Part 19: Friday

Dean

Dean woke with a sigh, realizing that the day that everyone was somewhat anxious for had arrived. After getting ready for his morning class he realized he was running late and would have to skip breakfast.

Despite having to sprint to class he made it just in time for the warning bell, he sighed with relief as he made his way to his seat.

Professor Smoak who was patiently waiting for Dean to arrive to being his session shook his head then turned to the class and got their attention.

Dean quickly faced his professor and mentally prayed that they wouldn't be performing until the following week, being that he didn't need Alison to have another reason to be miserable later in the day.

"Today I will go easy on you guys," some of the students immediately began to cheer, "Instead of performing or pairing up and quickly prepare for an in-class performance, I will place you guys into the same pairs as last time and you guys will be working together and create a collaboration and perform together next week Friday." By the end of the instructions, most of the students were groaning but Dean's eyes were searching for Alison hoping to see her reaction to the news.

As he guessed Alison wasn't smiling nor did she seem the least bit happy about it but fortunately she didn't seem as furious as she was when she found out she was going to perform last time. Whereas, in Dean's book was an improvement and he hoped to make this assignment be positive and make a step in the right direction to mutual agreement between the two.

Alison

Alison was frustrated enough with the upcoming dinner and now Professor Smoak was making her work with the reason for her frustration. But at that point, she knew that she would have to work with him for if not she grade would be affected and no matter how close her father is to Professor Smoak he would never do anything to give her an unfair advantage grade-wise.

She patiently waited for Professor Smoak to instruct the students to get into said pairs and begin working and as she was waiting she couldn't help but wonder where Dean was sitting being that she was to the right-center of the classroom and he wasn't near her.

It was until she turned around did she notice that Dean was seated a couple of chairs behind her to her left. As she caught his gaze he smiled and waved her over to the empty seat to his right. She thought it over but after deciding that she wanted to work in peace she got up and went over to him seeing that all the seats around him were vacant.

As she sat down he smiled at her and began, " So partner here we are again."

"Yes unfortunately so."

"Don't be so gloom about it it gives us something to do together this weekend."

"How about we get this over with so that we don't have to spend so much tie together."

"You wound me, but if that's what you want then let's begin."

"Okay so how do you want to do this? Split the work, you do the melody and I come up with the lyrics?"

Professor Smoak happened to be walking around and heard Alison's suggestion and he quickly made his way over, "Excuse me Ms. Walker but as I instructed this is to be a collaboration which means you both will work on the lyrics, melody, and performance together."

Alison sighed, "Does it really mean that?"

"Yes dear, and I look forward to seeing the final result. Plus as a benefit, you guys will be spending the weekend together I suppose which means that you guys can continue working on the song at your home Ms. Walker."

Alison grumbled, " If you say so."

Professor Smoak nodded with a smile and walked away.

Dean sighed catching her attention, "So what theme should we go with?"

"Well, I provided the song last time so you decide."

"Um, sure then how about lost love?"

"What do you mean like losing a loved one or falling in love with someone but they don't feel the say?"

"The latter."

"So how do you want to approach the theme?"

"How about we start the lyrics with the feeling of falling in love with someone and end it with get your heartbroken because its an unrequited love story."

"That sounds like a plan." With that, they began to work on the lyrics.

By the time the session had ended they were halfway through with the lyrics and were ready to schedule out how they would finish the song.

"Well, I guess after dinner we can continue the lyrics at your house, and when we get back to school we can begin the melody. What do you think?"

"Sure that's okay."

"Also what time will we be leaving? And what should I wear?"

"Is there any way I can get you to back out of going?"

"Nope."

Alison couldn't help but sigh, " Well it's probably going to be a somewhat formal event but you don't have to wear a suit." Dean sighed in relief," A long-sleeve button-up shirt paired with jeans will work if you don't have dress pants and a tie."

"Okay then and that's only for dinner right?" Dean asked with a worried expression.

Alison surprised Dean when she laughed at the look on his face.

"Don't worry Dean, the only reason we are dressing up for the dinner is because my father planned it as an event. We are more of a casual household when it comes to weekends, your regular clothes will be fine."

"Thank you for clearing that up it would have been embarrassing if I showed up in casual clothes. So what time will we be leaving?"

"What time does your last class end?"

"My last class ends at 3."

"And I'm guessing you haven't packed as yet correct."

"Right."

"Well the dinner starts at 6 and it takes about an hour and a half to get there so if we leave by 4:30 fully dressed we should reach there on time."

"Your house is that far away!" Dean responded in shock.

"Yeah, how far is your house?"

"Well to get there you would have to take a flight."

"Then why you sound surprised?"

"Because with your brother visiting I thought you guys lived closer."

"He was on his way home from college that's why he was able to stop by."

"Ah okay then. So do I meet you at your dorm?"

"Yeah, sure I'll be waiting for you so be there by 4:15."

"I thought you said 4:30?"

"I did but I rather be early than late."

"Okay then if you say so."

"See you later then." Alison waved at Dean as she turned and walked away.

Alison couldn't help but think back at her session with Dean realizing that they didn't fight nor did they have a disagreement. She couldn't help but think that he was skilled and had potential, for a sliver of a second she wondered what it would be like if they became friends. But as the thought entered her mind she quickly pushed it away.