Lab partners (Rose Peddles x Ivy)

[rose peddles]

​

Beep--beep--beep--beep--beep. The noise of the alarm clock rang in an echo before I slapped the snooze button. I pushed the gray blanket away, reached for my glasses, and saw the alarm clock read 5:45 a.m.

It was routine to wake up at this hour and get ready for school. I wasn’t a fan of waking up for school, but It was a means to an end. A good education is my ticket out of this town, and my days of being an outsider are over.

I rushed into the bathroom, quickly brushing my teeth and shower before heading into the living room for breakfast. Nothing hot, of course, that would involve someone taking an interest in raising me. I looked towards the empty living room to see the TV on with the volume down enough so mom can sleep on the sofa. Sleeping on the couch was her routine. She worked the night shift at a local diner, and ever since dad left, she’s never been able to sleep in their room.

It’s been nine years now and counting.

She’s done her best raising me, but I help make ends meet. I work some night shifts and weekends for the Quinns. It’s not a bad job; I get to learn new things about computer software. Hopefully, I’ll be some rich like Mark Zuckerberg and afford to do anything I want to do.

I quickly buttered some toast and left some for mom on the kitchen counter before getting dressed in some jeans and a flannel green shirt. I grabbed my book bag and headed for class.

I waited at the sand rock corner for my bus, a half-hour ride before arriving at Beaver High. The place was a zoo, not because of how people let loose but because there was a hierarchy, a pecking order on who everyone socialized with. I was at the bottom of the caste with nerds, geeks, and losers.

I was breezing by classes since it was still the first week, and teachers don’t plan to do anything but ice breakers and go over the syllabus. Half the day was almost gone before I found myself sitting in the library for lunch. The bell rang, which was my cue to Biology class.

I walked into the partially filled room and sat down at an unoccupied lab table. Soon everyone filled in, and I sat there at a lab table by myself. Everyone sitting with their friends, some even moving chairs around to overfill the lab table’s four-person capacity.

I looked around the class to see how excited everyone was enjoying the company of their friends. I yearned for the days where I would have friends and make silly jokes with others. I wished to end the dreary feeling of being alone all the time.

I was mid-dream when I heard my name, and I looked up to the professor, realizing he’s calling attendance.

He repeated my name, “James Gofry?”

I raised my hand, acknowledging my existence.

 

[Ivy]

"Miss Quinn, wake up, Miss Quinn! You will be late for school!" I hear a series of knocks before I open my eyes. I snap them shut quickly at the assault of light. "Miss Quinn!" my housekeeper yells from the other side of the door again.

"Jeez, Fiona, stop yelling! I'm up", I yell back before groggily getting up. I rub my eyes and check my phone as I get up to do my normal morning routine.

I purposely drag on the whole routine so I don't have time for breakfast because breakfast would mean sitting with my parents. I wouldn't have minded that terribly if they didn't constantly talk about getting good grades so I can get into an Ivy League college.

Even that wouldn't be so bad if it was because they cared about my education or wanted me to do well in life. They just want one more thing to brag about and that infuriates me.

I've never been particularly close with my parents ever. They were hardly ever around. I was practically raised by nannies till I was in my early adolescence. Then, I guess I kinda raised myself. It isn't that hard when you have money.

I check myself in the mirror one last time after getting ready. I smooth over my school uniform before grabbing my bag and phone

I yell out, "I'm late. I'll grab breakfast on the way", and head out.

The school is great. I have my friends and my boyfriend here and the teachers haven't really started teaching yet. So yeah, everything is great.

 

[rose peddles]

Attendance was in alphabetical order of the last name, and eventually, Mr.Freeney came to a name I cringe. Emara Quinn. Good lord, why is this prissy bitch in this class. I tried to keep my attention on the piece of paper handed out instead of before I could hear some murmur about me. I could only imagine it was Quinn talking.

In detail, Mr.Freeney explained what the academic year would involve numerous lab reports and projects involving at least two classmates. I was never a fan of group work. I was usually partnered with random people, which led to me having me do all the work. Mr.Freeney was nice enough to let us select our own partners. This was great because I can partner with someone who can do their fair share. The next complication is to finding someone to partner with.

I looked around the room to see people whispering to one another as everyone decides who they will partner with.

 

[Ivy]

As soon as Mr Freeney announces about the projects, I realise that I just jinxed it. It isn't all so great anymore. I groan and burry my head in between my folded arms on the table.

