First period was science, Sharon's favorite subject.
She sat near the front of the classroom, already opening her notebook when someone dropped into the seat beside her.
Of course.
Dylan.
"You again?" she muttered.
"Miss me?" he said.
"Not even a little."
Before she could say anything else, their teacher walked in.
"Good morning, class," Mr. Peterson said. "Welcome to your final year."
The room quieted quickly.
"This year will be important for all of you. And for your first major assignment, you will complete a research project."
Sharon straightened in her chair. She loved research projects.
But then Mr. Peterson continued.
"And this project will be done in pairs."
The class immediately began whispering.
"Don't worry," the teacher said. "I will choose the partners."
Sharon felt a strange feeling of dread.
Mr. Peterson began reading names.
"Jason and Amanda."
"Lebo and Thandi."
Then—
"Sharon and Dylan."
The classroom erupted with laughter.
Sharon turned slowly toward Dylan.
"You've got to be kidding me," she said.
Dylan raised his eyebrows. "Looks like we're partners."
Sharon buried her face in her hands.
This is going to be the longest project of my life.