Five: Chemistry Partners
583 Words
Scarlett stared at the chemistry laboratory door.
She was ten minutes early.
Not because she was eager to work with Ashton Smith.
She simply refused to give him another reason to call her irresponsible.
The laboratory was empty except for the lab assistant arranging equipment.
Scarlett chose a table near the window, took out her notebook, and began reading the experiment instructions.
"You actually study before practicals?"
She didn't bother looking up.
"I actually like passing."
Ashton dropped his bag onto the table opposite her.
"I've never studied a day in my life."
"And yet you're still in advanced chemistry."
"My grades are good."
Scarlett finally looked at him.
"Your grades are good. Your attitude isn't."
A grin spread across Ashton's face.
"You always have a comeback, don't you?"
"Only when someone gives me something to respond to."
Before Ashton could answer, Mr. Bennett, their chemistry teacher, entered.
"Good afternoon, class."
The students settled into their seats.
"For the next eight weeks, you'll complete a research project with your assigned partners. Your final grade will depend on teamwork."
Scarlett silently wished the teacher had used a different word.
Teamwork.
With Ashton?
Impossible.
---
The practical began.
Each pair was given a tray containing chemicals, test tubes, and a Bunsen burner.
"Follow the instructions carefully," Mr. Bennett warned. "No unnecessary experiments."
Ashton glanced at Scarlett.
"Boring."
Scarlett ignored him and began measuring the chemicals.
"Pass me the hydrochloric acid."
Instead, Ashton handed her distilled water.
She looked at the label.
Then at him.
"You did that on purpose."
He smiled innocently.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Scarlett switched the bottles without another word.
A few minutes later, Ashton reached for a beaker.
Scarlett quietly moved it out of his reach.
"What was that for?"
"I thought we'd play a game."
"What game?"
"Let's see who gets tired of annoying the other first."
Ethan, working at the next table, laughed so hard he nearly dropped a test tube.
"You two sound like an old married couple."
Scarlett and Ashton spoke at the exact same time.
"Never."
The entire class burst into laughter.
---
By the end of the lesson, their experiment was one of only three that had produced the correct result.
Mr. Bennett examined their work.
"Excellent."
Scarlett smiled proudly.
Ashton looked surprised.
"We actually did well."
Scarlett closed her notebook.
"Correction."
She smiled sweetly.
"I did well."
He placed a hand dramatically over his heart.
"You wound me."
"I'll survive."
"No," he said. "I think I'm beginning to enjoy this."
Scarlett rolled her eyes and walked out of the laboratory.
She didn't notice the small smile on her own face.
Neither did Ashton.
But Ethan did.
And he couldn't wait to tease them both about it.
---
That evening, Scarlett arrived home expecting another mountain of chores.
Instead, the house was unusually quiet.
"Hello?"
No answer.
She stepped inside carefully.
The dining table was empty.
The television was off.
Strange.
Then she noticed an envelope lying on the table.
It was addressed to her.
SCARLETT BROWN
Confused, she opened it.
Inside was a single sheet of paper.
The handwriting was unfamiliar.
«Some scars are not meant to heal.
The staircase will soon end.
When it does... the truth will begin.»
Scarlett's heart began to race.
Before she could read it again...
The lights in the house suddenly went out.
Darkness swallowed the room.
And from somewhere upstairs...
She heard footsteps.
Slow.
Heavy.
Getting closer.
Scarlett held her breath.
"...Who's there?"
- Writer
