“They could never make me hate you”

LUTON PREP BOARDING SCHOOL MANHATTAN

11 YEARS AGO, TWO WEEKS BEFORE SPRING BREAK AND THE BENOIT AND DALTON CAR CRASH.

“You’re late Elsida,” Professor Muton raises his eyebrow as she steps into the classroom.

Students snicker and mumble incoherent words as she stalks to the only empty seat situated in front of the classroom.

Her leg skids to a stop when she notices the occupant of the seat next to hers. Julien’s head is bowed, oblivious to the murmurs around him. His gaze rooted to the phone in his hands.

“Shit,” Elsida murmurs when she pulls the seat out. She gingerly takes her seat and keeps her eyes trained on the digital board.

Julien flicks his head up and his gaze settles on her. Elsida shuts her palms tightly and her gaze remains firmly planted on the board. However, her skin heats up from the intensity of his stare.

“Now where was I? You will work together with your peers in groups of two for this project. It's on Othello, you’ll have two weeks to create your rendition of the e