I assumed it was a result of what was to come the following day, but I was blessed with a laid-back day. No ridiculous memory recreation, Grayson for once, caused me little irritation.

     If Grayson wasn't making my day a pain, of course someone else had to. And who better to get under my skin, than Amanda Cole. I was living my worst nightmare, trapped between Grayson Ryder and my ex best friend.

     Presented with a group project for English class, much to my dismay Amanda had been assigned as Grayson's partner. Though fate did seem to have it in for me lately, I was sure Amanda had convinced the teacher to give her the partner she preferred. Upon first hearing of their partnership, I accidently snapped a pencil between my fingers. Katie alleged it was jealousy, but I was quick to inform her that it had nothing to do with Grayson. I quite enjoyed the way Amanda made him squirm, but the thought that I would be affected by the after-school work that the project required, deeply aggravated me. The partnership would have caused me no bother if I didn't live in the Ryder's home. I was simply upset by the idea that I would have to see Amanda after school hours. I was not jealous.

     Because my mood wasn't foul enough, Amanda had to join our lunch table. I was beginning to believe that someone was messing with me, testing how much it would take to push me to my limits.

     "Hey, partner," she greeted, voice merry as she forced herself between Luke and Grayson.

     Grayson bumping into me, forced to make room for the girl, half my soup spattered across the table. Amanda paid no notice to the mess, nor the abrupt pause in conversation. Jaw tightening, I focused my energy on cleaning the table. Beside me, Shawna grimaced in anticipation. But there was nothing to fear. I could be mature. I could keep my cool. Gracefully I accepted Blake's napkins.

     "Do you have any ideas for the project?" Amanda asked, casually.

     "Not really—" Grayson tried, gaze flickering between the rest of the group, as if to ask what our plans were.

     "That's alright," she interrupted. She wasn't interested in anyone's idea. Amanda was here for the sole reason of taunting me. But joke on her, I could use a break from Grayson. It's just a damn shame she had to be the one to give it to me. "But start thinking about it. I'm very serious when it comes to my education."

     I snorted, nearly choking on my sip of water. Serious about her education? It didn't matter what they submitted. All she had to do was cry, and daddy would get her the grade she wanted.

     Eyes flicking my way in irritation, Amanda pretended not to hear me, exaggerated act of cheerfulness maintained.

     "I think we better start soon. Does this week work?"

     Grayson scratched the back of his head, brows furrowed in thought. I knew he was mentally going over his valued calendar.

     "I'm kind of busy—"

     "I'll come to your place. Make it easier for you."

     "Alright," he said awkwardly. "That could work."

     "Great!" Amanda grinned. "How's tomorrow?"

     "I can't." This time he didn't hesitate. "I have plans for Alex's birthday."

     Accustomed to easily getting her way, thin red lips twitched. "You can't spare a few hours?"

     "Not tomorrow."

     Catching her irritation, body subtly tensing, I smirked.

     "Does the day after tomorrow work?"

     Grayson paused, once again, mentally rearranging our schedule. "I could do a few hours," he finally agreed.

     "Friday it is, then."

     Likely uncomfortable by the lack of enthusiasm faced to her presence, she sent him one last smile, before rejoining her group. Only when she was out of sight did my fists unclench.

     "Anyone free Friday?" I asked desperately.

     Because it seemed someone out there had something against me, all my friends had plans. I would have to find another reason to escape the Ryder home. I didn't want to be anywhere near their study date.

     "But I'm not doing anything on Monday," Jack added.

     "What?" I frowned.

     Jack and I were friends, but we never hung out alone. I couldn't help but feel like it would be weird, and Grayson wouldn't be pleased with another interruption of his schedule.

     "For the project," Jack reminded.

     Still frowning, slow to be struck by realisation, Jack shot me an incredulous look. "I'm your partner!"

     I had been so caught up in Amanda's partnership with Grayson, that I hadn't even bothered to listen to who Mr. Moore had paired me with. Ignoring Blake and Katie's insinuating looks, I admittedly felt like a fool. I should not have been as bothered as I was. I couldn't find a valid reason for the extent of my current irritation, but I refused to agree with my friends' theories of jealousy. This was about Amanda, not my feelings, or lack thereof, for Grayson.

     Considering the raging pool of unknown emotions in the pit of my stomach, that night was not a wise moment to introduce a friendly game of soccer. Acutely aware of my irritated mood, Grayson tried to ignore it. But even he could only take so much. Rapidly the game escalated into a competition, and it was only a matter of time before he became as competitive and aggressive as I.

     The sun had long set, but under the garage's light, we kept playing. As I had demanded a rematch, and then he, we stayed out much longer than the few hours he had bargained. Bodies sweaty, faces red, and blotches of dirt covering our skin, Calvin and Claire stayed away. I couldn't blame them. They had probably heard the shouting and decided against their evening tea on the terrace.

     Much of the last hour spent arguing rather than playing, we made the wise decision of quitting. No winner declared. Even inside we weren't spared from the arguing. Pyjamas in hand, we reached the bathroom at the same time.

     "I'm showering first." I eyed him with my fieriest gaze.

     "No. I am."

     "You played dirty, Ryder," I reminded, gesturing towards the grass stains that had ruined my white shorts and blue shirt. "I deserve the shower."

     Grayson scoffed. "You played dirtier."

     "I think I retaliated quite fairly."

     "You threw the first blow."

      "I don't remember that." I feigned innocence.

     "I'm not giving in this time."

     "Neither am I." I crossed my arms across my chest. "And you never give in." Grayson Ryder was the definition of stubborn.

     "Then, I'm not about to start now."

     Crossing his arms over his chest as well, eyes burning into each other's, we waited for the other to give in.

     "Let's just flip a coin," I finally suggested. This wasn't getting anywhere.

     Grayson narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

     "Unless you have a better idea." I tapped my foot impatiently. Eyes sparkling in spite of his fury, my shoulders tensed in anticipation. "If you so much as suggest showering together, I am going to shower at Katie's, and stay there for the next few months."

     Blue eyes rolling, he remained reluctant on the coin flip idea. As if he thought this was a trick. His lack of trust was appalling. I mean he was right to doubt my maturity, but the assumption was rude, nonetheless.

     "Fine," he eventually gave in. "But I call heads."

     "Fine," I copied his tone. "Get a coin, and we'll get this over with."

     As he took a few steps towards his room leaving the bathroom unprotected, I smiled.

     "Idiot," I declared, before shutting the door in his face with a taunting grin. At least, I could say I won one squabble that night. Victory was refreshing.