“Well partner, I’m sure it’ll be nice working with you,” I say.
Cocoa looks horrified. I bet she’ll stay after class is over to speak with Mr. Barnes about switching partners.
The bell rings. First period is over. Not surprisingly, Cocoa doesn’t move from her seat.
When I’m the only student remaining, I walk to the front of the classroom to speak with Mr. Barnes.
“Mr. Barnes, is there any way I can be assigned another partner?”
“Why?”
“Maverick and I don’t get along, so I think it’s in both of our best interests if we don’t work as partners on this project.”
“This is a good opportunity for you to gain real life experience. In your career, you may have to collaborate with a co-worker you don’t get along with. You and Maverick will have to work through your differences if you want to receive a good grade. Now, enjoy the rest of your first day of school.”
Enjoy the rest of my day? I wish I never got out of bed this morning.
“You, too,” I mutter, walking out of the classroom.
Maverick is standing against the wall, watching me when I step into the hallway. He probably heard me talking to Mr. Barnes, but I don’t give a fuck. I walk past him like he doesn’t exist. I can feel his eyes on me, so I chance a look over my shoulder to see that he is, in fact, still watching me with a look I can’t identify. I spoke too soon when I said my day couldn’t get worse. I can’t believe I’m stuck with him as a partner. My final grade in physics depends on him, which really sucks ass. I wonder if we have any other classes together, God I hope not.
My next classes are uneventful. I’m starting to think that I’m the only minority in this school. I haven’t encountered a friendly student yet, everyone treats me with indifference, and I know it’s because ofthem.When I find my way to the cafeteria, I’m happy to discover some diversity.
The cafeteria is huge, with chairs stationed at round tables. I walk over to the lunch line to await my turn to be served. I scan the cafeteria to determine where I’ll sit. I’m happy to see that Montgomery Academy is more diverse than I originally assumed. Of course, I see Queen Bimbo and her group of minions sitting at a table together. Next to their table sits King Asshole, the Prince Assholes, and a few other guys. I spot the table where I’ll sit. That table has the most diversity. I choose lasagna and salad, with garlic bread, for lunch.
I pick my tray up and walk over to the table.
“Hi, my name is Cocoa. Can I sit here?”
“Sure,” says a very energetic boy.
I critique his mannerisms, and the sound of his voice lets me know he’s definitely a flaming hot Cheeto, in other words, he’s gay.
“Thank you,” I say, sitting down.
“My name is Jamal.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Jamal.”
Jamal is tall and lanky, with a dark complexion. He has a little stubble on his chin.
“This is Kate and Lucy.”
“Hi,” they both say in unison, but nowhere near as enthusiastic as Jamal’s greeting.
Kate is white with freckles scattered across her nose and cheeks. Unruly brown curls frame her face and light blue eyes. Lucy is of Asian descent, and she has chin-length, straight black hair.
“Are you sure you want to sit with us?” asks Kate.
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“We’re the rejects, the poor scholarship students. There are several other scholarship students attending here, too,” says Lucy.
“You sure you don’t want to sit over there?” says Jamal as he jerks his head in the direction of the asshole.
When I laugh, Jamal looks at me like I’m a crazy person.
“Trust me, that ship has already sailed,” I tell him.
