Project Partners

My legs ached as I hurried to the lecture room. 

I was back to school on Monday and I'd left home since Sunday.

I took in a quick breath and walked into the class.

Posters and fliers were everywhere about James Hunter, the celebrity king's birthday.

Such a dumb ass, posting his upcoming birthday date and event on campus.

And yet no one is talking about it. That's the reason why he gets more rude and arrogant as each day passes by.

My breath hitched as I felt the urge to check the posters.

I took in a deep breath, released it and walked towards one of it, not minding the eyes that were on me.

I placed my hand on it and was reading through the details.

"It's my birthday on Saturday, see you guys at Tom's hall...."

And then I got interrupted by the voice I was trying so hard to forget.

"I can't believe my enemy is one of my secret admirers." James voiced out.

I let out a short soft chuckle." In your dream." I replied, walking away.

"We are off to the same class. Come on and wait for a course mate." He said.

"Not all course mates are to be waited for." I replied and hurried away.

"Stop playing too hard." He screamed out, loud enough to hear.

I scoffed. What an asshole!

My eyes scanned the lecture hall as I entered. 

Finally landing on the two people I was looking for. Emile and Ivy.

I walked towards them and sat on the chair they left out for me in between them.

The class went dead silent immediately the lecturer stepped in.

"There will be a compulsory semester project,  it must be done in pairs, grades are serious, no changing partners." The lecturer announced.

I nodded and held Ivy's arm. " You are going to be my partner. " I said.

"What about me?" Emile asked.

"Ooh come on baby girl there are a lot of guys in here waiting to be your partner." Ivy and I said at the same time.

I covered my mouth to stop the urge to laugh, listening to the lecturer. 

"There would be no best friend pairing this time, I would give your class rep the names I have paired." The lecturer suddenly said.

I blinked. "Why would he do that?" I said turning to face Ivy.

She shrugged. " It's not right?". Ivy replied.

"Totally wrong." Emile chipped in.

"Go over to the hall, the class rep would tell you who you're paired to there." The lecturer said and walked out.

"The man is undecidable." Emile commented as we walked out of the class.

"I need to go back to the dorm guys." I said looking at them.

"Why?" Ivy said.

"I forgot my project journal, I will be back in a jiffy." I responded and hurriedly walked away.

I pushed open the door of the room and searched my bag for the journal.

I exhaled and quickly walked out of the room.

"Your partner is James Hunter." The class rep said the minute I stepped into the hallway.

"How?" I said, watching him walk past without a reply.

Shit! That was the last person on my mind.

I dragged my legs behind me as I walked to the hall.

"Why do you keep stalking me, girl." James said, walking towards me.

"I can't ever imagine myself doing that." I replied.

He chuckled. "I love girls who talk back. They make things interesting." He said, staring hard at me.

"Bull shit. " I replied, my hand on my handbag.

"Hey." Ivy called out walking towards us.

"Yes babe." I replied and turned to her.

"I..I..Can I see you for a second." She said,

My brows drew together. " Are you fine?" I asked.

"Yes, just for a second." She replied.

"Alright, fine." I mouthed.

"I would be waiting for you in the café."  James said and walked away.

"What's wrong?" I asked as she held my hands.

"Is James truly your partner?" She asked gently, rubbing my hands.

"Yes." I said.

Her eyes widened and she bent down her face like she was struggling to breathe.

"Are you alright?" I asked, placing my hand on her head.

"I'm fine." She said and walked out of the hall in a haste.

I sniffed. I don't think it's the right idea to go after her. Maybe she just needs space.

I held tight my handbag and walked to the café.

My eyes scanned the field when it eventually landed on him.

His back was turned toward me but I knew he was busy on something.

I got closer and noticed he was on his phone.

"What took you so long." He said tucking his phone into his cross bag.

"Don't ask me questions you know the answers to." I replied and opened my journal.

He slightly nodded and kept his mouth shut.

My eyes scanned round. Everywhere was filled with students, they were either eating or chatting while some were even doing the both.

"I don't think we can study here, it's too rowdy." I said shifting my gaze to James.

I watched as he softly bit his lower lip.

"Hmmmm, all we need is proper preparation to win the titrating competition and get the highest score right? He said, picking his words.

"Yes you know that already." I replied, my eyes fixed on him.

He gazed at his wristwatch. "It's 5:02pm already. Today is gone, tomorrow we can start the preparation after I get the equipment we need." He concluded his emerald eyes boring into mine.

I looked away. " Alright fine we meet on the field tomorrow. " I replied.

"Okay." He replied.

Silence stretched between us even though the café was noisy.

Sweats ran down my spine as I felt his boring eyes on me.

I took in a quick breath trying to focus on the journal but his eyes wouldn't let me.

"I hate when people stare at me too much." I said breaking the silence.

He quietly chuckled. "You're a beautiful girl, your boyfriend is really lucky to have you but I'd prefer taller girls." He mouthed, focusing on my face without changing position. 

"To hell with whoever is your type, guy." I replied, my eyes boring into his green forest eyes.

Suddenly his phone buzzed. He checked it briefly and his eyes lifted back to me.

"I enjoyed your company more than I expected, Clara." He concluded, forcing a smile and walked away.

I blinked. He just called me Clara again. I need answers on how he got to know all of this.

I looked up to call him back when I saw he was far gone.

When on earth am I going to ask him how he knew my name?

I exhaled. I'm going to get to the root of all this one day.

I rose up, packed my journals and flung my handbag over my shoulders.

I was about to walk out of the café when my phone beeped. It was a message from an unknown person.

"Keep your eyes open. Not everything is what it seems."