Group Assignment (10 February)

"Okay, so that's the end of today's session," the lecturer ended the class for that day, followed by the whole class's shouting. "And…" He continued, and like magic, the whole class became silent. After he clicked a key from his laptop's keyboard, a new slide showed in the projector. "Here's a team project that you have done in two weeks."

Just from hearing the announcement, the whole class grumbled, annoyed that there was new work to do. Evelyne was a little bit different. She was actually tired and annoyed as well, but she understood if that was part of life. She was more focused on the work detail and did quick simple planning in her brain regarding what to do about the project.

Someone raised his hand. When the lecturer let him speak, he asked. "Sir, can we make our own team?" He asked, representing everyone's hope.

In general, there were two types of team assignments. First, the one that Evelyne preferred, the student chose their own team. In this type, everyone had the freedom to choose their teammates and class usually ended up in chaos. Of course, they wanted to be in a group with their best friend and those they liked.

And the most preferred team member in every class was Evelyne. Even though people were 'afraid' to approach Evelyne, they still tried to have her in their team. Who didn't want to have a top student in their team? Sometimes, in some cases, they even fought to get her on their team.

It became easier for Evelyne because she could choose her team easily, based on their performance. She didn't want to work with someone irresponsible, who only depended on her and did not do anything.

While Maria, she used to take Evelyne for herself, it kinda helped her to avoid people's badmouth. People would say Maria was the one who blocked them from being in Evelyne's team, instead of Evelyne only wanting some certain people.

"No. I will decide the group myself," answered the lecturer. Unfortunately, this time, the second type of team assignment, where the lecturer chose the team, was used. Evelyne disliked this type because she would end up with a team full of people with no competence or anything to help the team.

Hearing the lecturer's answer, the entire class closed their eyes tightly, praying to get a good team. Most of them prayed to be in the same team in Eve, some just hoped to be in a team with their best friend, and the rest didn't care even for a bit.

"Let's see," the lecturer held the attendance report with his left hand and checked it. His right hand was holding a marker, ready to write the team arrangement. Slowly, his hand moved, writing the name one by one.

As the name was written, slowly the class became full of students' voices. Some were delighted that they were in a group with their best friend, and some sighed in annoyance because they got a bad team. Evelyne was one of those who sighed.

As always and she predicted, Evelyne was in a group with people who didn't even care about the assignment. They were Wilson and Brandon. 'Really? Those two? It'll be hell for sure!'

"Alright. Everyone, the class ended here. You can discuss with your team regarding the project," said the lecturer as he left the room.

Everyone gathered with their team at the class or outside as the class had also ended. Evelyne walked to Brandon and Wilson's seats, to discuss the project. When she just merely approached them, Wilson said, "yeay, Evelyne. I don't need to worry about anything"

'Oh my God. He makes me worry about the project's result!' Evelyne screamed in silence. She then stood beside their tables, pretending not to hear what Wilson just said. "So, what should we make? Do you guys have any ideas?" she asked, hoping that they at least had something about the project.

"Well, I don't." Brandon shook his head.

"Me neither. I'm sure you already have some ideas. Just use it, and I'll follow it." Added Wilson as he stood up. "Just tell me what to do. I have an appointment now. See you."

Wilson left the class followed by Brandon. "Yeah, just tell us what to do, Evelyne! You're the best!"

"Hey, at least give some thought about it!" Evelyne groaned. Yet, none of them stopped their feet, let alone tried to help. If she wasn't at school, and if there was no law binding her, she might have ended up punching them right on their annoying faces. How could they just leave everything to her, without giving any single thought?

"Evelyne!" Maria shouted from behind. When Evelyne turned her body, Maria jumped toward her and hugged her hand. "Why didn't he let me in your team? Oh my goodness, you must be lonely!"

At least Maria was a little better than those two and Evelyne already knew how to deal with her. "Yeah… yeah… You better discuss with your team about the project," answered Evelyne as she patted Maria's shoulder. She didn't want to add anything to her mind.

Having nothing else to do in class, Evelyne walked to her seat and took her bag. She left the class just like that as her mind was thinking, what should she make for the project. She still only had a small piece of an undeveloped idea, how was she supposed to think about everything by herself?

When Evelyne arrived at the parking area, she entered her car and sat in the driver's seat. She checked her phone and got a message from a group. It was a reminder about that day's teaching schedule.

"Sigh… Today is really tiring…" She exhaled and rubbed her face. She had a tutoring session a few hours from now, so she had to return to her apartment. "I hope something good happened at least once for today." She turned her car's engine on and start driving home.