'As I was saying,' Mr. Thomson resumes his lecture, attempting to regain control of the classroom. 'The student you are all sitting next to will be your lab partner for the rest of the term.'
The announcement hits me like lightning, and I can't contain my outrage. 'What!' I exclaim, slamming my fist onto the table. The table shatters in response, sending all my books and Nina's crashing to the ground. 'I'm not partnering with Nina for the rest of the term!'
With an expression of mild irritation, Nina raises her hand, her voice dripping with sarcasm. 'Mr. Thomson, I have to agree with Magnus. I'd rather be lab partners with the classroom guinea pig in the cage. At least its IQ would be higher than Magnus's,' she quips, her words laced with biting humour.
The room erupts in laughter, and I shoot Nina a withering glare. Despite the laughter, she maintains a hint of a smile, her chin tilted upward in defiance.
Mr Thomson raises his voice above the commotion, trying to regain control. 'Quiet, quiet everyone!' The room falls silent, except for a few low giggles students desperately try to stifle. 'Now, Magnus, you have detention for being late, not paying attention, and destroying school property.'
I open my mouth to protest, but before I can utter a word, Nina's laughter rings out, further intensifying my irritation. I glare at her, my frustration boiling further.
'As for you, Nina,' Mr Thomson continues, turning his attention to her, 'you will be lab partners with Magnus whether you like it or not, and you will also join him in detention today after school.'
'What! Mr Thomson, that's not fair!' Nina protests vehemently.
'Life isn't always fair, Nina,' Mr. Thomson states adamantly, his decision final.
With a shared sense of frustration, Nina and I slump back into our seats, our arms crossed and our backs turned to each other since there's no longer a table. It's clear that neither of us wants to be science partners, but we wisely hold our tongues, choosing not to get into further trouble with Mr. Thomson. The bell rings, signalling the end of classes, and the students begin to file out of the classroom. Nina and I remain seated, squatting down to collect our scattered books. It's no surprise that our books are mixed up.
As we reach for the same book, our fingers accidentally intertwine, and I find myself holding Nina's hand. Time seems to stand still momentarily as our eyes meet, and I'm struck by the softness and warmth of her hand in mine. There's a strange, electric connection in that brief instant, something neither of us can see but only feel between us. A flicker in her eyes mirrors the same sensation I'm feeling, and I quickly release her hand as if it had burned me.
Grabbing my last two books, I abruptly stand up and head off to my final class without a word, struggling to shake off the strange sensations I'm feeling.
When I arrive at my English class, May and Claire are already there, sitting on opposite sides of the room. It seems they've both saved a seat for me and now they pat the empty spots beside them, vying for my attention. Flint and Zak share a snicker in the back, curious about my choice.
Given that I'll be going on a date with Claire soon, it makes sense to get to know her better and momentarily divert my thoughts from Nina and the recent incident in the science class.
May's face contorts into a frown as I approach Claire's side while Zak pouts and hands five dollars over to Flint. They had placed a bet on my choice.
Claire clings to my arm, just as May would, and beams enthusiastically. 'I can't wait until the party this Saturday,' she says.
'Yeah, me neither,' I reply, trying to sound casual.
'So, what do you plan on wearing?' Claire inquires.
I raise an eyebrow at her playful response. 'Er, clothes…?'
She giggles, her tone lightening. 'Of course, you will wear clothes, dummy. What style of clothes?'
I shrug nonchalantly. 'A shirt and jeans, I guess.'
Claire seems determined to help me make a fashion decision. 'You know what? I'm free after school tomorrow. Maybe I could come over and help you pick something out?'
I feel a wave of hesitation wash over me at the thought of inviting her to my place. Do I really want her there? But then, my mind flashes back to the touch of Nina's hand, and I realize that at least one of my many questions has been answered. Yes, her skin is just as soft and smooth as it looks, and my curiosity about her lingers as I consider Claire's offer.
'So, what do you say, Magnus?' Claire persists.
I blink, momentarily lost in thought, and respond with a puzzled expression. 'Huh?'
Claire leans in closer, her voice a gentle tease. 'About me coming over after school tomorrow unless you want me to come over today. I can cancel my shopping spree at the mall in the city with my girlfriends,' she offers.
My mind snaps back to the present, and I shake my head. 'Can't today. I have detention after school with Nina,' I explain.
The pencil in Claire's hand slips from her grasp and clatters onto her desk. She scowls, her voice filled with disdain. 'Detention! And with Nina?'
I nod a sense of resignation in my tone. 'Yup, I know. It's like the Moon Goddess wants to punish me. I don't know why, though,' I admit with a casual shrug.
Claire offers sympathy. 'Well, I feel for you, Boo-boo. It would be a curse to spend time with that freak. I will come over tomorrow after school then,' she says, brushing her fingers along my lower arm.
I shudder at the endearment of 'Boo-boo' and scrunch my face angrily as Claire refers to Nina as a 'freak.' I shouldn't care, but I can't help but feel irritated at her. It had angered me earlier when May had used the same term in the cafeteria. Why does it bother me so much?
Claire's fingers continue their annoying caresses, setting my nerves on edge. Her touch might as well be nails on a chalkboard for how it affects me. Unable to take it any longer, I gently hold her hand, effectively stopping her constant touching. She grins and looks at May, who is mentally throwing daggers at me.