girl has to pick one. That'll be your partner for the project." 

A wave of whispers washed over the classroom. Some girls giggled with excitement, already eyeing potential partners. Others expect their crush's name. Everyone excitedly awaited their turn to take the jar. 

Evangeline rolled her eyes, already fearing the instability that would ensue. She tapped her fingers on the desk, her thoughts divided between the classroom and the person from the previous night. Was this just a prank? Is someone playing with me? Or something worse? She tried to shake off the thought. Concentrate, Eve... Concentrate...

Rachel was the first to volunteer on the stage, with a bright smile and confidence. She dives her hand into the jar and pulls out a slip of paper. "Mike!" she announced, her voice a mingled with relief and slight disappointment.

Mike, causally leaning back in his chair, gave a calm and nonchalant shrug.

The names continued to be drawn. Lisa, with a dramatic flourish, declared her partner to be "Henry!" Henry, a shy guy with glasses, turned bright red. The tension in the hall thickened with each draw.

With confidence, Zoey walks forward, her steps purposeful and definite. She digs through a stack of papers before finally selecting one from the jar, a sly grin spreading across her lips. "Harry!" she declared, casting a playful wink.

Harry, known for his charm, responded with a cheeky wink of his own.

One by one, names were called. Some females yelled with excitement while others complained in despair.

Finally, it was Evangeline's turn. Her heart raced extremely fast, and she could hear each beat echoing in her chest. She walked to the front, each step feeling heavier than the last step. Nate, leaning back in his chair with a cool manner, watched the gentle sway of her skirt, the flash of long legs with each step, and the click-clack of her high heels on the polished tails all held his attention completely. GOD......I hope I draw a good one, Evangeline thought, her palms sweating as she reached into the jar, her fingers trembling as she watched folded slips of paper.

She finally pulled one out; the clock sounds tick-tock on the wall seemed to mock her breath, catching in her breath as she unfolded that paper." Nathaniel," she said. The name stays in her mind like a fire. Her eyes flew up to meet Nate's gaze for just a brief moment. He responded with a slow, knowing smirk that sent a shiver down her spine. Quickly, she looked away to cut down his eye contact, feeling her cheeks heat up.

A  silence fell over the room. All eyes were on Evangeline and Nate. Some girls looked jealous of her, and others looked surprised. Luna and Zoey's eyes were fully open in shock.

"Okay, Eve, take your seat," Mrs. Anabella said, breaking the silence. "Next!"

Zoey leaned over with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Lucky you, Eve. Fates have a strange sense of comedy."

Evangeline looked away and forced a smile. It didn't quite reach her eyes. "Mock me all you want. I'm going to make his life miserable with this project," she said, crossing her arms, trying to project an air of confidence.

"This seems to be too much! My man is innocent. He did nothing, You chose him," Luna pretended to be horrified.

"Who's cares?  Evangeline said, rolling her eyes. Inside, however, her mind raced. What am I going to do? Please help God. .... Even though I spoke confidently. In reality, I was scared of him as hell. I don't know why.

Nate, still smirking, remains, he thought to himself. Well, well... This should be interesting, This is desinity.

The class continued, but for Evangeline, the game was far from over. It had just begun.

The next lecture began, but Evangeline's mind remained trapped in a whirlwind of thoughts about the previous night and the future project with Nate. How am I supposed to work with her? she wondered, her brow furrowed in concentration. I have no idea how to approach him. Maybe... I can ask him after lunch.

Evangeline imagined herself walking up to him, rehearsing the words in her head, but it felt awkward. No, that won't work. She sighed and shut her eyes in frustration, bubbling inside her.

Nate, meanwhile, was having his internal parley. It's happening, he thought, a glint of disbelief crossing his mind. She’s going to be my partner. I mean... my communication partner, he corrected quickly in his mind. This is going to be interesting. A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. Before we dive into the actual work, let’s take a moment to have some fun.. He leaned back in his chair, pretending to be watching his phone.

Evangeline, still lost in her thoughts, took out her phone and quickly typed a message. "Hi, Aaron, where are you right now?" she texted.

A few seconds later, her phone buzzed with a message sound. Without delay, she picked up her phone as she waited for his message. After watching her wide smile fade, she read, "I'm at Dad's office. I'll be back this afternoon for practice."

"Um... okay," Evangeline replied, a hint of disappointment in her tone. and face. She switched off her phone. She looked over at Nate, who was chatting excitedly with his friends, a carefree smile spread across his face.