Just a note: All characters are over eighteen. This one is just a little bit of fun - please enjoy :)
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Alana sat at table and fiddled with her food. She had been throwing surreptitious glances at Connor Montrose all through lunch. God he was gorgeous. Devine even. Right at that moment he caught her eye and smiled before continuing his conversation with his friends. Alana blushed furiously. 'Oh my God I'm having a Bella Swan moment. How sad and pathetic is my life.' She thought before grabbing her tray and heading out of the cafeteria.
Alana was new to the exclusive prep school. She'd gotten in on an academic scholarship. There was no way her parents could afford the tuition. Being the new kid definitely had its drawbacks. Being less wealthy than the Rockefeller's also seemed to be a problem at this school as well. It was difficult to make friends. These kids grandparents probably new each other when they were in diapers.
Alana knew that her appearance didn't help matters either. Her parents while not destitute, didn't have the resources to pay for many of the finer things that were the norm at this school. Including the exorbitantly priced uniform. Hers was second hand. Unfortunately it was the only one left and it was at least two sizes too big which essentially made her look like she was wearing a burlap sack. In this cliquey environment that was a definite no-no.
There were some people that talked to her and others that were downright nasty. But Alana didn't mind because she knew that as a senior she'd only be here for the rest of the year. Then she'd be off to college hopefully on another academic scholarship.
Her only problem was one Connor Montrose and his absolute gorgeousness. He was sporty and popular and seemed like a nice guy. Not that she'd had the courage to speak to him. He was also in most of her classes, occasionally making it very hard to concentrate. Like right now heading to Chemistry knowing that he was going to be there sitting in the back row with his buddies. Alana took her usual place alone at one of the lab benches.
Mrs. Baldwin walked in. She was one of Alana's favourite teachers because she explained things well and was always available for questions. "Now class. Over the next couple of terms we are going to be doing a large project in pairs. The project will be on environmental contagions and will be broken up into smaller experiments with assignments to be handed in at various dates before the final presentation. Please refer to the outline being passed around." A grumble at the amount of work went around as people discussed partners and complained about the topic. Alana looked about concerned. Everyone seemed to have paired off.
"Mr Montrose can you please come here?" Mrs Baldwin said as the class went over the outline.
Connor ambled to the teacher's desk wondering what the problem was but having a small inkling what it might be. "Connor, I've been having a chat with the principal. He's under the impression that you've were slacking off towards the end of last year. And you appear to have continued the pattern this year. Tell me I'm wrong." She said quietly so that the other students couldn't hear.
"You're not wrong." Connor replied dejectedly.
"You're far from stupid Connor, It would be a waste. I know you're going to be upset but I'm going to have to push you a little harder this year, starting with making you Alana's partner for this extended project. Maybe she'll be a positive influence." Mrs. Baldwin said. Connor understood.
She was right, he wasn't stupid. He just could seem to get motivated. And he wasn't angry with her. Actually she was being rather nice about it. Better than the lecture he'd coped from his parents. He thanked her for her concern and promised to try.
He walked to the back and gathered his things to the questioning glances of his friends. Plonking himself down next to Alana he said "Howdy partner." Alana almost fell off her chair when he sat down.
"What's going on? Is this a joke?" she said confused.
"Nope. Baldwin is assigning me to you with the hope that you'll be a positive influence. So do your magic." He grinned. Alana couldn't speak, she couldn't think. How on earth was she going to get through a class with him right next to her.
By the end of the lesson they had managed to work out a rough plan of the topics they wanted to research and the experiments they wanted to do. It was a little more complicated than Connor was use to but he thought he could manage. Besides Alana was pretty good at explaining things and forcing him to actually think. He hadn't really spoken to her before but he knew she must be smart to get a scholarship. She didn't come across and nerdy though, or weird, just nice and friendly. This might not be that bad.
They walked out together comparing schedules to see when they could get together and compare their research. Alana wasn't watching where she was going and she almost walked into Melanie Wright. Queen Bitch if ever there was one. Every school has one or more of 'those girls', popular, attractive and supremely conceited. "Watch where you're going freak." Melanie exclaimed. Alana didn't want to bother with the girl's histrionics but she still had to pin down a time with Connor.
Ignoring Melanie she looked at Connor and said "What about Wednesday, 4th period spare?"
"Sounds good." Connor said.
"On my God. You two?" Melanie said incredulously.
"Back off Melanie. Alana and I are doing a project together." Connor said with an annoyed tone.
"Oh, like she had a hope in hell." Melanie said looking relieved.
"I said back off Melanie." Connor repeated. Alana wasn't sure if he was defending her or just not wanting to be thought of in the same context as her.
"Hmm doesn't listen very well does she?" Alana mumbled desperate to get out of there.
"What?" said Melanie looking like she'd sucked on a lemon.
Alana stifled a giggle "You know 'back off', it means retreat, pull back, withdraw." She said with a smile. Melanie was still giving her a blank lemon sucking stare. "Oh for goodness sake, by a dictionary and look it up." Alana said exasperated and walked off with the sound of Connor's chuckles in her ears.