5–Game of Acquaintance

Today, their first lecture was Psychology.       

Evy was genuinely excited. Mrs. Natalia always made them do something new in every session. Even if some activities turned out to be repetitive for her, she didn’t mind. Psychology was one class she always enjoyed.

“Well, hello, class,” Mrs. Natalia greeted warmly. “As you know, today is our first workshop session. Before we begin, I want you all to know that this workshop is different. We’ll be doing many activities, and for it to work, I’ll need your full participation. I guarantee that each one of you will enjoy it.”      

“Of course, Mrs. Natalia,” Victor grinned. “If you are teaching, enjoyment is guaranteed.”

      

Mrs. Natalia rolled her eyes.

    

“So,” she continued, “I have written every girl’s name on these slips. Each boy will come forward and pick one. The name you pick will be your partner for all the activities in this workshop.”      

“But,” Evy spoke, “last year you let us choose our own partners.”    

“Well,” Mrs. Natalia smiled knowingly, “this time there’s a change in plan.”      

Evy felt uneasy. She had a strange, sinking feeling in her stomach. She silently prayed she wouldn’t be paired with him.             

One by one, the boys walked up and picked a slip.

Evy felt relieved when she saw Hailey’s name on Owen’s paper. That would help them get to know each other better. To be honest, it was during this workshop, her bond with Owen grew stronger.

Now, only a few girls were left. Evy was one of them. Eddy—uh, Edward—was next.

      

She bit her lip, watching him carefully, hoping with everything in her that her name wouldn’t be on that paper.      

Luck, however, wasn’t on her side. Edward Loraine was her partner for the rest of the workshop.

      

She was bloody stuck with him.      

“Well, looks like we’re partners,” Edward said cheerfully, sliding into the seat beside her.

      

“Lucky me,” she replied with fake enthusiasm.      

She caught the flicker of hurt in his eyes. He shook it off quickly and gave her that familiar, charming smile.      

A year ago, that smile would have melted her. Not anymore. Things have changed.

“So—” Mrs. Natalia interrupted her thoughts. “Today we’re going to play an acquaintance game. Evy and Owen, I know you’ve played this before, but since you have different partners this time, it’ll be a completely new experience. So—no complaints.”

      

Evy didn’t argue. It was new, being paired with her ex–best friend.      

“I’ll give you all thirty minutes to get to know your partner,” Mrs. Natalia continued. “Talk about basic things, personal experiences, or anything you want. You might think it’s boring, but trust me—you don’t know half the things about each other. These thirty minutes are yours. Use them wisely.”      

The timer started. Around them, pairs chatted and laughed.      

Twelve months ago, Evy and Eddy would’ve been doing the same.     

Now? Silence.

“Well,” Edward finally said nervously, “we’re supposed to talk.”    

“Alright,” Evy replied flatly. “I’m Evelyn Brook. You’re Edward Loraine. We’re the same age, live next door, and went to the same school until last year. I’m done talking.” She glared at him.      

“Evy,” he sighed.      

“Look, Edward,” she said calmly, “we already know each other. We’ve known each other for years. So, unless you have any questions, I don’t see what there is to talk about.”      

Thirty minutes passed. Neither of them spoke a single word.      

Now, Mrs. Natalia asked each student to stand and speak about their partner for a minute and a half.      

She called Hailey and Owen first.

They spoke sweetly about each other and honestly? It was adorable.     

Then Mrs. Natalia turned to Evy. “Evelyn,”       

Evy stood. That meant she had to speak about Edward.     

“Well,” she began, “his name is Edward Loraine. He’s the same age as me. We live next door and have been in the same school since kindergarten. He loves football and basketball. He’s also good at ice skating—though, of course, Owen is better.” She paused deliberately. “His favorite color is emerald green. His best friend is Carson, who is basically his partner in crime. Eddy—Edward—adores kids and dogs…”      

Her voice hardened.      

“He’s the player of this school and, like the rest of them, one of the biggest jerks here. He’s only ever been loyal to one person—Carson—and forgot about everyone else. He believes the world revolves around him and—”      

“Your time is up, Evy,” Mrs. Natalia interrupted gently.      

Evy shrugged and sat down. She could have gone on. She could have revealed more of his true colors. But Mrs. Natalia had sensed her frustration. And she knew Evy’s past in this school—she didn’t need explanations.      

Now it was Edward’s turn. Mr. A-class jerk.      

“There’s a lot to say about Evy,” he began. “She’s one of the brightest girls here. Her favorite color is red—specifically, blood red. She’s outgoing and loves to travel. She has a soft spot for sweets…” He paused, then continued, his voice sincere. “Anyone would be lucky to have her as a friend. She’s too good for most people. Her caring, sweet, and loving nature makes her different from everyone else—”      

“Your time is up, too, Edward,” Mrs. Natalia said.     

Evy was stunned. He remembered everything. Every detail—her favorite color, her habits, even things she hadn’t realized mattered.

She didn’t know what to say. And that made her even more aggrieved.

     

As he sat down, he leaned closer and whispered, “I never forgot you and Hailey.”

The activity was enjoyable—for Eddy, at least. He was glad she still remembered him. All his likes. All his dislikes. He even noticed her slip-up. She called him Eddy before correcting herself. She had tried to sound bored for the class, but he knew better. He knew she had enjoyed speaking about him, even when she insulted him. Every word she said was true. 

     

And when he spoke about her, he meant every word. He had never forgotten Evy or Hailey. They had been his best friends for too long for that.    

Yes, he had taken them for granted. But not anymore. Her mind hadn’t changed yet, but he wouldn’t give up. He would win them back. Both of them. And maybe, just maybe, he could befriend Owen too. He seemed like a good guy.