DISCLAIMER: Resident Evil and its original storyline, plot, characters and trademark are owned by Capcom.

CHAPTER 3: Assignment

"Alright, class. I will be handing in your group assignment today which you will have two months to complete," Mrs. Cavel announced in English class.

Today we will be getting our group assignment to do. Apparently, this is a huge one counting for 60 of our final mark.

Excited whispers and dreadful moans echoed throughout the room. I couldn't help but smile. Group assignments are usually a big issue due to many reasons. People dread being stuck with someone uncool or they wanted to be with someone they liked. I sure hope I'll get good group mates. I glanced sideways towards Catherine to see her look back at me then she held both of her hands up, fingers crossed. I smiled at her and held up my hand showing her I got my fingers crossed for good luck.

"Let me explain how your assignment will work. You will be working in pairs. Each group is to produce a group report and oral presentation on the topic of "Communication" and "Team work". Each individual in the group is to write a personal learning journal for the duration of the assignment. I'll hand in the assignment sheets to you to give you more ideas about the assignment." she continued as she gave a copy of the sheet to each student as she passed along the rows of desks.

I scanned my assignment sheet as soon as it got handed to me.

ENGLISH

ASSIGNMENT ONE

WEIGHTING: 60 of the subject's final grade

GRADING SYSTEM: all students will be graded with an A, B, C, D or E

DUE DATES: various times according to each part of the assignment

Communication is a vital part in everyday life. People communicate either verbally, gestures, facial expressions, by signs and symbols to get their message across. Working efficiently in groups ensures determines the outcome of success or failure. This assignment is designed to enable you to research, experience and report on the use of groups and teams. Groups are to be assigned in pairs. Each group is to report their results and will have equal share of the workload. All parts of the assignment must be completed to gain full marks.

TASKS

1) Written report

Many companies rely groups and teams to make get goals achieved. Choose a proper organisation that practices good team work and described:

the kinds of teams this organisation use

their rules and norms within the organisation

how does the company develop their ways to ensure employee participation

2) Oral presentation

Each group is to present a slide show for 8-10 minutes about their results on team work and what they have learned. Group diagnosis is to be included on how each team member participated, their roles and the methods done to get the achievements.

3) Learning Journal

Each group member is to keep a learning journal for the duration of the assignment. Reflection on what is learnt working with people can be recorded, the events that took place as members worked together and personal feelings may be noted down. The journal is 2000 words maximum.

That sounded like a good challenge. I really want to do my best and I usually get good results in class, but this time I'll be working with a partner. I'm not sure how it'll go, but I'm up for it. I'm not really used to working with other people.

Mrs. Cavel cleared her throat signalling the class to pay attention from their whispers and buzz. "As you have read from the assignment sheet, groups will be assigned in pairs. I have chosen each pair carefully according to your strengths, abilities and skills. I am expecting each group to produce good working results. Now, I'll read the groups and you may sit down with your partner to discuss your assignment."

"Carrie and James."

Once again whispers floated throughout the class. A couple of girls were giggling by the end of the row.

"Danielle and Andy."

"Steph and Monique."

"Catherine and Tommy."

From the back of the class a loud "WHAT!" can be heard out of protest. The whole class laughed and I couldn't help but join in. Catherine and Tommy get on each other's nerves. For as long as I remember, those two always takes the chance they get to annoy each other. With the two of them working together this would be an interesting assignment.

"Ann and Cameron."

I looked up to Mrs. Cavel as she announced my group and my partner. I glanced across the room to Cameron, who in turn gave me a small smile. I smiled back quickly breaking eye contact to look back to the teacher. When it comes to boys, I can be quite shy. I can't help it, it's like it's in my genes or something. The list went on until each one has a partner.

"Alright. Now, would you please get up and sit next to your partners?"

Chairs scrapped back as students gathered their books and headed towards their chosen partner. I was just packing my things when a shadow fell upon my desk.

"Don't worry. I'll come and sit next to you," Cameron said casually sliding in the empty seat next to mine. I glanced at him shyly out of the corner of my eye as I opened up my notebook and grabbed a pen. He opened up his textbook in the proper chapter.

"So we're partners, aye?"

I nodded. I glanced at my partner out of the corner of my eye. With a height of 5"10, dark hair and jade green eyes he is quite a popular guy in my year level especially with the girls. I haven't actually talked much to him, usually he is with his friends playing sports or hanging by the football field.

"So, what's up?"

"Ok. Hanging in." I managed a small smile. I tried to concentrate on the tasks before me. "So, uhhh…what do you think of this group assignment thing?" I groaned inside. What a lame way to break the ice. I swear I could almost kick myself.

