Rewrite the stars with you

Chapter Four: Bound by Fate

The classroom was buzzing with anticipation as Professor Gracious walked in, her stern demeanor immediately silencing the chatter. She was known for her strictness and her creative yet often stressful assignments. That day, she had announced a group project that would require weeks of collaboration.

“Alright, class,” Professor Gracious began, adjusting her glasses. “I’ve divided you into ten groups. Each group will work together on a presentation covering different aspects of business strategies and creative arts integration. The list is final, and no changes will be allowed.”

The tension in the room rose as students leaned forward, eager to know their groups. Becky sat nervously in her seat, her fingers gripping her pen tightly. Group projects were her nightmare—working with strangers, having to speak up, and potentially being judged.

Professor Gracious began reading the names. When she got to Group Five, Becky’s heart sank.

“Group Five: Carlos, Becky, Anil, Jessy, and Kirk.”

Becky’s stomach twisted. She glanced at Anil, who frowned and shook his head slightly, clearly unhappy with the arrangement. Then, her eyes drifted to Carlos, who was leaning back in his chair with a wide grin. He caught her gaze and gave her a mock salute.

Becky quickly looked away, her pulse racing. The memory of Kirk and Jessy’s bullying from the restaurant still stung, and the idea of being stuck in a group with them—and Carlos—felt like a cruel joke.

Karl, seated in the row behind Becky, immediately stood up. “Professor Gracious,” he said, his voice steady, “I’d like to propose a change. Becky should be in my group. I think it would—”

Professor Gracious raised a hand to cut him off. “No changes, Karl. The groups have been carefully balanced for diversity and collaboration. It’s important for students to learn to work with different personalities. Now, please sit down.”

Karl hesitated, glancing at Becky. She gave him a weak smile, silently thanking him for trying. With a reluctant nod, he sat back down, his jaw tight.

Carlos, meanwhile, leaned over to Kirk and whispered something, prompting a burst of laughter from him and Jessy. Becky felt their eyes on her, and her cheeks burned with humiliation.

As the professor handed out the project briefs, Carlos shot Becky a smirk. “Looks like we’re gonna be spending a lot of time together, library girl,” he said, his voice low but loud enough for her to hear.

Anil, who had been quiet up to that point, leaned forward, his expression calm but his tone firm. “Back off, Carlos. We’re here to work, not to play your games.”

Carlos chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Relax, Anil. I’m just trying to make our group fun. No harm in that, right?”

Becky kept her eyes on the project brief, willing herself to disappear. She could feel Anil’s reassuring presence beside her, but it did little to calm the storm brewing inside her.

The rest of the class passed in a blur. As the bell rang, signaling the end of the period, Becky hurried to pack her things, hoping to escape before Carlos could corner her.

But Carlos was faster. He sauntered over, blocking her path. “So, Becky,” he said, his voice dripping with mockery, “you ready to carry the team? I mean, you seem like the type who’d love to do all the work.”

Becky opened her mouth to respond, but Anil stepped between them. “Enough, Carlos,” he said sharply. “If you have nothing useful to say, leave her alone.”

Carlos raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading slightly. “What’s with you, Anil? Always playing the hero. Maybe you should let her fight her own battles.”

“Maybe you should grow up,” Anil shot back, his voice steady but cold.

Becky glanced between them, feeling both grateful and anxious. The tension was thick, and she didn’t want to be the cause of any more drama. “Let’s just go,” she said quietly, tugging on Anil’s sleeve.

Anil nodded, giving Carlos one last warning look before walking Becky out of the classroom.

As they headed to the cafeteria for lunch, Becky sighed. “I don’t know how I’m going to survive this project,” she admitted, her voice trembling.

“You’ll be fine,” Anil said, his tone reassuring. “I’ll make sure Carlos doesn’t bother you too much. And you’ve got me in the group, remember?”

Becky managed a small smile. “Thank you, Anil. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

At lunch, the two of them found a quiet corner to eat, as they always did. Anil kept the conversation light, trying to distract Becky from her worries. But across the cafeteria, Carlos sat with Kirk and Jessy, his eyes occasionally drifting to Becky.

“She’s got her little bodyguard,” Kirk said, smirking. “You’re gonna let him stand in your way?”

Carlos leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “Don’t worry,” he said with a sly grin. “This is just the beginning. Becky’s going to learn that you don’t mess with my friends and get away with it.”

As the group laughed, Becky glanced up from her lunch, catching Carlos’ gaze for a brief moment. Her heart sank. She knew the days ahead wouldn’t be easy, but she silently resolved to face whatever came her way—no matter how difficult it would be.