isabelle

"Izzy, you are a godsend!! We are finally allowed to write about something that matters! I am so excited, can you tell?" Ava was jumping out of joy while talking about how the editorial team loved my ideas.

We were in a cafeteria so I had to calm her down before answering with a smile on my face, "I think it is more than obvious that you're excited, Aves. I'm so happy for you!" 

"They were so impressed by the draft I made regarding our school team's pre game ritual. I get to personally interview our football team's captain! I  am going to have a one-on-one conversation with the Josh Miller! Thank you so much, Iz. I absolutely love you." She caught me in an embrace while fangirling about Josh.

I welcomed her hug and said, "Don't give me credit, the draft was all you."

"Oh shut up, let me appreciate you for once."

I closed my eyes and hugged her tighter. We pulled away after a few moments.

"The game ritual thing, I can do. But I also need an inside-man to help me out with the pranks article. Someone who can tell me of all the stuff going around school. Any ideas on who could help?"

"Nope Ava, sorry. I haven't kept up with anyone other than you in this school and it's come to bite me," I answered her.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Well, we've got this history project that needs to be done as a pair and I don't know anyone from my class. I hope I'm not stuck with someone who doesn't do any work."

Ava hummed in response but didn't say anything. She was lost in her thoughts as she continued to fiddle with her food. After a few moments, she nudged my arm with excitement was all over her face. 

I looked up from my laptop screen and said, "I'm not sure if I want to know what you're thinking of."

"Okay so, you need a history partner and I need an inside person. Ryan Adler is in your class, right? If you pair up with him, you'll have a partner and I'll be able to keep up with all the school drama. Who better than Ryan to tell you all about the school goss?"

My mouth was left agape. With wide eyes, I said, "You can not be serious. You want me to hang with Ryan and  be your inside man?"

"Bingo!"

"Ava, no. I can't do that. You know how my parents are. I can't risk my grades for your news article."

"Babe, it's not going to affect your grades at all. I know that Ryan's got this impression of being unbothered and stuff but trust me, his scores are amazing. I was once helping Ms Lane sort out her drawers and saw his papers." Upon seeing my startled expression, she added, "I was surprised too. Please, Izzy?"

"But Ava, this doesn't sit right with me. How do you want me to do it? By befriending him? Just to get some information? Isn't that kind of insensitive.."

"Don't overthink it, Isa. People talk about this stuff all the time. Okay, how about this? I buy you Iced coffee for the rest of the month if you help me out."

"That's unfair. You know I can't say no to coffee," I frowned, giving in to her request.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! You're the best Izzy!"

I rolled my eyes as she got excited. Iced coffee isn't a bad payment method for an inside man, I figured.

"There he is! Go ask him now! His gang isn't with him, it's the perfect time!" She yelled while pointing to him. I got her to calm down before muttering to myself, "Might as well get done with it."

As I walked up to Ryan through the crowded cafeteria, I started having second thoughts. Technically, I did not say 'yes' to Ava, there was still a chance to back out. But, I did need a partner and someone with good academic credentials was better than someone whom no one wants. I know it sounds mean, but it is the truth.

"Ryan?" I called out upon reaching him.

"Yes?" he answered. 

"Um hi, I'm Isabelle and we're in the same history class. I'm not sure if you know but there's a team activity that was assigned to us yesterday and I was wondering if you'd like to pair up with me?"

"What?" he asked and before I repeated myself, he shook his head. "Did Arno ask you to do this?"

"No. Why would he?" 

"Is this some kind of punishment for pulling his leg?"

Who did he think he was? Having me as his partner would benefit him, yet he disregarded the idea as some sort of punishment. I did not like to be around people who could not appreciate others.

"Look, you don't have to do this if you don't want to. I'll just go ask someone else," I said and started to walk away.

"No, uh, it's fine. We can team up," he said after grabbing my arm and facing me again.

"As I said, it's fine if you don't want to do it with me."

"No, I want  to do the project with you. I'm sorry for asking if Arnold sent you. I just didn't know why you would want to do the assignment with me."

It was a question and my answer came out as a half truth : "Oh, I barely know anyone from the class and heard somewhere that you're good with academics so decided that it was worth a shot. I'm hoping that you are  good with academics?" I know it's rude to ask but I couldn't help myself.

"I'm good at many things, Isabelle" He smiled. I chose to ignore what he was hinting at but was secretly glad that he wasn't offended by my question.

Upon not receiving a reply, he cleared his throat and said, "So when do you want to get started?"

"Today's a Thursday, right?" He nodded. 

"I think we can start on Saturday afternoon? If you're free, of course" I added.

"Yeah I'm free. Here, give me your number," He said as he passed his phone towards me.

"What for?"

"To contact you, silly"

"Well okay, here you go" I gave him his phone after adding myself to his contacts.

"Thanks. So, my friends are here. I'll see you on Saturday?" He asked while subtly hinting that he had to leave.

"Yup."

That evening, I went to Mr Arnold's office to let him know that Ryan was my partner and that we were yet to on decide a topic. He raised his brows at me. "What? He's good at academics" I defended myself, understanding the look on his face.

He didn't reply and I left his office.

I told Ava that Ryan had agreed and she was ecstatic upon hearing the news. She suggested that we go to Starbucks and grab some Iced coffee. Who was I to say no?

~⨯~