Chapter 4: The Project
A/N: I realize now I didn't put descriptions of the major characters so I will add that later, maybe tomorrow or Sunday.
Katara POV
It all started in Psychology on Wednesday.
Our teacher, Mr. Iroh, who insisted we call him just 'Iroh'(A/N: Can't you just imagine him as a psychology teacher, telling everyone to meditate over a cup of tea? XD), gave us an interesting project.
Iroh began, "Students, starting on Monday, you will began a new project."
Everyone started murmuring amongst themselves in speculation.
"Studies have shown that the average high school student today has as much stress as a psychological patient from the 1960's."
"Yeah, and it's the fucking teachers' fault for giving us so much homework!" someone called out, saying what everyone was thinking.
"Yes, well I suppose that's fair," Iroh responded.
"But that's what this project is about."
"Studies have also found that talking about your stress and struggles bring many benefits such as putting things in perspective, and sorting through your feelings."
"So for the next 5 weeks, you will have a partner, and for at least an hour everyday to the best of your ability, including 1 day on weekends, you must talk to them about your struggles and stress. Of course, your undivided attention does not have to be with them, so you can do it while doing homework, as I know you all have busy schedules."
"You will also be keeping a journal, recording your thoughts, and how talking to someone about such things has affected you."
"In addition, I know talking like this will not be easy, so all of you must swear to confidentiality, and that what is said between the two of you stays between you."
Iroh then put on a sterner look, "Anyone who breaks confidentiality will be sent to the principal's office on the account of bullying."
"However, if said student breaks confidentiality because what was said between their partner and them posed a threat or danger to the student it was about, or anyone else, that is another matter and should be reported to me at once."
"Now, any questions?" said Iroh, resuming his relaxed stance.
Hahn raised his hand, "What if we go on vacation or out of town?"
"Well, first I would be wondering why considering you just had Winter Break..." Iroh trailed off, raising his eyebrow.
"But in the event it happens, use Skype or your phones or something like that."
Then On Ji raised her hand, "Mr. Iroh, will we get to choose our partners?", batting her eyelashes flirtily at Aang.
Iroh chuckled, "I apologize Ms. Himisa, but for this, I have already chosen your partners," getting out a piece of paper with all the names listed.
"No more questions? Okay."
"Let's see here. On Ji and Hide!" On Ji groaned at this, but Hide smiled deviously.
"Yue and Hahn!" Yue got a nervous look on her face.
"Longshot and Smellerbee!"
A few more names were called, with all the girls groaning (except for Smellerbee) when they heard Aang wasn't their partner.
Then Mr. Iroh called out, "Aang and..."
The partnerless girls were on the edge of their seats, even a few who already had partners listened eagerly, as if being closer would magically make Aang their partner.
"... Katara!"
A/N: Don't you just love cliffhangers?