31. Project partners

VIENNE’S POV

We lost.

Minerva's high lost the game.

The students’ quietly gossiped in vexation. They carefully whispered still as though they were wronged but still afraid of saying so much about the game but I had already heard just enough about it.

The school team lost to star's academy because of the soccer's quarterback. The information had me frowning; if anything Ryan was a good soccer player, but how he had been the reason for the lost game was beyond me and I couldn't even ask anyone.

All I know is, yesterday's evening with Dawn made my Day. A sigh of content escaped my lips as fragments of the shopping hangout came into my mind again and I envisioned how it would have been with a kid sister around.

“Afternoon class!!” A laughter boomed after greeting. “How has your day been? I hope you all are ready for your project work, huh??!” Mr Kenneth's uncouthly announced as he entered the class just as usual and that had me rolling my eyes.

One, I'm sure no one in the class is excited about the project and two, his class is always boring. He's dramatic when teaching but he can't deny half of the class is always dozing off halfway to the class. It's not his fault, guess it's the subject.

“Hello, Mr Kenneth” the students grumbled back the greeting.

And the class began.

“Yeah” he finally announced after a while, checking his wristwatch. “We have twenty minutes left for the class and I'd be pairing you up for your project. Listen up! And note your topics” he settled a sheet of paper before him and murmurs of excitement broke out from students who were dozing off a few seconds ago.

“Clara Wellington and Raymond Hales.”

“Shawn Bryce and Madison Baldwin”

By the tenths partners, I rolled my eyes once more. Mr Kenneth was practically pairing up seat partners. What's the point of calling out their names, just give seat partners their topics. 

Giddiness settled upon me too at the thought of working and being paired up with Calloway. I stole a look at him through a side glance but the loser seemed unbothered with everything going on around as he typed away on his phone.

I sighed once more. In content and relief.

Instinctively feeling just fine with working with him as project partners; a small smile broke out on my face before it was replaced by a frown in seconds. What's wrong with you Reyes?

I calmly watched with no expression as Ryan and Amelia got paired. With no feeling either, and it had me wondering. A few minutes later…

“Vienne Reyes and Damon Calloway. ‘Local business digital makeov_”

“I don't think that fair, Mr Kenneth.” Someone interrupted the teacher grimly which had one wondering what could have vexed them so much. 

Eyes and heads turned towards the source of the objection and I sneered at Alex who had the nerve to adjust his glasses.

“Why, Mr Monroe?” Mr. Kenneth sneered too, obviously not pleased with the rude disruption.

“I believe this project should also help to socialize and mix with the rest of the class and not just with our seat partners.”

“Your point?” Mr Kenneth threw at him.

“I don't support the idea of having our seat partners as our project partners. If we could be randomly paired, while carrying out the project, we could also get to kn_”

“I don't care about socializing and knowing yourselves Mr Monroe. This isn't social studies and I'm leaving it to your homeroom teacher about your socializing affairs “ he almost snapped. “And this is no matchmaking process” 

I don't know what annoyed the teacher so much. But he was so pissed replying to Alex; perhaps his rudeness which accompanied the interruption. Whatever it is made me happy. 

Why would he suddenly object to the pairing just when it was I and Calloway's turn? The incident from the corridor some days ago came to my mind and how he had grabbed my arm asking stupid questions. It even gave me chills. Was he hoping I would get paired with him? Tsk! Delusional 

“So please let's continue. Listen to your topic. Vienne Reyes and Damon Calloway. Local business makeover” Mr Kenneth said as he continued from where he stopped, looking away from Alex who I happened to catch throwing a malicious gaze at our side. No, at Damon, who's still on his cellphone. Does he even know we've been paired?? Such audacity!

“Mr Calloway!” The teacher suddenly snapped again, like he's had enough of us for today. His outburst had finally caught my seat partner's attention. “Would you please put your phone away and give me my respect and your attention as I'm still here?” He asked, displeased.

“My bad.” Damon murmured, slipping his phone into his pockets. His eyes strayed to my side before looking away to the front of the class.

The brief moment our eyes locked made me realize the exhaustion in them. Like he's currently handling a lot.

I shook my head, looking away to find Amelia's eyes dancing between me and Ryan. They would glint with hostility when they fell on me. But it was subtle, like she was careful not to draw some attention. Ryan's. It wouldn't be funny if he catches his girlfriend fuming ‘cause of another guy right beside him.

I scoffed.

Right to her face.

If it were before, I would have felt bad and uncomfortable. Alex had been her crush, I knew how much she liked him but I can't control whatever goes on in the guy's head and mind. She'd taken the aggression out on me instead when it's not even my fault. That's her business. That's their business.

Two idiots.

I rolled my eyes at her before looking away, scribbling on my note.

“ Your class governor would reach out to you later for the details of your topic. And your test is coming up soon.” Mr Kenneth announced after he was done pairing us up. “Prepare. You better prepare.” He adjusted his slacks before walking out.