From Rivals to forever

Chapter 2 -The First Battle

Chapter Two: The First Battle

The next morning, Beatrix arrived at school determined to prove one thing.

She could work with Lucas sterling without losing her mind.

Maybe.

She entered the classroom and immediately saw him sitting in her usual seat.

Beatrix stopped.

“Move" Lucas looked up from his book.

“Good morning to you too.”

“That’s my seat.”

He glanced around the room dramatically.

“Is your name written on it?”

“No.”

“Then technically—”

“lucas.”

He laughed and moved to the next chair.

Beatrix dropped her bag onto the desk.

“Thank you.”

“You're welcome, partner.”

She rolled her eyes.

Before she could respond, Mrs. Angelina entered carrying a stack of papers.

“ Beatrix. Lucas. You have three weeks to prepare your presentation.”

Lucas raised his hand.

“Can we choose our own topic?”

“Yes.”

Beatrix immediately said, “The impact of social media on students.”

Lucas shook his head.

“Too predictable.”

She frowned.

“Then what do you suggest?”

“Something about ambition and success Beatrix paused.

That was actually a good idea.

“Fine.

Lucas smiled.

“Was that agreement?”

“Don't get used to it.”

Their first meeting after school began peacefully.

For approximately five minutes.

“You're writing too much,” Lucas said.

Beatrix looked at him.

“And you're writing too little.”

“That's because I know how to keep things interesting.”

“You think you're interesting?”

“I know I am.”

Beatrix laughed despite herself.

Lucas noticed.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Beatrix quickly looked back at her notebook.

“Let's just finish this.”

“Right.”

They continued working.

But something had changed.

The arguments didn't feel quite as annoying anymore.

Lucas wasn't just the boy who always beat her.

And Beatrix wasn't just the girl he always competed with.

They were beginning to see the person behind the rivalry.

Neither of them was ready to admit it.

Not yet.

As they left school, Lucas handed Beatrix her notebook.

“You forgot this.”

She took it.

“Thanks.”

He smiled.

“Don't mention it.”

Beatrix watched him walk away.

For the first time, she wondered whether Lucas sterling might not be as impossible as she had always believed.

Then she shook the thought away.

Absolutely not.

He was still her rival.

At least, that's what she told herself.

To Be Continued