Dani POV
I stood in disbelief as I heard who my partner for Mr Grant's project was . I couldn't believe what I had just heard, I had to see for myself.
I ran to the administration office to check for myself in the announcement board . And behold it was true , the universe was really against me .
I was partnered with my worst enemy, my academic rival, Ethan Blake. I stood there looking at the board hoping that my eyes were deceiving me, I felt a presence beside me and behold it was Ethan looking at the board with a smirk on his face.
He turned to me, "try not to drag me down" he said still maintaining that dumb smile on this face
"Funny how you would think so since I have been dragging you along academically for two years now I said and walked away.
In the class
Mr Grant passed our questions sheet round the class.
"This project counts for thirty percent of your grade so I expect all of you to take it seriously" he said as he distributed the question sheet.
Mr Grant dropped my question on my desk, " I expect something very impressive since you both have the highest grades in school" he said to me and Ethan who by the way is now sharing the same desk with me because of the project. Why does this day keep becoming worse?
We both nodded, putting on fake smiles
As soon as Mr Grant walked away from our desk, without warning Ethan snatched the sheet from my hand and started reading it.
"Ever heard of the word 'asking' I snapped
"Just trying to avoid unnecessary delay"he mummured while still scanning the sheet.
" we should divide the work, I will handle the research and arrangement and you ••• I guess you can manage the visuals.
"And who do u think you are sharing the work after all am smarter than you" I said
He shrugged, leaning back in the chair like he own it. "I don't want you messing up this project, it is after all our most important project"
"You are unbelievable" I said choking on my rage
The entire class could hear us arguing. I swear, someone muttered that we were going to kill each other one day. And honestly? I wasn't sure they were wrong.
Ethan leaned closer, invading my space. Look Rivera, this project doesn't have to be painful just do as I say and you won't slow me down.
"Slow you down?" I stood so quickly my chair screeched earning me a warning look from Mr Grant.
"You wish after all you have been trying to catch up to me 'second place' I said.
Ethan looked at me with the familiar that says I hate this girl. "We'll see, see you in the library after school" Ethan said carrying his backpack over his shoulder and left the class.
I stared after him feeling the familiar irritation. This four weeks project was going to be the longest four weeks of my life.
****
The library
I walked into the library replaying the partner's announcement like a tragic movie in my head. And of course, since my life is a sitcom there he was seated at a table near the window like he owns the entire library.
He glanced up as I approached him.
"Wow you are only five minutes late, I'm impressed" he said.
"I'm not late, you are early" I muttered, dropping my bag on the floor a little harder than necessary.
Ethan cleared his throat, " okay let's talk strategy".
" I have one, you let me do the project myself and you just show up for the presentation" I said.
"Please, you can't even tie your shoelace properly," he said, staring at my shoe.
"Excuse me?I can tie my shoelace just fine" I said, voice sharp, irritation visible on my face.
"Quiet," a sharp voice said behind us. We both jumped like guilty tobblers. The librarian glared at us before walking away, it was terrifying.
I finally grabbed the sheet. "Fine we should split everything straight; research, visual, arrangement and writing. Fifty fifty"
"Fifty fifty?" he lifted a brow.
"Are you sure you can keep up with me?" Ethan said
"The question should be, if you can keep with me" I challenged
Ethan leaned closer to me, irritation flickering in his eyes yet his voice lowered in a way that made my pulse betray me. "Try me"
For a moment neither of us looked away. The room felt tense, electric, like something was shifting between us.
Then Ethan smirked and moved away.
"Great, we should get started," he said.
It took me some moment to compose myself.
"Yes, I gu..ess so," I said.
Ethan laughed, "you're funnier when you're panicking".
"I'm not panicking," I said.
"Yesh sure" he said sarcastically
I lifted the project sheet, " can we focus before I actually commit a crime"
"Sure" Ethan laughed.
I hated the fact that I didn't hate the sound as much as I should.