Love Hate

Ch. 2

Theo's Point of View

"Here are the partners," Mr. Banks started to say.

Before he got interrupted by a certain individual joking, "C'mon Banks, we thought you were the cool teacher. Why can't we pick partners?"

Banks smiled, "Because I wanted to challenge you guys. Any teacher can let you partner with your besties, a good one can get you to partner with someone you wouldn't have chosen yourself. Now, here's the list."

I should have known something was wrong by that sentence.

The list went up on the board and four down from the second row... were our names.

Throughout the room, there were groans and some cheers.

But — very loudly — someone sighed, "Fuck."

"Aaron, watch your language. Anyway, those are your partners. We'll start working tomorrow."

As per usual, after he stopped talking (like he either timed it perfectly or was a wizard) the bell rang for the end of class.

As everyone left, I stayed in my seat. I didn't miss the glare that Aaron sent my way as he left with his friends.

Mr. Banks noticed I was still sitting there and he smiled at me as he sat at his desk, "What's up, Theo?"

"Is there any way I could persuade you to change my partner?"

"Sorry, no can do. I have to challenge you guys somehow."

I stood up and walked over to him, "Please. I can't work with him."

He gave me a half-sympathetic look, "You have to learn how to deal with people you don't like."

I sighed, "Alright..."

As I turned away, I knew he was smiling brightly, "See you tomorrow, Theo!"

"Bye."

**

"Shut up."

Tara giggled, "Why? It's funny! Of course, you guys hate each other so much that Banks got sick of you. Or he wants drama. Either way, it's hilarious!"

Henry nodded, "I knew I liked that teacher."

"Me too!" Tara said happily, high-fiving Henry.

They really couldn't tell I was not in the mood.

I could have been partnered with literally anyone. Even one of his friends, who probably didn't like me either. But not him.

Most of the assignment we could do in class, but I knew part of it we had to do outside of class. Just us two.

Usually being alone with your crush would have been a good thing but not when he was always at your throat, and you had to pretend to be at his.

"Hey. I've been thinking..."

"Yeah?"

Henry had a shifty look about him... I was nervous about what he was going to say.

"You still haven't told us why you hate him so much."

"Yeah," Tara said, "why won't you tell us?"

"Doesn't matter," I said, busying myself with my phone.

"Come on, just tell us. Did he beat you up? Insult your mom? What?"

"Just leave it alone, okay?" I was getting really annoyed of them asking me that whenever I was with them.

Tara laughed a little, obviously thinking whatever she was going to say next was ridiculous. "What, are you in love with him or something?"