Chapter 2: A Math Lesson
Jace POV:
It's a miracle that Jordan is in my math class, because I couldn't bear spending another moment with Kaelie.
I slumped into the desk in the back corner. Not because I'm a stupid jock, but because I don't want Kaelie to sit next to me.
"Dude, you got to just dump her," says Jordan, but he cuts himself off. In comes Clary's friend. Immediately, I go rigid as well. What are the chances that a sophomore would have that particular freshmen in his class? I don't have time to ponder, because in walks Clary. I can tell she was dreading seeing me, as much as I was dreading seeing her, by the look of disappointment on her face when she sees me. Just to make it worse, the only seat left is in front of me. How will I look at the back of this redhead for the rest of the hour?
Just then, the teacher started talking, effectively silencing the class. "We're going to do a group project," the teacher starts. He is clearly new, because the last time I did a group project was in 9th grade.
I look hopefully over at Jordan, but he is deep in conversation with Maia. Then, I look across the room to Kaelie, but she's working with her friend Seelie. Looking around the room, Clary is the only one without a partner, so I turn to her, and give a polite nod. No words, nothing suggestive, and no kindness.
"Okay class," continues the teacher, "Each pair will pick a simple topic to review, and create a presentation about. These are due next class so you will have to work outside of class on this."
Trying not to meet her eyes, I scan the list for an easy topic.
"How about Gaussian elimination?" I ask flatly, without meeting her eyes.
"That sounds fine," she responds quietly getting out her computer to research it.
Never have I wished, more than right now, that I was more civilized when I ended things. I hated the way that things ended, but Clary did the unforgivable. At least I thought she did.
Clary POV:
Oh great. I got partnered up with him. The boy that I had been avoiding since February 27, junior year. Luckily, he's been similarly avoiding me, so there'll be no more interaction than necessary.
"Clary," I hear him say, snapping me out of my thoughts, "I was wondering if we could work in your room because our roommates have already picked their room."
As much as I hated to let Jace into by room, I knew I had to. Maia and Jordan would likely be together all night.
After a slow nod, Jace continues. His voice still sounds monotonous, but I see something in his eyes. Was it sorrow, forgiveness?
"So," I say loudly, trying to ignore his eyes, "Gaussian elimination is just solving equations using a matrix, right?"
"Yah," he says quietly, looking down at the rubric of the presentation. Not knowing what to do, I also look at the paper, trying to keep a safe distance. Unfortunately, that slut Kaelie knocks into my chair, causing me to knock into Jace. The moment my skin touches Jace's, sparks fly. I feel the connection that we had years ago, so I linger for a moment, but immediately he pulls away from me. For the first time, I see obvious emotion on his face, anger.
"Don't try anything on me again, Red," he yells, stalking out of the classroom.
One moment Jace looks like he's about to get back together with me, but the next, he explodes.
Blushing heavily, I just get back to my work.
Jace POV:
I knew she felt it too. The sparks between us when she bumped into me, but I couldn't fall for her. I couldn't love her, or she would break my shattered heart.
