6: Some Good Came Out Of It

It was a new day and we had lunch at a nearby Diner. I still had 2 classes left so I was walking back to the campus.

I had history and Chloe didn't. So, I sat alone in the class. At the far end, I could see Carson, but he didn't see me. He was reading a book and wasn't paying attention to his surroundings.

I didn't see Derek all day, but we share the next class, Business. So I was a little curious and at the same time nervous to see him. I couldn't concentrate in the class because of everything going on in my mind.

I looked at my phone one more time, the text from last night was still there. I wasn't sure if I would talk to Derek about it or not. Should I even tell him or will it seem desperate? My mind was clouded, when a piece of chalk hit me on the forehead.

"Head in the class," the professor said.

"So as I was saying, I know this is too soon, but you all have to write an assignment about the history of Eastwood. You maybe unaware but, your university has very rich history. So use this opportunity to dig in, and find out what interests you the most. As James Hutton said, "Present is the key to the past." Whatever you see today is the way it is, because of the past. You may find many answers of this institute's system in it's history or you may discover something entirely new. You will work in pairs on this assignment, the pairs are pre decided strategically, So don't come complaining."

The class was soon dismissed and we went out to check the board for our partners. I stood there with many other girls as they all fought for their chance to see.

Ashley, Ashley, Ashley.... There it is, my name and along with it the one name I really wanted to avoid, Carson. This can't be happening.

"You're Ashley? Right?" Someone said from behind me. I turned around, no surprises here, It was Carson. He looked handsome in his light green T-shirt, which was a little tight on his chest and biceps.

"Yeah, Hey." I replied.

"Good, I saw you in the library yesterday, but didn't get a chance to introduce myself, I'm Carson." He said, giving me his hand.

"I know, I'm Ashley," I took his hand.

I'm Ashley? He literally started his sentence with 'You're Ashley?' God Ashley, You're so embarrassing. But wait, he remembers our brief encounter at the library. God? How?

I started walking towards Business slowly, and he followed, "You said You know? You know me?" He asked, with a hint of smile on his face.

"Well, everyone does," I said, politely.

"Well, some good came out of it,"

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing. So we are partners." He smiled at me and we were almost at the door of my Business class.

"Yeah, I don't know why would they put you with me, you obviously know everything about the place, and I know nothing. I'm afraid I'll drag you down," I said stopping at the door of my class, facing him.

He stopped and faced me too, "No way, I have all the bookish knowledge, sure, because it was fed to me for as long as I can remember. But you've a fresh eye. You'll be able to see through the things I can't and I don't know we can come up with something interesting." He gave me a genuine smile, like he meant everything he said.

I couldn't help but smile, and look down at the floor, "I hope so. We can discuss the details later, I have a class." I said pointing at the room.

"Yeah sure, Can I have your number?" He asked nervously.

"Yeah, sure." We exchanged numbers and he left after saying Goodbye. I turned around to enter the class, and dark blue eyes came in my sight, Derek. He sat there at the last seat. His eyes directly at me, his fists white and jaw clenched. His face was crimson, and nostrils flaring.

What is this reaction? Is he angry at me about the night in the dorm? He saw Carson. Carson was talking to me. Is he maybe jealous of Carson? No way. It must be because Carson is his mortal enemy.

I took my seat two rows away from him, placing him directly at my left. I could still feel Derek throwing daggers my way, his eyes not sparing me for even a second.

The class ended and I rushed out, without turning around at any time. I was about to exit the building, when I was dragged by a hand in an empty classroom.

"We need to talk," Derek said holding both of my hands firmly and looking directly into my soul through my eyes. Yes, he's that impactful.