CHAPTER 10

NINAIt's Monday morning, I stood outside of Mr. Baxter's office, clutching my books tightly to my chest. My heart pounded as I rehearsed what I was going to say. The thought of confronting Mr. Baxter, the biology teacher, made my stomach twist, but I couldn't take it anymore. Gracie had advised me to go talk to him about changing partners.Zane had been nothing but unbearable, and I couldn't imagine enduring weeks of our partnership for the project. I took a deep breath, willing my nerves to settle, and stepped inside.The office was empty except for Mr. Baxter, who was scribbling something on a book. He glanced up as I entered, offering me a kind smile. "Good morning, Nina. What can I do for you?"I hesitated for a moment, shifting on my feet. "Um... I was wondering if I could talk to you about the biology project.""Of course," Mr. Baxter said, putting down his pen. "What's on your mind?"I took another deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. "I was wondering if it might be possible to change partners. Zane and I... we're not working well together."Mr. Baxter's brow furrowed slightly, and he folded his arms. "Hmm. That's a bit tricky, Nina. Everyone's already paired up, and it would disrupt the balance if I reassigned partners.""I know," I said quickly, feeling a lump rise in my throat. "It's just... he's not really cooperative. I'm afraid the project won't get done if I'm the only one working on it."Mr. Baxter sighed, his expression softening. "I understand where you're coming from. Zane can be... challenging at times."I bit my lip, unsure of what to say."Here's what I suggest," Mr. Baxter continued. "Why don't you speak to some of the other students? See if anyone is willing to swap partners with you. If you can find someone who agrees, I'll allow the switch."My heart sank. The thought of going around and asking made my anxiety spike. What if no one wanted to switch? What if they laughed at me for not being able to handle Zane?"I know it's not an ideal solution," Mr. Baxter said gently, sensing my hesitation. "But you're a bright student, Nina. I'm confident you can find a way to make this work, either with Zane or someone else."I forced a small smile. "Okay. I'll... see what I can do.""Good," Mr. Baxter said, returning to his book. "And if you're still having trouble, come back and let me know. I'll see if there's anything else I can do."I nodded and left the office, my mind spinning. The idea of talking to others felt daunting, but the alternative—continuing to work with Zane—seemed even worse...............................I scanned the biology lab nervously, my palms sweaty as I approached Aaron, a quiet boy known for being dependable in group projects. He sat near the back of the room, flipping through his textbook. I hesitated for a moment, glancing over my shoulder, and then stepped closer."Um, Aaron?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper.He looked up, adjusting his glasses. "Hey, Nina. What's up?"I shifted uncomfortably. "I—I was wondering... Would you maybe consider switching partners with me? I'm paired with Zane, and it's just... really not working out."Aaron raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Switch partners? I don't know, Nina. That might be complicated."Before I could respond, a low, mocking voice cut through the room like a knife."Switch partners? Now, why would you do that, Nina?"My heart plummeted. I turned to see Zane leaning casually against the doorframe, his infamous smirk firmly in place. He was back. After two weeks of blessed silence, Zane Williams had returned, and he was already causing trouble.Aaron looked between us awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable. "Uh, I should probably get to class..." He quickly gathered his things and slipped past Zane, who didn't move an inch to let him pass easily."Coward," Zane muttered under his breath, loud enough for Aaron to hear.I clenched my fists, frustration and embarrassment bubbling inside . "Why did you do that?" I asked, turning to face him.Zane's smirk widened. "Do what? Stop you from bailing on our little partnership? Yeah, sorry, princess. That's not happening.""You're impossible," I snapped, my voice shaking with frustration. "Why are you being so cruel? What did I ever do to you?"Zane's expression darkened, the playful smirk fading for a moment. He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a cold, mocking tone. "What did you do? You exist, Odell. All quiet and scared, thinking you're better than everyone because you won't talk to anyone. But guess what? Life doesn't care about your little pity party."I felt my chest tighten, his words cutting deeper than I wanted to admit. I fought back tears and took a shaky breath. "I don't care what you think of me. I just want to get this project done. You're the one who hasn't been in school for two weeks."Zane chuckled darkly. "And yet here I am, still your problem."I glared at him, my voice trembling. "Please, Zane. I don't want to fail this course because of you. Can we just... work together for the project? That's all I'm asking."He tilted his head, studying me for a long moment. Then, his lips curled into a slow, predatory grin. "You're desperate, huh?"I said nothing, my silence enough of an answer."Fine," Zane said, his tone laced with amusement. "I'll cooperate. But there's a catch."My stomach sank. "What catch?""You'll owe me. Whatever I want, whenever I want. Consider it... a favor, payable later."I stared at him in disbelief. "That's ridiculous! I can't agree to that.""Then I guess the project's all yours," Zane said with a shrug, turning to leave."Wait!" I called after him, my voice cracking. "Fine. Just... please, let's finish this project."Zane turned back, his grin triumphant. "Good girl."Before I could react, he reached out and snatched my phone from my hand."Hey!" I protested, trying to grab it back, but he held it out of reach as he typed something into it."Relax, princess," he said, tossing the phone back to me. I caught it, glaring at him as I glanced at the screen. His name and number were now saved in my contacts."Call me after school," Zane said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We're working at my place.""But—""No buts," he interrupted. "Unless you want me to change my mind?"I pressed my lips together, swallowing the words on the tip of my tongue. I couldn't risk him backing out now."Good," Zane said, clearly enjoying my frustration. He winked at me. "See you later, princess."With that, he sauntered out of the room, leaving me standing there, anxious and defeated.