CHAPTER FOUR

"Is there anything wrong Miss Smith?" Mr Douglas asks.

My throat is tight, and I struggle to find the words to speak, to answer, but how can I talk when the air that is to fuel my words has evaporated from my lungs?

"Miss Smith?"

Mr Douglas's voice sounds like a faint siren to my already pounding ears. I lift my eyes from the paper and shoot my gaze at the boy that I have been trying to avoid making any eye contact with.

Luke's eyes lock with mine. For a moment, the whole world goes silent and disappears, leaving me trapped in the chaotic blue ocean of my adversary's eyes.

I feel the paper being taken away from my grasp, but I am too shocked and too immersed in my traumatic state to notice.

"Group Nine, we have Alicia Smith and Luke Evans."

Luke's eyes widen in surprise. Low catcalls and whispers fill the air.

This can't be happening! This nightmare can't be fucking happening to me!

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I am still frozen in place when Mr Douglas continues to call out the remaining three groups.

What the hell is happening in my life today?!

First of all, it was Sarah's unexpected question to me about mother. Secondly, I am suffering a pain in my left knee, thanks to Luke, the school's hot ass badboy for bumping into me and acting like a complete jerk. Thirdly, I am now paired with him for some stupid art project that I am so sure will determine the final outlook of my almost perfect result.

What sort of bad luck is this?!

"Remember, this project isn't just about the paintings. It is also about discovering more about yourself and your artistic abilities and energies."

To hell with artistic abilities and energies Mr Douglas!

"The project is to be submitted after your final examinations. It will be a crucial part of your grades in this subject. Have a nice day everyone."

I tear my eyes from Luke's and groan inwardly as I watch Mr Douglas carry his files and notes and heads for the class door. Reaching the door, he stops and turns.

"Alicia, come to my office to receive a copy of the groups. I want it pasted on the class notice board for remembrance."

I force a smile on my face and nod. To hell with remembrance!

I glance at Reece, who is now staring at me with pity coating her eye pupils. I shift my eyes to Luke. He is indifferent now, with his right leg crossed over his left leg on his table in an obvious insolent manner.

Typical Luke.

I turn and trudge behind Mr Douglas as he finally leaves the class. I bang the door shut behind me.

My trembling fingers rub over one another as I walk beside Mr Douglas to his office in silence, not even knowing how to begin my plea for freedom from the shackles of the walking handsome disaster that I am so sure will want to make this project a hellish one in my perfect academic life.

_______________________

After some few minutes that felt like a thousand ages, Mr Douglas and I finally reach his office. He opens the door and enters. I follow him into his office and close the door as calmly and as gently as possible.

He is more likely to listen to my plea if my actions do not show rebellion at him for the human chaos he has unknowingly unleashed into my life.

"Here, take it. Have it pinned on your class notice board."

I collect the A4 paper from Mr Douglas's hand. I clear my throat a little, soothing my quivering nerves for the plea I am about to render.

"Mr Douglas, I have a favor to ask." I begin.

"And what would that favor be, Miss Smith?" He asks, his tone unnervingly even. His eyes are glued down to the students' assignments before him.

I know Mr Douglas is a tough one, but saving myself and my sanity from having anything to do with Luke Evans is what only matters to me right now.

"Well sir," I continue, "I want to plead to you to please, pair me with a different group partner for the class project. Please sir. Having Luke Evans as my group partner—"

"—will be very alright for you, Miss Smith."

Mr Douglas lifts up his bald head and leans forward.

"I am sorry Miss Smith, but I will not grant you your request. What you are asking of me is a favor of preferential treatment, which I will not fulfill. You and Luke Evans will definitely get along, and you both will work together to produce astonishing pieces for the project. Teamwork is built and not shyed away from Miss Smith."

"Mr Douglas—"

"You can go back to your class now, Miss Smith."

I can feel the deep frown forming on my face as disappointment and failure twists the coils inside my stomach. I try my best not to stomp the red rugged floor of Mr Douglas's office with my angry feet on my way out of his office.

He didn't even give me a fucking chance to explain!

I rest my back on the wall outside Mr Douglas's office, the A4 paper hanging limply from my hands. My brain rakes through a million options on how to evade working with Luke the bad boy on this wretched project and still retain my perfect result.

I curse when no option gives me the desired solution I crave.

My left knee starts throbbing in pain again, reminding me of my planned trip to the school's clinic. I lift my back from the wall behind me and straighten my hair.

I turn and start to propel my feet forward, limping slightly as I walk down the hallway. I fold the A4 paper and tuck it into the left pocket of my blue jeans before taking a turn to my left.

The door of the clinic stares at me from the far end of the corridor. My brain continues to whirl with thoughts on how I am going to navigate this impending doom.

I reach the door of the clinic and turn the handle, pushing it open.