Haywood gave each of us a polite nod before leaving the hall, students departing one by one to attend their next class or sprint toward the campus shuttle bus before it filled up.
“Why the fuck would you do that?!” I rounded on Nathaniel.
This pairing completely derailed my plan to replace his number one ranking. We had won an assignment each, and the third was meant to be the decider. How could I defeat him when we’d be working together to achieve the same mark? It would be a draw. And I was certain that Nathaniel’s request to work with me was a tactic to save his own skin from humiliation.
“Do what?” Nathaniel feigned innocence.
“You know what.”
“Why did I make the strategic decision to choose the only other person in this class thatactuallywants to succeed?”
“There are others,” I insisted.
He shook his head, hands sliding easily into his pockets as he advanced closer, the scent of his floral cologne infiltrating my senses. “They aren’t you.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
“It means you’re the only one I believe will give me the best chance of attaining full marks,” he said, “and I think you know I am your best chance too.”
He has a point, you know.
“Maybe you’re right,” I relented. “But you’re an asshole for not giving me a choice.”
“Who would you have chosen, then?”
“I…” My mouth fell shut as I failed to conjure a single classmate who I would have been happy to work with.
Nathaniel smiled knowingly before moving to step past me. “I’ll be in touch, Augustus. I am looking forward to working together.”
***
I received an email notification during my study break the following day. It was from Nathaniel. I wanted to ignore it, of course, but fate would not allow it. I had been condemned to collaborate with him, my success aligned with his. I had no choice but to respond.
This is Hell,the Devil complained as I opened the email and read through his unnaturally polite message.
Dear Augustus,
I hope you are doing well on this fine morning. As discussed yesterday, I am looking forward to working together and would like to arrange a study session as soon as possible.
I prepared a research proposal and an outline of my arguments last night but since this is a group task, I would like your input and feedback before we proceed. Please let me know your availability.
Kind regards, Nate.
Of course he already had an outline. It was his way of asserting dominance. But how could he possibly have an outline when we hadn’t even discussed a topic? I would not reward his arrogance with compliance.
I responded to his email without a greeting, suggesting we share a google document and collaborate online rather than meeting up in-person.
His response entered my inbox minutes later.
Dear Augustus,
I believe it would be far more beneficial to work together in person as it is easier to brainstorm and debate ideas. Please let me know what day and time works best for you.
Kind regards, Nate.
A study session with Nathaniel Carrington—what day and time worked best for me? Perhaps the Friday afternever?
You’re being dramatic,the Devil scolded me,you’re acting as though he is the Devil incarnate.
