Forced Fatherhood

Chapter 3: Unsettling Connections

Atlas POV

The next day at school, I caught a glimpse of Trevor through the glass doors. He was surrounded by his usual group of misfit friends, their presence a stark contrast to the typical crowd I associated myself with. Something about seeing him with them stirred an odd sensation within me, but I quickly brushed it off as irrelevant.

As I approached the school doors, Trevor's eyes locked with mine for a brief moment. It was an inexplicable connection, a flicker of understanding that passed between us. But just as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished, leaving me puzzled.

Shaking off the strange encounter, I stepped inside the school, determined to focus on the day ahead. However, my mind couldn't help but drift back to that momentary connection. It was as if there was more to Trevor than met the eye, hidden beneath his rebellious façade.

Entering the classroom, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. Mr. Grey stood at the front of the room, his serious gaze scanning the students. He meant business, and we all knew it.

"Good morning, class," Mr. Grey began, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Today, we will commence the baby project. As you know, you will be sitting with your assigned partners for the duration of this project."

An audible groan rippled through the room, echoing the collective dread we all felt. I took my seat, glancing over at the empty desk beside me, reserved for Trevor. The thought of being forced to work with someone who showed such indifference towards this project didn't sit well with me.

Mr. Grey walked around the room, doll in hand, his eyes scrutinizing our expressions. He started handing out the dolls to each pair, symbolizing the beginning of our journey into simulated parenthood.

When Mr. Grey reached our desks, he paused, a stern look in his eyes. "Atlas and Trevor, please take your dolls and sit together," he instructed firmly.

I felt a mix of annoyance and resignation wash over me. With a sigh, I reached out and accepted the plastic baby doll from Mr. Grey, its weight surprisingly lifelike in my hands.

Trevor sauntered over to our shared desk, his smirk betraying his lack of enthusiasm. He plopped down in the seat next to mine, a disinterested look on his face.

As I glanced at the doll and then at Trevor, a sense of determination surged through me. Despite his indifference, I was determined to make the most of this project. I refused to let his attitude hinder our progress.

With an air of forced civility, I turned to Trevor. "Let's try to make the best of this, Trevor. We're in this together, whether we like it or not."

He rolled his eyes, but a flicker of curiosity briefly danced across his face. "Fine, Captain Perfect. Let's see how you handle this so-called parenting experience."

I squared my shoulders, ready to take on the challenge. This baby project would test us both, but perhaps, in the process, we would uncover unexpected connections and truths about ourselves.