"We should partner up, Em", Chelsea says excitedly and I raise my head again. "No, I don't think that's a good idea. We both have social lives to maintain. We need to pair up with people who don't."

She chuckled but nods in agreement. I look around to find a nerd and spot Geeky Gofry. "I call dibs on Gofry", I say, making Chelsea groan. She starts looking around for someone else.

Gofry will be great. He always gets good grades so I'll ace all the projects. That should keep my parents off my back for some time.

The bell rings and everyone begins to leave. I gather my stuff and walk over to Gofry. "James, would you like to partner up for the lab?"

 

[rose peddles]

I slowly pack my belongings and get ready to leave, I prefer to take my time when leaving the class so I don't have to pretend to smile. To my shock, I saw Emara walk right up to me. She was a prissy bitch but that didn't stop my hormones from taking over my body. I starred at her pale pencil-skinny legs before I looked directly in her blue eyes. I can tell me self all the hateful things I want about Emara, but that still doesn't stop my heart beating like a bullet train whenever she's around me.

I quickly come back to reality before I'm labeled a perv and reply, "I wasn't born yesterday Emara, I know you're only approaching me so I could do all the work for you. I'm sure you can partner up with anyone you like in this class."

I put my brown bookbag strap over my shoulder and start walking out of the class.

 

[Ivy]

"Hey, wait!" I say and stand in front of him to block the way before he could leave. "I'm not going to deny that that's exactly what I want. And I don't expect you to just go along with it. If you partner up with me, I could pay you in some way. In cash, or I could buy you tickets for some event that ner.. umm, people like you are interested in?"

I am more perceptive than what I get credit for. Or at least perceptive enough to see that James is not very fond of me. Not that I have ever given him much reason to be. My friends bully him. I sometimes.. okay most times, join them or openly encourage them.

So, well, I knew that I had to offer him something in return if I want to get him to agree. I hope he just accepts the money and we can call it a deal.

 

[rose peddles]

I stop and scoff at the idea of her bribe.

I tried to muscle a stern voice and say, "Wow. You're quite a character, Emara. I'm sure being raised in this cozy bubble makes you think you can just pay anyone you want. But some people don't just sell their integrity for money. You could have, I don't know, made some kind of gesture to be friends. But I guess in your eyes, I'm not even good enough for that."

 

[Ivy]

I raise my brows in surprise, "That's not what I meant... I didn't think you'd want that." I shake my head, "It isn't about not being good enough. We're too different to be friends. What would we even talk about? Besides, I'm pretty sure you hate me. Wouldn't you rather have money than hang out with someone you hate?"

 

[rose peddles]

I sigh, "You're right, we're too different people. We have different wants and needs. And it looks like I don't need you to pass this class." I try to slither pass Emara to leave the room.

It felt good to deny her from something she wanted, I don't know if she's accustomed to hearing the word 'no' but I'm glad I was able to shove that in her face. The only troubling thought comes to my mind is that I just said to possibly the only person who would have approached me to be partners.

Will someone else approach me? Will I have to go approach others to be my partner? Hopefully, I can avoid any embarrassing moments like that time Ms.Zecca had to offer the history class bonus points to be my partner.

 

[Ivy]

"James, wait", I say as he sidesteps me. "Let's have lunch together tomorrow?" I don't think he'd want that but I need him to see that I don't think that I'm too cool to hang out with him or something.

"Or maybe we can catch a movie? You can decide which one." I don't know what else to offer him. I don't know what he cares about enough to get him to agree. "I really need to score well. It's very important to me."

 

[rose peddles]

I don't understand why Emara is so persistent about this. She can literally have anyone she wants to do the work for her. I became instantly suspicious about her offering to spend time with me after what happened my freshman year at Beaver High.

I raise my voice as I slowly become angry, triggered from past memories that have scarred me from ever trusting anyone close to me, "Did your boyfriend put you up to this? or Kelly? is Chelsea involved in this? I remember the last time one of you asked me out to dinner. I'm not falling for one of your stupid pranks."

I start to walk away, "Just go away Emara, we both know this really isn't important to you...just pay someone else to do you work for you."

 

[Ivy]

My eyes widen in surprise at his sudden anger. "It's not.. I'm not.." I start to say but he looks too angry to hear me. "It isn't like that", I try again but he won't listen. I once read somewhere that you're not punished for your sins, you're punished by them. I guess that's true.

