Chapter Text
Bella was used to bad luck. It followed her around like the rain in Forks, clinging to her no matter how fast she ran. But today? Today was a new low.
“Alright, class,” Mr. Banner said, clapping his hands to get everyone’s attention. “For this quarter’s final project, you’ll be working with a partner. I’ve already assigned them, so don’t bother arguing.”
The collective groan from the class did little to soften the blow as Mr. Banner rattled off the pairings. Bella half-listened, her fingers idly tracing doodles in the margins of her notebook.
“… Swan and Lahote.”
Her pencil snapped.
She looked up, horrified. “What?”
From the back of the room, Paul Lahote leaned back in his chair with that infuriating, lazy smirk plastered across his face. “Seriously? Her?” he said, gesturing at Bella like she was a particularly unpleasant bug.
Bella shot him a glare that could cut glass. “Trust me, this wasn’t my first choice either.”
“Enough,” Mr. Banner said, his tone sharp. “You two are working together whether you like it or not. The project is 30% of your grade. I suggest you figure it out.”
Paul rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath about “babysitting.” Bella clenched her jaw and turned back to her notebook, furiously jotting down notes as Mr. Banner explained the assignment.
Great, she thought. Not only do I have to deal with him for weeks, but now my grade depends on it.