Late nights

- The chemistry lab work is today? - Emily had forgotten. - Yeah, when did you think it was, babe? - Harry asked. - I guess I had totally forgotten. Damn, I haven't found a group. Just as Emily was about to start looking for a group, the teacher came into class and assigned Emily with Violet, Tom, and Brad. She was ready to be miserable and get an F in the last month of school. - Guys, I don't know how important this grade is for you, but I really need to get a good grade. - Emily took the leader position. - I couldn't care less, even if I get an F, my final grade would be an A. But sure, I'll help you, - Tom looked at the table, - mixture separation, this couldn't be easier. - You didn't even look at the paper. - Violet joined in. - It's obvious, come on. Tom let others do some work, but he kept an eye out if anyone made a mistake. He took the paper with all the questions about separation and answered them without consulting his classmates. - I think the whole point is for us to do this together. - Emily said. - No offense Emily, but I could do this by myself. I'm pretty sure neither Violet nor Brad find this hard. - He handed the paper to the teacher.  Emily didn't bother saying anything back.  To Emily, Tom was always a little mean, but she thought that that was just how he was. She wanted to say something to Tom or fight back.  A week later everyone got the lab work results. Everyone in Emily's group got an A. Tom locked eyes with her across the class in an "I told you" manner.  - The school ending party is happening later this week, - Harry put his arm around Emily, - when should I pick you up? - Umm, when does it start? - Starts at five. - Pick me up at four, then. - Emily smiled. The class of 2022, "Angelina Stonecrop" High school. Emily's class was full of weirdos - according to her, at least. A week until school ends and everyone can finally relax after a year of people, homework, and general annoyance. Almost everyone met a couple of years ago, in high school. There are exceptions, of course, for example, Emily met Tom in middle school. Although they didn't really talk, Emily thought that Tom was just slightly off, slightly peculiar. Two days before the big party, Emily got an urge to talk to Tom: - Hey Tom, going to the party on Friday? - She asked him next to the lockers. - Highly doubt it. - Aww, why? - I just don't see the point. The school says it's a fun dancing party, but in reality what's gonna happen is everyone will get nicely dressed, have some cheap sugary concoction, stand around and someone will end up throwing up in the bathroom from who knows what. - Wow, your expectations aren't that high, huh? - It's just pointless. Anyway, we haven't talked in ages, why is today special? - What, I can't just talk to my classmates? You know, we had the chemistry thing so I just decided to talk to you. That's not bad, now is it Tom? - Oh, okay. I thought you might be talking about Harry. - Tom looked behind Emily. - What about him? - No, nothing at all. Have fun at the thing on Friday. - Tom started walking away. - Wait, what do you mean? - She tried to call him back.