Chapter 7

"So, why did you decide to pair with me?" Jeff asked, taking a sip from his cup of coffee.

"Because I don't have a partner, and I love the subject and I think I'll be fun" She answered.

"Tomorrow, we will be given the topic we need to present in school. We can meet here every day to share ideas and discuss it," Ari added.

"Cool. Can I have your number then?"

"Why?"

"We're going to be partners, I need your number just in case," he replied.

"Fine, here's my phone." Jeff handed her his phone, and she quickly dialed her number before handing it back to him. Jeff smiled as he collected his phone. He dialed the number to check if it was correct, and Ariana's phone rang inside her apron. Jeff's smile widened as he hung up the call.

"See you tomorrow, partner." Jeff reached into his pocket, pulled out the money to pay for the coffee, dropped it on the table, and left the coffee shop.

Annie hurriedly ran over to where Ariana was sitting. "So?" Annie asked.

"I hope this is a good idea."

"I'm sure it is."

*****

Morning came quickly, and Ariana completed her usual tasks of delivering milk and newspapers before heading to school. She rushed to get there on time. After arriving, she walked to her locker and took out some textbooks. It's strange that Casey and her crew hasn't showed up yet, she wonders why. Her mind recalled the moment when she warned them. It must be because of her warning that's why they let her have a sense of peace.

During biology class, everyone sat down, Ariana sat down alone as usual since no one would seat next to her and Jeffery is running late. Jeffery entered the class a few minutes and class commenced.

The biology teacher noticed that Casey isn't paying any attention to the class instead, she's busy with her phone and she decided to ask Casey a question based on the topic.

"Casey, would you like to explain why this sample of milk is bad?" the teacher questioned and she raised up a glass of spoilt milk.

"Because you forgot to put it in the refrigerator" Casey stated and the whole class laughed.

"Hey, do you have an extra pen?" Jeffrey asked Ariana. Ariana checked her bag but couldn't find her extra pen. "Sorry, I think I misplaced it" Ariana answered. The teacher noticed Ariana whispering and she asked her the same question.

"Ariana, why do you think the milk is bad?"

"Because the bacteria acts on the milk, decomposing it" Ariana answered.

"Thank you Ariana. Kids if you wanna disturb my class, at least be sure to answer my questions" The teacher stated. Casey scowled at Ariana and she smirk. Ariana didn't know why she smirk but she paid attention to class.

During lunchtime, Ariana hurried to the cafeteria and just at the entrance, spoilt milk spilled from the ceiling and everyone in the cafeteria laughed.

"Oops" Casey smiled, she made sure she recorded everything. "Darling don't cry over spilled milk" Casey added with a laugh of mockery. Earlier, Casey and her followers made up a prank to spill spoilt milk on Ariana as soon as she entered the cafeteria. Ariana couldn't hold her tears and she rushed to the restroom.

When she finally thought that they let her be, they bullied her again. She reek of spoilt milk all over. She removed her scrunch from her hair and she washed her hair with water with tears streaming down her face. Although she had washed her hair and her shirt, she still reek from spoilt milk. She heard a knock on the door.

"Ariana! you in there?" Jeffery asked, he was making a call earlier.

"Yes I'm in here" Ariana sniffed.

"Are you okay? I found some clothes for in you in the lost and found" He added.

"Thanks" she opened the door and stretched her hand. Jeff handed her the clothes and he waited for her outside.