I don't say anything to him after that. I'll find another partner I guess. I'll get a decent grade. Not as good as I would've gotten with him but well, I don't think I'm gonna have much luck here.

James really hates me. I remember that prank. It was my idea. My parents wouldn't shut up about how great Gofry is and I was upset. I was jealous. But can you blame me? Those two live in the same house as me and barely ever noticed me but they notice some random kid who works for them?

I know it was wrong to take it out on him but I didn't know what to do.

The memory dampens my mood further but I decide to try to not think about it and focus on something else.

 

[rose peddles]

I continued with my day, trying my best not to think about the conversation I had with Emara. It would only upset me and I couldn't do anything about it.

I just had to wait out a few more minutes before school was dismissed. I went to my locker to pick up my jacket where I saw Emara standing with her boyfriend, Felipe Haba. He was one of the other students who was attending this private school on a scholarship like me. Most people pay their way to attend this school. I got my scholarship for my grades, Felipe got his for his soccer talent.

I walked past them in the semi-packed hallway covered by tacky green color tall lockers.

 

[Ivy]

I had agreed to go to this party with Felipe but now I wasn't feeling up to it. All the guys were bringing their girlfriends. It had something to do with the soccer team so it was important to him. I understand that but I really don't feel like going to a party so I decided to make up an excuse.

"Because your parents won't like it?" He scoffs.

"Yes! They're already constantly breathing down my neck. I don't want to give them more reason to nag. I can't deal with that right now." It might not be the reason I don't wanna to go but it's true.

Felipe turns to me angrily, "Oh come on, Emara! You really think they care enough about you to worry about a curfew? They didn't even fucking come to see you when you almost died! They don't give a shit about you and you know that!"


I watch him with wide eyes. I can't believe that he just said that to me. Not that it isn't true but I never thought he'd throw that in my face like that. I don't say anything and turn around to get away.

"Shit.. I didn't... Em, I'm sorry. I didn't mean.. I shouldn't have.." He starts but I walk away. "Em, wait! I'm sorry!" He calls out but doesn't chase after me.

I don't stop and try to make it to the girls' room before breaking down.

 

[rose peddles]

With everyone tightly packed in the hallway, each student is doing their best to talk over the other making it quite noisy to concentrate on a single conversation. Having my locker so close to Felipe's I overhear some of the things he says to Emara.

Here I thought her life was simply neat and perfect. I began to notice that everything on the outside is a facade.

I grabbed my dark gray jacket out of my locker and as I make my I leave, I can see Emara walking away abruptly from Felipe. I can tell what he said really stung her. I almost felt bad for her because I know how her parents can be sometimes at work but I never imagined they would treat their own daughter so callously. Felipe tries to call back for her, but the damage was done. Emara was certainly in pain as she didn't even stay for their daily passionate kiss before leaving one another.

From the outside, Emara has always been a supportive girlfriend to Felipe. She would practically raise him and to a degree serve his needs. Felipe came from a broken home so I'm sure he could use the help, but Emara's constant need to cater to him was far more deserving for any one person.

I walked down the hallway in the same direction as her, wishing I had the courage to speak up and say something. Emara maybe someone I hate, but I certainly didn't wish any ill will towards her.

 

[Ivy]

I dash into the girls' room and let out the tears I had been holding in. Why did he have to say that? He knows how I feel about it. I thought he understood. He clearly doesn't. He just expects me to get over it. Only if it were that easy.

I take some time to cry it out. When I feel better, I wash off the mascara stains from my face and leave. I decide to head back home. I don't want to deal with anyone else today. I'll probably blow up if I have to.

 

[rose peddles]

I walked outside to see the sky filled with dark gloomy clouds, I hope my mom is able to get to work before the showers start. I hope my bus arrives on time so I can avoid it as well. Today was my day off after school, so I figured I can just go home, maybe stop at the deli and pick up dinner and just watch youtube and Netflix till I crash.

I saw the Quinn town car park near the bus stop, waiting for your arrival. With most of the kids gone as quickly as possible, only those who play sports or have extracurricular activities are around. Before I decided to get a job after school, I would love to stay after school and join clubs I had an interest in. It was the one place where I actually felt like I had friends.

While I sat on the bench near the town car, I saw Emara storm out of the door and walk towards her ride. I finally muster the courage to speak to her about what I had just witnessed. "Emara, are you okay?"

 

[Ivy]

I spot my ride as soon as I exit the school building. I make my way towards my car, keeping my head down. I'm sure that my eyes are bloodshot from all the crying so keep my gaze down to avoid anyone seeing them. I can't wait to get out of here.

