BETWEEN THE LINES

Eliana Elijah had a plan, a carefully crafted and ultra-specific plan for her final semester at Oxford University. She was going to ace every class and get into a graduate program that would launch her career. No distractions, no drama. She walked into professor Levi's literature class on that bright Monday morning, she was calm, confident and ready but there is someone she detest so much " Zion Cole" does the name ring a bell? He is feared by everybody because of his arrogance and ruthlessness, he is the overall best student in the school though he hardly attend lectures. Then Zion Cole showed up late as usual. The entire lecture hall had already settled, the murmurs of the students quieting to a dull hum, when the doors swung open with a creak, and Zion strolled in like he owned the place. His hoodie was half-zipped showing his white singlet and sexy abs with new brand Jeans and a headset dangled around his neck, but he barely seemed to notice the stares. He passed a lazy grin at the few friends he passed and went to an empty seat at the back of the class. Eliana scowled "How was it possible that this guy was always late? And yet somehow, he still managed to be the center of attention, the unofficial king of charm. Despite his arrogance and ruthlessness he was still admired and wanted by girls. She shook her head resisting the urge to whisper "Typical" She was the complete opposite, organized, punctual, focused, the kind of student who read the assigned test twice, made flash cards and stayed up late debating literary themes for herself. She worked hard to get here and she wasn't about to let someone like zion ruin it. The professor entered with clipboard in hand, the room fell silent. "Good morning everyone" professor Levi began, adjusting his glasses. "As you know, this semester's major assessment will be a pair project on the theme of love in tragic literature. You will be assigned partners. A collective groan was heard from the students, but Eliana was already scanning the projector screen where the pairs would be displayed. When the list appeared, her stomach dropped. GROUP 6: ELIANA ELIJAH AND ZION COLE "No" she whispered barely able to believe it. Raising her hand she interrupted "professor, is there any way we could exchange partners? I'm not sure we would work well together". Professor Levi shook his head, " I'm afraid the list is final. Group projects teach cooperation, even with difficult partners" Elijah leaned back in his chair smirking " looks like we are stuck together sweetheart". Eliana shot him a look sharp enough to cut grass " Don't call me that ". He grinned wider, "Relax I'm just getting started". The rest of the class felt like a blur after that. Eliana barely heard the lecture, her mind swirling with how she was going to survive this semester with Zion as her partner. "Hey Eliana" Zion voice came from behind her as she walked toward the exit. She spun around crossing her arms "What do you want?" "To talk about the project" answered Zion She signed. "Fine but make it quick" They found a quiet corner outside, the autumn breeze tugging at their coats. "So", Zion began, "how do you want to do this? I'm thinking of late nights, a little chaos and maybe some caffeine. Eliana narrowed her eyes "late nights are not an option for me. I'm a morning person". "Noted" he said with a mock salute. "What about deadlines? you set them?". She hesitated but realized that giving him some control might be easier than fighting his every step "Alright, we meet twice a week. I draft the plan you review. Equal work" she said. "Deal" Zion stuck out his hand, she hesitated, then shook it firmly. Over the next few days their interaction were icy but functional. Zion showed flashes of suprising knowledge during their discussions quoting lines from the text that Eliana hasn't even noticed. Still, his casual attitude grated on her nerves. One evening as she stayed late in the library, she heard footsteps and looked up to see Zion approaching. "You still here" he said eyes curious " I'm serious about this project", she said He shrugged, "me too" That small admission unsettled her. Over the weeks their relationship grew more complicated. They argued, teased each other endlessly but beneath the surface a quiet respect was forming.