"So what's the plan?" Margot said flipping through the contents page of Cry The Beloved Country.

We were sitting in the study room, it was the second day of doing the history project. I'd arrived earlier today because Margot had somewhere to be later that day.

"What plan?" I asked as I scrolled down a Wikipedia page on the computer.

"With my sister." Margot stopped flipping through the book. "What do you plan to do to catch her in your net?" I arched an eyebrow at her. "To make her want you! Because where you are now you're not going to get anywhere."

She looked back down at the book, "Actually you're probably not going to get anywhere."

Okay! What was her deal! Why did she keep telling me how I was going to fail with Claire! It was getting old.

"Is that all you're going to do," I said, a little annoyed, "Continuously tell me how I have no chance with your sister!"

Margot slammed the book shut, "Maybe until you get the message!"

"Why do you care!" I stood up from the chair, the anger now boiling up inside of me.

Why did Margot care if I liked her sister and had basically no chance with her! It was none of her business! Just seeing Claire every once in a while was enough for me.

Margot sighed, "Because you're waisting your time." She locked eyes with me, "And you shouldn't have to get hurt by someone who doesn't feel the same way."

I unfolded my arms, my fiery mood dissipating.

"Well thank you for your concern," I sat down again, "But I think I can handle this myself."

Margot shrugged and said a simple, "Okay," before opening the book again and looking through the pages.

A long moment of silence passed before I spoke again.

"I notice you didn't lock the door this time." I indicated the wide open study door. I hoped with all my heart Claire would come in. Maybe to ask Margot for something or just to check up on us, anything would be perfect just as long as she was able to break the stale air that engulfed me and Margot.

"Ya." Margot said not looking up from the book. "I decided not to lock it."

"Why?"

Margot sighed. I'd obviously specialised in the art of making Margot sigh!

"I decided I might as well leave it open, Claire probably wont come up here anyway." I bit my lip, knowing she was probably right. "Also," Margot added, "I don't want to be locked in a room with you for another hour." She rolled her eyes.

"What's that supposed to mean!" I exclaimed.

She chuckled and ignoring the question said, "Now, did you bring the rubric?"

Can I just say how glad I was to say I did!

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"Right. That should be enough." Margot said typing the last few words to the paragraph.

I sat with my head tilted back facing the ceiling, a pencil in between my teeth. This was really boring.

The plan was to see Claire, not be cooped up the whole time in a stuffy room with Margot!

It was the third day that we were working on the project, and it was actually a lot more effort than I had thought.

Too much work, not enough Claire! I was starting to have regrets.

Margot sighed, sitting back in her chair, "I don't know about you but I could do with a drink."

Now that I thought about it, I was actually really thirsty.

"I'll get it." I said shooting up from the chair, wanting anything to get out of that stuffy study and move around.

"There's Ice-tea in the fridge."

"Right." I dashed out of the room, jogged down the stairs, through the living room and into the kitchen.

I spotted the fridge and made my way to it. Opening the door, I tried to find the Ice-tea. I scanned the shelves seeing no sign of it.

I gritted my teeth and prepared to make my way back to the study.

"Riley?"

I swung around.

"Claire!" I gasped.

Claire Saunders was standing next to the counter right behind me! She had her purse on her arm and was clutching her car keys in one hand, having obviously just arrived back from somewhere.

Immediately I felt my heart rate begin to quicken as a tingly feeling began to creep over my body.

I stared at her, unable to move. A light headed dizziness swirled in my head.

I willed myself to speak, "Oh h-h- hi."

I immediately mentally slapped myself, what was that!

Claire made her way over to me, she smiled kindly, "Can I help you?" She indicated the fridge, which was open behind me.

"Oh yes please," I answered, gaining some confidence. "Margot told me to get the ice-tea but I can't find it."

"Oh sorry," She chuckled, my heart swelled at the sound, "I finished the last one that was in the fridge, but there should be more in the cupboard," She moved past me, the scent of sweet vanilla trailing behind her.

She reached up and took down two bottles from the top shelf, and handed them to me.

"Sorry it's not cold." She said apologetically.

I clutched the drinks in my hands, "Thank you!" I squeaked.

After a few moments of just standing there like an idiot. I realised that I'd gotten what I needed, and should probably stop gazing up into Claire eyes and go back to the study.

I made a quick exit out of the kitchen and glided lazily up the stairs.

I got to the study, closed the door and leaned myself against it, letting out a deep sigh. Still clutching the drinks in either hand.

"There you are!" Margot swivelled around in her chair like an evil scientist. "You took forever!"

"I had trouble finding it." I mumbled walking over to my place and sitting down, I handed her a drink, "Sorry it's not cold." I mumbled. My conversation with Claire was still playing in my head.

Her beautiful eyes, her captivating, perfect smile... Her-

"It's okay," Margot popped open the lid and took a sip. She set it down with a satisfied sigh, "Let's contin-"

The door burst open, "Margot I'm going out again" Claire stood in the doorway.

I choked on my drink.

Margot gave me the death eye as I spluttered and coughed in the corner. Luckily Claire payed little attention.

"I'll probably be back around eight. Tell mom and dad."

Margot folded her arms, "Why don't you tell mom and dad?"

Claire rolled her eyes, "Don't be difficult okay, just tell them."

Margot sighed, "Fine." She said through gritted teeth.

"Thanks." Claire made her way out of the door, "See you later, bye Riley."

I coughed, clearing my throat, "Um Bye." I waved even though she was already gone.

Margot swivelled her chair back to face the computer, I turned to her. She was giving me that look of hers.

"What?" I asked innocently, pretending to play dumb.

"Now I know why you took so long." She said grimly.

I bit my lip, feeling my cheeks turn red.