Dripping Desires: My Unexpected Mate

Kyle: A Soft Spot

"Oh great, Celine is also in Biology. I hope she notices that there’s an empty seat next to me," I thought just before I spotted Chloe walking in my direction. "Why is she coming towards me?" I wondered. She is Ron’s Biology partner, but I couldn't help but be captivated by her confident stride. She moved as if she were on a runway, her perfectly slim figure gliding effortlessly toward me as her golden blonde hair blew wildly in the draft from the ceiling fan. Just then, Keir leaned in and whispered with a scoff, "Close your mouth, dude; you're drooling." I was utterly mesmerized by her beauty. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I quickly shifted my gaze to my fidgeting hands, which were tightly clenched around my pen. I swallowed hard as she settled into the seat next to me.

“Hey,” she said confidently as she settled in. I glanced at her briefly and shyly replied with a “hey” before turning my attention back to Celine, who was standing at the front of the class, patiently looking for an available station since Maya had already been paired with my brother, Kevin.

Soon enough, everyone was seated, and she found a spot next to Ron, the loudmouth who never seemed to shut up. I could see the broad grin of satisfaction on his face, clearly pleased to have a work partner since Chloe had abandoned him to sit with me. I continued to observe Celine as she sat beside him; her smile appeared slightly nervous as Ron leaned into her personal space yapping about God knows what. Then he offered her a handshake. For some reason, I felt irritated seeing them together. Not wanting to be caught staring, I held back my concern and started doodling strange lines on a blank page in my notebook.

"So, you're really not going to talk to me?" Chloe asked, her voice cutting through the giggles and chattering about the classroom, pulling me back into the moment. There was an unmistakable edge of annoyance in her tone that made me glance up at her.

"I don’t have anything to say," I responded, my voice flat and filled with confusion. I was still trying to process why she was not sitting with Ron.

"Well, I’m your new work partner starting today," she declared with an upbeat tone, a bright smile spreading across her face. "I hope you’re excited!"

I remained silent, taking in the obvious news, the whirlwind of emotions leaving me momentarily speechless.

"You know, a handsome young man like yourself with nothing to say is just so unfortunate. I mean, a beautiful, talented, rich girl like me; men are desperate to talk," she said with a smirk of pride. "I see you looking at me during your football games, in the hallway, during class. I'd say you do have something to say but you are shy." She spoke as if trying to prompt me to respond. "There's something about you that's so cute and mysterious. I like it. It makes me want you more and more." she muttered boldly.

"I mean, I could go for your other brothers because you all look the same, but there is something special I feel for you," she continued.

Just when I was about to respond, the PA system rattled. " This is an announcement! We are requesting volunteers to decorate the banquet hall for our upcoming Christmas Eve Dance fundraiser! Please sign your names on the register, which will be placed on the notice board!" said a voice that sounded like the school's vice principal. Mrs. Peters.

I could feel Chloe's gaze fixed on me as if I owed her clarity or something meaningful. I turned to her, locking eyes with her wide blue orbs. In a serious tone, I said, "I would prefer not to have any distractions in my final year. I don't think you and I would even be a good match." I continued to hold her gaze. I could see disappointment creeping across her face. Her cheeks turned pale to cherry red as her once confident smile turned into a frown.

"Are you refusing me?" she asked as if in doubt. Her voice trembling as if she were on the verge of tears.

"No. I am not refusing you, Chloe." I said, hoping to ease her frustration." I am just saying that for now, I would prefer to focus on my studies and upcoming games, and that’s it," I replied with sympathy.

I could see disappointment continued to wash over her, leaving her devastated by my rejection. Just then, Mr. Stephens, the biology teacher, walked in.

"Good Morning. Today, we will be looking at the Mitochondria under the microscope. Please gather your equipment. The slides are in the glass case," he said as he moved busily across the class, signifying his tardiness. His large stomach and short stumpy legs didn't seem to be helping him move much faster.

I constantly caught myself staring across the room at Celine and Ron, but I could also feel Chloe's stares piercing through my soul. I immediately got up and got the slides since she seemed to be still processing my rejection.

Upon returning, I was caught once more in bewilderment. She was doing it again, trying to confuse my decisions and distract my focus as she bent over the table, looking into the microscope. Her slender, fair legs led straight to a short black leather skirt. It was as if she was one of us, not bothered by the weather. I guess the winter boots and jacket were enough to keep her warm. Not wanting to be caught looking at her body like a weirdo, I Gathered my thoughts, swallowed my spit, and handed her the slide.

Her dreary, doe-like eyes flickered nervously toward mine, carrying a hint of embarrassment that tugged at my heart. I hated the fact that I had to adopt a mean demeanor with her; the distress etched across her delicate face weighed heavily on my conscience.

"Are you going to be at the game tomorrow tonight?" I asked, an edge of hope threading through my voice as if I were daring the possibility that we could salvage some level of camaraderie as biology partners.

"I am the team's best cheerleader," she replied, her tone dripping with a bold sort of arrogance that was almost endearing.

"I know," I agreed. I acknowledged, a hesitant smile creeping onto her lips. "I just hope you know it’s okay for us to be friends, at least for now." Despite the unease fluttering in my stomach, that uncertain feeling that my words might backfire on me, I felt a sense of obligation to extend a hand.

The transformation in her expression was instantaneous; a radiant smile broke through her initial distress, illuminating her face with a warm glow. Seeing that spark of contentment made me smile too, and I found myself shaking my head in amusement at the unexpected turn of our conversation.

Biology flew by, filled with awkward smiles exchanged between us as we took turns looking through the microscope. Although I was fully interested in her, I knew I needed to maintain my boundaries to prevent things from escalating too quickly. It was clear that she was eager to know more about us, as she accepted my offer to be friends without hesitation. Through Chloe's yaps, I managed to steal glances at Celine, who seemed completely absorbed in her work as she busily took notes and turns looking through the microscope with Ron.