He shrugged. "Ok, I guess. It's a change from our usual assignment methods. Guess Mrs. Cavel's into this whole group work thing."

I nodded once again. "It should be interesting. We've got some wacky partners paired up."

He chuckled. "Yeah. I hope Tommy and Catherine can last up to a minute without strangling each other."

I laughed as well. Looking around the classroom I spotted Catherine sitting with Tommy at the other end of the room. She looks like she's ready to murder the guy. Tommy was talking and waving his hands as he goes along. I saw Cath roll her eyes at him. I shook my head. "Yup, let's hope they can make it out of this one." I saw him give an amused smile towards their direction.

"Ok. So judging by the assignment we've got, it looks like it may take some time to do. We've got, uhh –" I picked up my assignment sheet to look at our deadline. "Two months."

Cameron sighed as he leaned back and looked up at the ceiling. "Man. Ok, we'll be working on this together. I won't be able to work on some after school times coz of football practice. What about you?"

"That's alright. I've got heaps of time to work on this. I only go to gymnastic practices twice a week, anyway. Shouldn't be too much of a problem for me. And I get the weekends too."

"I'll see if I can make some time before classes and lunchtimes. I'll feel bad making you do most of the work. Where do you usually hang around during lunchtimes?" He turned to look at me.

I tried not to look at his face and avoid eye contact. I don't know, I feel so self-conscious around him. He and I don't usually hang out together and our circles of friends are quite different. He's the popular type of guy, the well liked among peers. He's sporty and knows a lot of people. And it doesn't help the fact that whenever I talk to him, I get all self-conscious of myself. I got to admit, he's not bad looking. Ok, ok he's pretty cute. I hope I don't sound like an idiot around him.

"In the cafeteria. I sit outside the classrooms by the seats in the morning sometimes before classes starts." I fiddled with my pen twirling it around my fingers.

"Ok, cool. I'll go look for you down there then maybe we can go to the library and work on our assignment. I'll try and work out my schedule to fit it around school and football practices. Just tell me when you've got your gymnastic practices."

"No problem. We should be fine. I just want to get the first question out of the way about researching companies. Making the PowerPoint slides should be fine; I know how to do that. Presentation makes me nervous."

He groaned. "I hate them too. Standing there in front of the class with everyone looking at you." He made a face.

That took me in by surprise. Cameron seemed like the confident type of person. I glanced at him once again out of the corner of my eye. He was tapping his desk with his pen with a deep thought etched in his features.

"Don't worry. The class will probably forget us if we make a mistake once Catherine and Tommy presents. They'll kill each other up there!" I joked. Just talking about presentations gives me butterflies in my stomach. If I had my way in life, I swear I would never have to do any public speaking. Boy, don't we all wish that.

He chuckled. "I'm sure you'll be fine." His eyes met mine again briefly I found myself looking away once again.

"Thanks." I said shyly.

Gosh, I'm such a dork! I'm beginning to feel quite embarrassed working with Cameron. Man, he's probably thinking what a rut he's in being stuck with me. I bit my lip hoping he won't notice how weird I'm acting around him.

The school bell rang signalling the end of our period. Whew, saved by the bell! Loud chattering, schoolbooks being snapped shut, bags shuffling and chairs scraping erupted in class. I gathered my things and started packing away.

"Ok, Ann. I guess I'll see you around." Cameron grabbed his book and stood up from his chair.

"Sure. Maybe next time we can work out what we should do and schedule our group work together."

"No prob." He gave a smile before heading off the room. I gave a big sigh of relief once he was gone. Now I'm glad our first group get together is over. Just as I picked up my backpack and slung it over my shoulder, Catherine came barrelling into me.

"Gosh! Tommy's such a dork! I can't believe I'm stuck with him. I mean, that's like social life suicide," she rolled her eyes. She was huffing and I might have guessed she had quite a time with him. And not really in a good way.

"I know. Practically everyone in class can see you two. Good thing you guys didn't end up starting a paper ball fight like what happened in calculus class last time. I'm sure it'll be a war this time!" I laughed. That incident sure was funny. Tommy was trying to aim for his other friend but ended up missing and hitting Cath. Cath sure was aggravated and pelted him with paper balls full force. Needless to say our teacher gave them detentions for littering.

"Ugh! Don't remind me. That worm will pay for that because I'm prepared for him. I'm going to start rounding up my paintballs this time. He'll be bright for the whole day which is a change for once in his life" she exclaimed tossing back her hair over her shoulder.

I chuckled as I followed her towards the door. Our laughter and voices could be heard in the hall as we left for our next class. If I had known that those would be one of the last moments of fun times we'll share, how I wished I had treasured them more.