Chapter 9: Avery & Bryson

Avery's POV

I arrived at Mr. Kevinson's classroom five minutes early, which was becoming my standard practice. Advanced Chem was already challenging enough without the added stress of walking in late and drawing attention to myself.

Mr. Kevinson was at his desk grading papers, his gray hair slightly disheveled as usual. He looked up when I approached.

"Miss Whitmore," he said with a small smile. "You're becoming quite the early bird."

"I was wondering if I could ask you about something," I said, setting my backpack down carefully. "About extra credit opportunities."

His eyebrows rose. "Extra credit? You're sitting at a 98% average after barely two weeks. I'm not sure you need to worry about that."

Heat crept up my neck. "It's not that I'm worried about my grade. It's more about college applications. I'm trying to get into some competitive programs, and I want to show initiative in my strongest subjects."

Mr. Kevinson leaned back in his chair, studying me with the kind of attention that made me think he was really seeing me for the first time.

"Your strongest subject," he repeated. "You know, in twenty-three years of teaching, I can count on one hand the number of students who've grasped molecular orbital theory as quickly as you did yesterday."

"Thank you, sir."

""Where are you thinking of applying?"

"UPenn and Northwestern are my top choices. Both have really good chemistry programs."

"Any particular area of chemistry you're interested in?" he asked.

I smiled. "I'm thinking maybe biochemistry or forensic chemistry, but I'm still exploring my options."

His expression shifted to something that looked almost like excitement. "Smart choices. Forensic chemistry especially - there's always something new to figure out, always a puzzle to solve."

"Yeah, exactly," I said, feeling myself relax for the first time all morning. 

"Well, Miss Whitmore, I think I might have something better than extra credit for you." He glanced at the clock. "Students will be arriving soon, but I was planning to make an announcement today about a special program. Why don't you take your seat, and we'll discuss details after class?"

I nodded and headed to my usual spot in the third row, right side. As other students filtered in, I found myself genuinely curious about what Mr. Kevinson had in mind. Whatever it was, from the way his eyes had lit up when he talked about it, it was going to be good.

Bryson walked in about thirty seconds before the bell rang, his hair still damp from what was probably a rushed shower after morning practice. He didn't look in my direction, but I felt his presence like a magnetic field I couldn't quite ignore.

I forced myself to focus on my notebook as Mr. Kevinson called for attention.

"Before we dive into equilibrium constants today," he began, "I have an exciting announcement. This semester, our Advanced Chemistry program is piloting a new partnership competition."

My pen stilled on the page.

"Students will be paired up to work together throughout the semester, culminating in a practical demonstration that showcases both partners' understanding of key concepts."

He moved to the whiteboard and started writing. "Now, for the incentives. The winning partnership will receive several rewards."

I leaned forward despite myself.

"First, a certificate of academic excellence that will be noted on your permanent transcript. Second, letters of recommendation from both myself and Principal Hayes…letters that I can personally guarantee will be glowing, as I'll only write them for students who've truly earned them."

My pulse quickened. Letters of recommendation from both a teacher and a principal would be incredible for college apps.

"And finally," Mr. Kevinson said, turning back to face the class with what could only be described as a dramatic pause, "the winning pair will receive automatic A's in this course for the entire semester."

An automatic A. In Advanced Chem. Guaranteed.

I could feel myself almost salivating.

"Partners will be assigned randomly," Mr. Kevinson continued. "I'll be announcing partnerships tomorrow, along with more details about the competition. May the best pair win. Questions?"

Several hands went up, but I was too busy mentally calculating how much this could help my applications, to pay attention to the answers. An automatic A, plus glowing recommendations, plus the transcript notation…

This was exactly what I needed.

~0~

Bryson's POV

The second Mr. Kevinson finished explaining the competition, I knew exactly what I had to do.

This was it. This was my way in.

I sat through the rest of class barely listening to anything about equilibrium constants, my mind racing through possibilities. When the bell rang, I lingered, pretending to pack up slowly while other students filed out.

Avery was one of the first to leave, but not before stopping briefly at Mr. Kevinson's desk. I couldn't hear what they said, but I saw him nod and gesture toward his grade book.

Perfect. She was interested.

Once the classroom was empty except for me and Mr. Kevinson, I approached his desk.

"You seem distracted lately," he said without looking up from his papers.

I winced. Two weeks in and my teachers were already noticing I wasn't on my game.

"That's actually why I wanted to talk to you," I said quickly. "About the partnerships. I was hoping I could request a specific partner."

Now Mr. Kevinson did look up. "The whole point is the random assignment, Mr. Gray. Fair competition."

"I know, but—" I took a breath and tried to look as sincere as possible. "Look, I'm going to be honest with you. I can already tell I'm going to struggle in this class if I don't get some serious help. And if my grades start slipping, Coach will bench me."

"Two weeks is hardly enough time to determine—"

"I failed the last quiz," I interrupted. "And I barely understood yesterday's lesson on molecular orbital theory. Everyone knows Avery Whitmore is the smartest person in this class."

Mr. Kevinson's expression didn't change. "Miss Whitmore is indeed an exceptional student."

"So you'll pair us up?"

"Like I said, it’s meant to be random to be fair, Mr. Gray."

My stomach dropped. "But—"

"However," he continued, "I can't ignore the reality that some pairings might be more... advantageous than others. And more importantly, I can't ignore that if our star quarterback fails, I'll have Principal Hayes, Coach Williams, and probably half the school board in my office asking why I didn't do everything possible to prevent it.”

I tried not to look too relieved.

"If I pair you with Miss Whitmore, I expect you to take this seriously. This isn't study hall where you can coast by on your charm. She's a serious student with serious goals, and I won't have her progress hindered by someone who isn't willing to put in the work."

"I'll work hard," I said. "I promise."

Mr. Kevinson studied me for a long moment. "I'll announce partnerships tomorrow. I suggest you start reviewing your notes tonight. You're going to need all the help you can get."

I nodded and headed for the door, trying not to look as victorious as I felt.

"Oh, and Mr. Gray?"

I turned back.

"If I find out you requested this partnership for any reason other than academic improvement, you'll find yourself working alone for the rest of the semester. Are we clear?"

"Crystal clear, sir."

As I walked out of the classroom, I couldn't help but smile. Phase one: complete.