I jump as James calls out to me and drop my phone. "Fucking great!" I curse under my breath before picking it up. I look up at James as say, "Um..yeah, I'm fine."

I know it doesn't sound believable but I don't think he is interested anyway. He probably wants something. I try to turn on my phone but it doesn't work. I sigh and look up at him. "Do you need something?"

 

[rose peddles]

My call to Emara shocked her, freezing her from her power walk and simultaneously dropping her phone like an animal in the clutches of an eagles talon. Her phone fell flat on its screen and while there were no visible cracks on the screen, it didn't turn on once she picked it up from the asphalt.

I felt sorry for her, and as much as we disliked each other, I wanted to make sure she was okay.

Emara tries to lie her way out of the conversation but I could tell she was deeply hurt. I replied, "Yeah, I wanted to make sure you're doing. I heard what Felipe said to you."

I wasn't sure how she would react but I knew that she would either open up or simply berate me even more.

 

[Ivy]

I watch him with wide eyes for a second, processing the information. I don't know what or how much he heard but considering that he came to check up on me, he must have heard enough.

I don't know how to respond to him. What do I even say? I don't want to talk about it and I don't have the energy to yell at him for eavesdropping. Though he probably wasn't. I know we were arguing pretty loudly.

I shrug, "Yeah.. It's just been a crappy day. Not a big deal." I walk past him then, towards my car.

I feel something wet on my forehead, then on my cheek. It's drizzling. I sigh and turn my head to look at him over my shoulder, "You want a ride?"

 

[rose peddles]

Dealing with my parents I have learned it's best to not pry into people's problems unless they want you too. I shrug my shoulders and say yes to her offer. A car ride is far more preferable than sitting on a bus next to strangers who may or may not like me.

The town car looked nice and smelled fresh, similar to a new rental. I sat down on the soft seats and kept enough distance between Emara and me. I gently told the driver my address as he began to pull out of the parking lot.

The awkward silence between us continued as Emara was entranced in her own thoughts.

"Hey is your phone okay? Do you have any plans for the rest of the day? We could....maybe hang out?" I spoke with little to no confidence in my questions, preparing myself for a rejection.

 

[Ivy]

Thankfully, he doesn't ask any more questions about my argument with Felipe or my parents. He must've understood that I don't want to talk about it.

I lean back into my seat and close my eyes. If my head didn't hurt from all the crying, I would've fallen asleep to the soft hum of the engine and gentle drumming of the rain on the windows.

I open my eyes again and look out the window. The silence doesn't feel awkward to me. Probably because I'm very used to tune out people.

I turn to James when he speaks and raise a brow. "My phone? I don't think so", I shrug, "It's whatever, I'll buy another one." When he asks about hanging out, my eyes widen in surprise and even in a bit of amusement. "Why would you want to hang out with me?" My tone isn't sassy. I'm genuinely curious. "Don't get me wrong, but don't you hate me? You seemed pretty satisfied when you turned down my offer of partnering up."

 

[rose peddles]

I let out a small laugh before replying, "Just because I don't want to partner up with you, doesn't mean I don't mind hanging out with you...If you were being serious about hanging out with me."

 

[Ivy]

I roll my eyes, "I'm not an idiot, James. You don't want to hang out with me. Even if you want to, it's definitely not because you think you'll enjoy my company. Admit it. You just feel bad for me."

I look away and sigh, "You don't have to. I'll be fine. I told you, a crappy day is all it was." I look back at him, "So for that reason, no, I don't want to hang out. However if you wanna hang out because you think it might be fun, I'm up for it."

 

[rose peddles]

I sigh, "You're right, I'm just trying to be friendly to you. All my life, I've seen people like you walk around the school as if we're different people. I don't know if me being poor has ever factored into it. I always thought it was because we have different interests or my clear lack of social skills is the issue, but today, just for this day, I know what it feels like to be alone and not have anyone by your side. I know what lonely feels like because I see it on my face every morning when I wake up. I don't know if you have ever felt like that, but I saw it on your face today."

I take a deep breath and stay quiet. There is a tranquil calm during rain that made me feel peaceful and happy.

"Anyways, you're probably right, what would the two of us possibly do? I was just going to go home and watch Netflix or Youtube. They're the most human contact I have after school." I said it with such content that I began to smile and look forward to just wasting my life at home in front of a computer screen.