I can't believe he moved on that fast. Its not like we were together in the first place but still. Damn, that was fast.

I couldn't control my raging thoughts. Every time I could still see him smiling with her. It should have been me making that happen.

I sounded jealous. Was I? I have no idea. This whole thing was downright confusing. One minute I  wanted us apart the next I craved his presence. Call me insane, I guess that's what was happening.

Now I am stuck in chemistry with him. Nate was sitting at the front as usual. Typical nerd.
I rolled my eyes.

I had been sitting at the back and I couldn't hear a word the teacher was saying. My mind was totally elsewhere.

" Guys listen up, this semester's going to be a little tough. So I am going to assign partners for this term's  chemistry project. " Mr Anton announced. That earned him a series of groans from the class.

" Gents, come forward and pick a partner. " he proceeded.

" I hope I get a hot nerd. I'm making him do the entire thing." Kate who was sitting beside me piped.

" I figured much." I retorted with a smirk.

" Hey what's your problem.  I noticed you've been grumpy for some time now." Kate fired back.

" Who wouldn't be. Spending time with you just brings out the worst in people. "

" Ryn. I'm not joking. "

" What makes you think I am." I hadn't meant to say that. I couldn't help it. I was angry and she was there. Unfortunately she had to take the blow.

"Once you pick the paper, you read the name out loud so your partner can hear you." Mr Anton continued to issue out instructions.

" I still don't understand what your problem is. Is this about your parents again?"
She just had to bring that up. The fact that I wasn't being friendly to anyone irked her to heights unknown.

"Can we not do this right now Kate. You should be lucky I'm not being grumpy to just you alone."

Apparently she didn't take that so well. She huffed then went away to find her partner.

Just great.

' Get it together will you. ' My subconscious reminded.

Just as I was about to get out of the class to go calm myself down, a figure approached me silently.

" To what do I owe this pleasure nerdy boy." I smiled. It just came naturally. Damn, I missed using this nickname.

"Looks like you're stuck with me." Nate said with a frown. " I know you hate me and stuff but can we like be two chemistry students who just want to pass? I'll stay out of your way and you can do your part."

" Whatever you say."

" Great." He mumbled to himself. This is going to be one hell of a semester.

"Alright so this  is what we're going to do. When we're given assignment, we'll meet at your place. Unless you have any other suggestions." He wouldn't meet my eyes. He just treated me with a cold shoulder shrug.

"That's fine with me." He mumbled again.

"You might want to address me a little bit louder. Unless of course you don't mind close proximity with me."

He blushed. That's what I liked to see.

Where did that come from.

I face palmed myself.

Lunch time came around and we all headed to our table. It was quite chaotic. Everyone was excited for the swim competition. Our neighbouring school was coming over for the competition. The twins were on the team so we were obviously going to be there.

To give them moral support. Like they needed it. I smiled at that. Maive and Clarke had been beaming the whole time.

"You two look like fireflies with those smiles." I commented. "Its like you  carry the excitement for the entire group."

"Aren't we glad they are? Because clearly some of us can't." Kate said bitterly.

" What's wrong with you two?" Jack inquired.

"I would ask her if I were you" she pointed towards me.

"Katherine Blasi I'm sorry." I said the only thing that I knew could make her smile. And she did.

Now that I had Nate in a closer proximity, I didn't see any reason to be mad anymore.

" I'm glad to see my two favorite girls finally smiling." Jack smiled.

"Hey what about us." Clarke shouted causing half the cafeteria to turn to us in annoyance.

"Of course you and Maive are my other two favorite girls." He defended half grinning like a fool.

Nate and his friend were having lunch with the brown haired girl from last time. They seemed happy.

He seemed more cheerful. Happier.

From what I gathered from my friends. He seemed to be getting more popularity from the juniors. Their table increased its member each day. I was glad he was finally letting loose. Just mad it wasn't with me.

You're pathetic Ryn. You brought this upon yourself.

The swim room was full to bursting. Arrays of colours could be seen all over. People were shouting at the same time it was irritating. Then the officials entered the room in a single file. The headmaster was the last to sit and he called the gathering in order.

"Ladies and gentlemen, for our first competition this year I present to you Starview High's Eagles versus the Tower High Cobras." The room erupted in cheers as people psyched each other.

Our teams were all eagles. From soccer to football to swimming and all other sports in Star View.  From where we were seated we could spot the twins smiling cheekily but even I noticed they were nervous.

Jerry was doing some warm up push ups while Jack was flirting with one of the Cobra girls.

So predictable. I chuckled. Leave it to Jack to flirt with some girl right before the competition.

"Is he flirting with her?" Clarke asked me smiling.

"Oh yes he is." Then we burst into a laughter. " Hasn't he been laid lately? He's some horny teenager."

"You're telling me." Clarke smiled as she wiped a tear at the corner of her eye from all the laughing.

The twins were really good at their game. Jerry was leading in the breaststroke and Jack was right behind him. He came in second. Our crew went wild shouting their names and giving them morale.  Kate was uncontrollable. She was the noisiest of us all.

During the butterfly round, Jack was on the lead. That was how the whole competition went down. It alternated between Jack and Jerry for the remaining styles except for the backstroke which was led by a girl from our team still.

The excitement was in the air. Everyone was happy. Well, our school at least. We won.

We all went down to congratulate the twins. I hugged Jack who hugged back enthusiastically with a wide smile. I then went on to hug Jerry who hugged back awkwardly.

How can two people with similar genes and looks be so different.

That was beyond me.

Jack ran back to my side and draped his hand on my shoulder with his smile still wide.

"I was bad ass  back there wasn't I ?" He raised a brow waiting for my response. We were all heading out to go celebrate for the win.

"I am afraid if I say more you might just drown in your ego." He laughed. At that moment he seemed so carefree and it was infectious. I might not be having feeling for him....yet.. but he was one cute guy.

" Ever heard of a man is his ego?" He continued to engage me. He must really like my company.

"I'm pretty sure you made that up?" It was the girls turn to laugh at him. Everyone seemed to really be enjoying themselves.

On our way to the parking lot I sported Nate and his friend talking to the girl. Apparently she was the one who won the backstroke round.

"What's the name of that girl. She's in the swim team with you guys."

"Oh her? Its Neilani. She's really nice and friendly." Jerry answered with a smile.

Just what I needed to hear.

I sat at the back of the twin's truck with Jack who cracked my ribs with his corny jokes the whole ride to Whitney's. It was our favorite restaurant. The burgers and the fries there were mouth watering.

We were all glad it was Friday and the weekend was just around the corner. But in our crew a Friday is not a Friday without a party.

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Edited. Enjoy!