Chapter 16 - A Chance to Stay Away

"Oh, uh... hi."

"So, do you have a partner for this assignment yet?" Collin asked me, much to my surprise, and dismay, referring to the task given to us about a week ago.

"Umm, no."

"Cool. Wanna do it together, then?" He asked with a small smile.

Come again?

"Uh..." For God's sake, stop with that! Just say what you need. "Well, I'm a little busy." Was all I could bring myself to explain. Boy, I did not feel comfortable around this guy at all.

He just chuckled at me. Okay.

"You're a little busy? What does that mean?"

"Oh, sorry." I excused, flustered. "What I meant is that you probably won't want to do it with me because my timings are kind of weird and irregular. And I also don't have much free time. So..."

I trailed off, praying to God that he'd understand and leave.

"Hm, got it." Why is he laughing at me? Do I look like a clown? "Well, I'm sure we could manage to make some time for it, don't you think? I mean, if you're able to hand in all your homework every time, you'll probably find some time for this too, no?" He countered, looking at me expectantly.

I almost gagged. How does he know I hand in all my homework? And why does he want to work on this project with me? Didn't he say to Ariel himself he would rather do assignments on his own? After a second of pondering over it, it downed to me the only possible reason for that. He wanted to get an effortless good grade, of course. If that was the case, it was fine. It wouldn't be the first and probably not the last time I would have to do all the work.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." I finally told him and he grinned at me. Little grade digger bastard. A handsome one, but still.

"Great. So, I got the part that addresses the African culture. What about you?"

Why are you still talking to me? School is already over.

"Uh, the African-American migration" I forced out. Did he actually care or was it just some kind of small talk for him to clear his conscious?

He then started saying something else, but was interrupted by the ring of the final bell, which indicated that I was free of classes. And him.

"Oh, it's already 3:00. I have to go pick up my brother. We'll continue with this later, okay?" He said somewhat apologetically.

"Yeah, it's fine. Don't keep him waiting." I laughed, feeling awkward.

He laughed too. "I wouldn't mind, actually."

I looked at him weirdly, "Wouldn't he, though?"

"Eh, probably." He shrugged, not for a moment breaking eye contact. So uncomfortable.

"So..." I drawled after seeing he didn't even move. I had gathered all my things by then, "I kind of need to go now too, my friends are probably out by now and I can't miss my escort."

He apparently found what I said funny and chuckled again, "Okay. Don't keep them waiting." He copied me.

It was my turn to laugh, "Yeah, they would definitely mind."

"Let's go together, then. It's the same direction, anyway." The pretty boy suggested, not really waiting for my answer as he started walking to the door, glancing at me when I didn't follow right away.

We arrived at the school exit gates, next to the parking lot, and I spotted my group of friends talking amongst themselves and other people I was just acquainted with.

"So, see you tomorrow?" I asked, backing away.

"Sure. We'll catch up, Carson." He bid me farewell with a nod.

"Bye." I smiled and he smiled back.

Phew.

"Hey guys. Sorry." I said after getting to the group. "Can we go?" I asked specifically to Charlie and Kathy, as the others didn't really walk with us anymore.

"Yeah, but wait up. I'll come with." Avery said, surprising me. She then hopped her way to her boyfriend's car and said her goodbyes, with a sweet peck to his lips. Cute.

When she reached us again, I couldn't help myself, "Well, well, well, miss. To what do we owe the honor of your presence today on this lovely walk?" I joked, but was being serious about the question.

She laughed, "It's been a while since I haven't walked with you guys." She said, to which I nodded in agreement. "So, let's go?"

We then proceeded on our way, saying goodbye to the others left behind (I said too even though I didn’t know them, not wanting to be rude) and I felt happier that she was with us. It really had been a while.

"So, where were you just now? Did Mr. Herman dismiss you late or something?" Avery asked me as we passed the school's high walls.

"Um, not really. I was just... Uh, it's just that someone went up to me and asked to pair up for this assignment we have." I shortened it up , not wanting it to become a big deal.

"Oh, yeah? Who?"

Well, damn. "Um, Collin."

"Woah, hold up." Kathy held her hand up, literally stopping on her tracks, "Collin, as in Collin Benson?" She asked with widened eyes, looking incredulous.

I scoffed, "You make him sound like a celebrity."

"Well, he kind of is. Everyone knows him. I heard even one of the kitchen staff flirts with him. Must be nice to get free muffins." She finished, looking deep in thought and I laughed.

"Okay, but to me, he's just Collin Benson, a normal teenager who only wants do a project with me. I just don't really know why."

"Maybe word spread that you don't let anyone else collaborate with anything?" Avery snorted next to me. Kathy laughed and agreed, and Charlie, who had been terribly quiet, put on a shy smile, looking down as if remembering something.

"May be." I defended, fighting a smile myself.

"Or," Kathy barged in, and I already knew what she was going to say.

"Oh, sweet mercy..." I murmured loud enough for them to hear, looking up dramatically.

"Stop it, I'm being serious," She whined and we laughed "Or, he just wants to get to know you better." She sealed her amazing theory wiggling her brows. She seriously needs to stop with that.

"Yeah, right. What he wants to get to know is the experience of not doing anything and getting around just fine." I said, instantly regretting it. Gosh, I'm so arrogant.

"Just give him a chance. And if it turns out I was wrong, which is unlikely, remember: if he asks, I'm available."

We all burst out laughing at her.

"As you wish, babe." I joked and she laughed along with us as we continued walking.

Give him a chance. Okay. A chance to stay far away from me.