Fortunately, just 5 seconds after we've entered the Maths class, the late bell rings. Heaving a sigh of relief, I go over to the third seat in the middle row, that's still unoccupied.

You must be thinking, why am I always searching for an empty seat? The answer is, because no one likes to have my company. And why is that so? 'cause I'm considered a nerd. Well, I don't care. It's not my fault that I love maths and am interested in History, and if others have a problem with that, let them, I don't mind.

It's not that I'm arrogant or proud, it's just that unintentionally, I've become every teacher's pet and thus formed such an image that no one would talk to me, even when I try to be friendly and cheerful. So basically, I've just given up being that, and am confined to myself and my studies, and, yes, finding empty seats everywhere!

Now, having seated myself I am rummaging through my small hand bag for a pen, when I'm shocked to see that Ned has followed me and is now sitting right beside me! Of course, I'm feeling a bit awkward, having never sat next to a boy(and mostly alone by myself), but I think it wouldn't be a good start for him, a new student, to hang out with me, because then he'd also be considered a nerd.

"Umm...Ned, you sure you want to sit here?" I ask, hesitatingly.

"'Course! Why?" he replies, smiling. But quickly his expression changes when he realizes something, and he says, "Oh, shoot! I'm so sorry, I didn't even ask you before sitting here. Obviously you'll want to sit with one of your friends...and where are my manners, anyway?" he mutters and starts to get up.

"Oh, no! Keep sitting, I've no problem at all! Anyway, it's the first time I have company during a class, otherwise, I'm always sitting alone..."

I mumble the last sentence, but I guess Ned hears it, because he says, "Could be the first time, but definitely not the last!" He grins.

"Huh??" I say, not sure what that's supposed to mean.

"Oh, nothing." He replies, then looks away. I shrug.

Our teacher, Mr. Andrews, enters the class then, and we concentrate on solving quadratic equations for the rest of the class. I discover that having company in class is rather fun, especially if it's a person like Ned. I find, also, that Ned's about as good in maths as me, and so we both sail right through the class, sharing our answers, clearing each other's doubts, etc.

Plus, Ned has a really good sense of humor, and I keep giggling through the entire class because of him. I can't help but notice that he's kind of cute, too.

Anyway, so when the class ends, we both go to our lockers together, get the books for the next period of Astronomy(the classes in which Ned and me aren't together have already finished before the break), which is as good as maths, if not better, and then we head to the last class of the day, Creative Writing.

As our teacher, Ms. Hirsh, comes into the class, she announces:

"Students, I need to inform you that in this class, you'll be given five assignments to complete in all, over the year, and the first one of them I'm giving you right now.

"You'll work in pairs on this one, where you need to write a ghost story. Now this story cannot be just a random one that you'll make up and write down, instead, you need to research any mysterious incident in the history of the world--it could even be your neighborhood--and convert that into a ghost story.

"So you'll want to do a lot of research work before you actually start to pen down the story, if you feel like getting good grades."

Hearing the word 'research', the class groans, except me.

"And I almost forgot, this project will be extra helpful for the students who've taken history as well, and some marks from this will be added in your History report too. You could illustrate your story, or click pictures and attach them, to make it more appealing, as per your wish."

I can't hold my excitement. This is going to be so interesting and fun!

"I want the assignment by Monday, next to next week. Have I made myself clear?" The class groans, again, in response.

I glance over at Ned, and see that he's raised his hand and is waiting for Ms. Hirsh to notice him.

"Yes, Ned? You want to ask something?"

"Yes, Ms. Hirsh. I was wondering if we could choose our partners ourselves, or you'd be deciding that?"

"Good you reminded me. Yes, you can choose your partners yourselves, provided that later, I shouldn't be hearing that you couldn't write the story or complete it in time due to your partners. Is that okay?

"Yes, thank you Ms. Hirsh," Ned says, sits down, then beams at me.

Okay...I have a guess where this is leading to.

Just then, Ned extends his hand, and says, "Partners, Ashlee?"

Bull's eye! I was right--I knew this was coming.

I look at Ned, his soft hazel-brown eyes meet mine, and his face clearly shows he's very eager about pairing up with me for the project. Considering that anyway I won't be getting any offers from the rest of the class to form a pair, I take his hand.

We shake hands vigorously, he smiles at me, I smile in return. He holds onto my hand for a tad bit longer, seemingly not wanting to let go of my hand. Looking into his hazel eyes, I feel myself blushing a little, as he holds my gaze.

The bell rings just then, and we're both brought back to reality.

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Photo above is Ned (again, I don't own the pic, it's of an actor named Max Baroudi, while that of Ashlee was just a random one from the net.). How do you like them? :) Do let me know what you think, by voting/commenting and even better, doing both!! :D

EDIT(03/03/17): Ned's cast changed from Max Baroudi to Asa Butterfield (pic at the start of the chapter) :D

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