Ch. 10: Partners
Eight
Later that day, I am sitting in History class, trying to ignore the stares that people were giving me and pay attention to the Punic Wars. I didn't meet all that much success, considering the teacher was also giving me these subtle, sideways glances. This wasn't all that surprising, considering the fact that teachers are known to be worse gossipers than students.
"And that was the end of the Peloponnesian War," she finished. "And now time for the end of the unit project!" Groans echoing across the room.
"I know, I know, they are boring. But, I decided to make it more interesting by making it for partners." A chorus of "Yes!" went around the room this time.
"You all know the drill, go to it!"
The people around me start paring off, for once not begging to be with me, probably because of my little show earlier today. I didn't care. I usually decline them, because they aren't necessarily intelligent. I like working alone. But, since this was a partner project, I needed a partner. I look around the room, seeing if anyone is single still. Everyone else was only speaking to each other, and avoiding eye contact with me. The only person that wasn't, was the new boy. He had his hand supporting his head, and was staring off into space.
At least he seems to be intelligent enough. I cross the room to him, and feel people watching me.
"Hey," I spoke to him. He moved his eyes over to me, and watched me, not saying anything. I waited, but he didn't open his mouth. I found this somewhat disturbing, but, I continued. "Since this is a partner project, and I don't have one, and it seems you don't either, do you want to work together?"
He seems to consider for a few moments, then replies "Sure. Why not."
"Ok, meet me after school, and we will go to my house."
"I have to do something, but I'll try to get out of it."
"Ok. Meet me outside school, and let me know." And then I turn, go back to my seat, and start planning the topic.
A few periods later, I'm standing outside the school, waiting and watching for Peter in the crowd of students.
"You're not good at watching out for people, are you?" was whispered into my ear.
I can now officially say that I have jumped a mile. I turn to him and glare at him. "Was that even necessary?"
He smirked. "Of course. I'm just letting you know you need to work on your watching skills."
I just looked at him. "So can you come over or not?"
He frowned. "I guess so."
"You 'guess' so?"
"Well, my dad didn't give me a straight answer. But he said something about 'never missing a practice', so I'm guessing it's his logic for letting me skip it."
"Seems legit. Let's head off."
We head towards my house, making small talk. I learn that he is from Baths, England, and he is currently living with his Dad. He moved here because his Dad wants to be near the setting for his new book to get a feel for it. I also learn he's decently observant, telling me accurate assumptions he has of people.
"So what do you practice for?" I ask.
"Practice?"
"You said that your dad said something about 'never missing a practice'."
"Oh, that. Well, I compete in, uh, Spelling Bees."
Well that's quite surprising. "Spelling Bees, huh? Well, there's a Spelling Bee at school. You should enter."
Was it me, or did he look somewhat nervous? "Well, I can only compete professionally."
"Ah, I see." I nod, and then glance up. I notice something that makes me want to kill, and fills me with rage. "Why is he here?" I demand.
"Who?" Peter asks. He follows my gaze, and sees what I'm currently glaring at. "Oh."
Alec is at my house, sitting on the porch, his feet up on the railing. He notices Peter and me approaching, and he stands up. He makes his way towards us. I stop and grab Peter's arm.
"Should I be worried?" Peter asks quietly, keeping his eye on Alec.
"I should be able to handle it. Just keep on your toes." I answer.
Alec comes to a stop about 5 feet from us, and even from this distance I can smell alcohol. How much did he drink since school ended? He spreads his hands out in front of him. "I've been waiting for you."
"Like I care," I spit at him, filling my voice with venom. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"I came to apologize."
I scoff. "Yeah, sure, an apology will make everything better. Let me tell you what, how about you take your apology and shove it up your-"
Peter nudges me. He gestures to the little children across the street.
"-butt." I say through closed teeth.
"And who is this? Your new boyfriend? Wow, you get over break-ups quickly." His voice is filled with sarcasm. "Sluttish bitch."
Before I can say anything in defense, Peter jumps in. "You know what you sonofabitch, I don't even know you, yet I already hate you. For the record, I am here to work on a project. I am not dating Luna. You need to leave. Now."
"And who's going to make me?" He taunts. He steps forward a few feet, closing the distance.
"Just go away." I tell him.
"I won't until we talk." He makes a grab for my arm. He doesn't get that far. Suddenly, Alec is on the ground, screaming in pain, and Peter is standing over him, twisting his arm. I hear an audible crack and Alec screams even louder.
"And that is why you don't touch a girl." Peter says, satisfied. He looks at me, smiles and says "Come on, partner."
I look at Alec, then back to Peter and shrug. I return to his side, and we make the way to my house.
Well, that took longer than I thought it would. Not sure how I like this, more of filler type of chapter.
Next chapter hopefully will be out soon.
Peace and have a good day.