Part Five

The day dragged on and on as the clocks hand never seemed to move more than an inch at a time, even if I stared at the clock constantly I could never tell the difference. Each time the bell rang and a different lesson began I began the same routine looked blankly at the tutor as they drowned on and on. It was like the words were hitting a brick wall, it didn't even make it to one ear to be able to go out the other. My only solitude was my favourite lesson music. Everything was different with music, the students where the year was mixed so you are not stuck with the same people constantly doing your head in, most of the work is practical which I was a lot better at.

The class swarm into the room and found their familiar seats that where spread in a semi circle round the outside of the room. Tea sat next to me and whispered to me "miss told me we're starting a new project today" she practically squealed the last word which made half the class look round. Shifting down in my seat to avoid the embarrassing stares from the class I couldn't help but think 'What a swot'. Tea was a nice girl at times but other times she was a two-faced little cow that was constantly placing her slimy hands all over Joey, not that he noticed much, then again I doubt he would notice if I was like that either.

The door creaked open and in walked Seto Kaiba moody and sullen as always in this lesson but I just guess musics not his thing. He took the seat nearest the door as if, if he stayed in the room for to long he would to start to behave like Miss Tomaya. With relief Miss Tomaya waltzed through the doors, as light as air, smiling freely while holding a large hat. 'great, she was right' I thought to myself as Tea squealed next to me this time louder.

"yes, yes" she waved her hand dismissively at Teas over enthusiastic response to her hat.

I relaxed instantly at the sound of her voice, like soft music wafting on the breeze of a summers day. She wore long colourful dresses with interesting if not eccentric accessories to go with them. I loved Miss Tomaya because even with all her quirky ways and her soft voice, if you pissed her off she became a goddess of anger and you would feel her wrath.

"yes, as you have all probably realised we are starting a new project this lesson" she said followed again by Teas screams of excitement. " Right before we start I need everyone to divide into partners, so as usual I'll pick out the names out the hat, if you don't like the decision, then tough."

She went on to steadily draw little pieces of paper out the old, battered hat and proceed to read out the names written on them in her scrawly writing. Through out this process the whole class was silent with anticipation of who they would spend the next few months working with, there was a few protests from a few students but nothing more as the hat slowly went down until there where few names left, mine being one of them. I was anxious as my name hadn't been called yet and the only people left I didn't fancy being partnered up with for months.

"Miss Katalina" Miss Tomaya called out while scrunching up the paper and throwing it in the bin beside her. "You'll be partnered with," she paused while with much effect before she pulled out a tiny folded paper and slowly unfolded it before reading out "Mr Kaiba"

It took me a minute for this news to sink in, my mind whirling, then I noticed my mouth was gaping open as if I was catching flies. I could feel a fluttering in my chest, almost like someone was clutching it really tightly. Weather it was anticipation, excitement or something akin to fear I had no idea. My hands went clammy and I could almost hear my heart thudding in my chest trying to get out and preyed that no one else could hear it. Kaiba stood up and strode over to where I was sat, staring at anywhere but at him as my eyes darted back and forth trying to regain composer, I felt unguarded in his presence and unprepared for this sudden change of events. He was getting closer and I watched him until he was upon me and asked in his most deep velvety voice that sounded amused by my reaction.

"you going to move up?" it was the most simple question that I needn't answer but I found my voice saying "move up Tea" she shot me a hurt, accusing look but moved nonetheless to the spare seat next to her letting him sit next to me. I listened to the brief in a blur of words that somehow didn't make sense. One thing was on my mind 'Why was this happening? It had to be more than a coincidence that I kept ending up with Kaiba, in the corridor, in the canteen, the book and the note and now this seriously!' then the rational part of my brain kicked in and told me 'don't be stupid it was a random draw' I felt my mind relax at that thought and decided to ignore the voices in my head and carry on with the lesson, even though already I knew it was hopeless.

I stared at the clock for longer than I realised when I felt something tickle my ear as I heard Kaiba say softly "if you continue to watch the clock, it'll never move" I jumped at the sudden closeness of the situation as I turned to face him and gasped as his face was inches from mine. I leaned back away from his gaze and his intoxicating sweet breath that made my head spin but I just wanted more of like a drug. I took a sharp breath in and blew it all the way out trying to steady myself. 'what are you doing' I told myself as I stared at his face as it stared back with a raised eyebrow and an amused grin on his face that made me feel like Iv'e just done something incredibly stupid for no reason. I turned back to Miss Tomaya and tried to concentrate and take the tension of my mind feeling irritated at myself for acting in such away with him 'he's just like anyone else' I told myself although a part of me knew I was lying.

The bell rang and I was as quick of my chair as if it had electric shocked me as it sounded. I grabbed my bag and flew out the class before anyone else had risen to their feet. I raced towards the canteen before coming to a complete halt. I stood there panting with the effort of getting out the classroom quick enough, I couldn't stand it in there a minute longer with his presence so close. Tea followed behind me herself puffing as she had probably ran the whole way. Spotting me she staggered towards me clutching her waist as a stitch was forming.

"Hey" she called alerting everyone's attention. "Why you run off like that?"

I decided I was better off not answering her persistent questioning, knowing that every detail would be divulged to the gang later and then fly round the school, best not to incriminate myself and hope that whatever stupid rumour she cooks up dwindle out and not spread like wild fire.

We sat down at our usual seat at the same table even though the others hadn't joined us yet.

"Soooo" she started, I braced myself for what I knew was coming.

"Seto Kaiba" she gushed 'knew it' I heard the voice in my head say in an annoying, I told you so type of way.

"yeah?" was all I said.

"I cant believe you got him as a partner, bad luck girl" she said shaking her head.

"Why?" I said can't help thinking why Tea thought Kaiba was a bad project partner he excelled in every subject.

"Er hello" She said with the most annoying voice talking like it was the most obvious thing in the world. " He's mean and hateful, he's rude and snobbish to everyone and everyone hates him" she gasped " and especially Joey" she paused for maximum effect "What are you going to do?"

I was about to answer "what do you mean what am I going to do. Joey doesn't depict who I see or what I do." but before I could the others piled in through the door and headed toward the table.

Before they were to close Tea put a finger to her lips and winked, as if to say 'our little secret' before profoundly turning her back and greeted the others, leaving me feeling guilty and dirty. Then another thought occurred to me ' Why do I feel like this, its not like I wanted Kaiba as my partner, did I?' I was now in the most foul, irritable mood once again, this time due to Tea and her irrepressible ability to not being able to keep her mouth shut, as she proceeded to tell the others about our new project in music, and how gutted she was to have Frankie as her partner, the school geek that couldn't sing a tune to save her life. I didn't care I would of rather had Frankie who knew her limits and played to her strengths than Kaiba who was a complete mystery to me, most people had barely heard him speak with out it being an insult or an emotionless statement let alone sing. 'this is going to be a challenge' I thought to myself while smiling a small secret smile all my own 'I love a challenge and this one might be worth pursuing'