Olivia's POV

It's been an hour since I entered the workroom, and I'm sat in a sea of despair. Well, by "sea," I mean a sea of paper, as hundreds of crumpled-up bits litter the hardwood floor.

My ideas have run into the ground, and it's safe to say I have nothing to go by. Being on my own for this isn't helping, especially when everyone else has pairs.

And it's funny how the one who cares the most gets stuck with the one who cares the least.

Seems to be the way it works, I guess.

With an exasperated sigh, I stand from my easel and start picking up the crumpled paper from the floor, knowing I'll have to do it sometime, feeling frustrated beyond belief. Just as I reach for a bit of paper, someone grabs it at the same time.

I look up to see Annie, whose presence I wasn't aware of until now. Although a firm teacher, she smiles softly at me, and I return the gesture.

"Everything alright, Olivia? You seem a bit distressed."

I offer her a weak smile. "I'm fine, thank you. Just trying to get some ideas together for the project you told me and Freddie to work on. Thought a head start would be a good idea."

"I agree. Being prepared for your art is key." She picks up the remaining bits of paper before speaking again. "Well, I've just wandered around to see the other pairs, and they all seem to be getting on just fine. Then I come and check in on you, and you're by yourself."

"Like I said, just getting a head start."

I know she can see right through me, as I feel a ripple of anxiety wave over me. I close myself off from her in an attempt to cover up my real intentions by hiding behind my brown hair.

Annie doesn't buy it.

"Olivia, listen to me. This is a paired task, and to be a pair, there have to be two people. I know Freddie isn't the most... academic, but he's very talented at art, as are you. I put you together because I thought you would be good for each other. He has the confidence that you don't have, and you have the good nature he's lacking."

She looks at me for a sign of communication, and when I don't reply, she continues.

"I know you find it difficult to talk to people, Olivia, and studying art is a good way for you to express how you're feeling, but you can't do a pairs project on your own. Let me talk to him. I promise you he will come in handy at some point."

She sighs, and I hear a twinge of sadness in her voice, and I instantly feel guilty for causing her upset.

Taking the opportunity to look up, I see Annie in the doorway, looking at me like I'm wounded, and I suppose in a way I am. Freddie offloading his work onto me didn't help, but I suppose it's better than having to work with someone who has no interest in the cause.

"You've worked hard, Olivia. I won't have Freddie mess this up for you." And with that, she walks out of the workroom.

Annie leaves me curled up in a ball against the brick wall, looking for a reason to stay sane. I catch a glimpse of the painting adapted from Tom's photograph out of the corner of my eye and feel in no mood to continue with it. So I just sit, unmoving in the art workroom for what seems like hours until I hear the lunch bell.

So much for getting things done.

***

With my head down, I enter the dining hall, excited for once at the prospect of escaping the workroom. I needed time to clear my head, I realize, and stressing over the project was not helping.

Luckily, lunch has given me some time to think about the situation and how I'm going to continue working on the project alone since Annie doesn't make Freddie work with me.

"Olivia Meyer!" I hear a voice get my attention from across the hall, and I'm met with an angry-looking Freddie marching briskly toward me. "Come with me."

He drags me away from my food and out into the school grounds. The scent of fresh lavender drifts through the air, but even its calming qualities can't tame the person in front of me.

"I was under the impression that we were clear on the terms of the agreement, but I guess we weren't." His voice is snappy, and his overall tone is filled with anger.

"The rules were simple: 1. You paint whatever the hell you like. 2. You cover for me and say we both contributed. So explain this to me: Why the hell did Annie come to me and give me a bollocking for not contributing? I'm guessing you had something to do with it."

I'm at a loss for words, and Freddie, cigarette in hand, is taking drag after drag to calm himself down.

I feel my social barriers weaken at the need to defend myself. "I said nothing."

"Oh, it speaks now? Tell me, princess, I'm guessing Annie just waltzed into the room by accident when you were working on the project?"

I nod slowly, and he laughs patronizingly. "You really are clueless. It means we have to work together now, for real. Meet me in the workroom after school, and we get this stupid shit over and done with."

I feel my eyes widen in surprise at his forcefulness. "W-what?"

"You heard me. 3:30 in the workroom."

Freddie says gruffly as he walks out, charming yet another girl on his way.

We're nothing alike.

How the hell is this going to work?

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Author's Note: Sorry my story is a bit rubbish at the minute, I have a lot on with exam and other schoolwork. Remember to vote, comment and follow for more.