Us, eventually

Party Announcement

The second day of resumption felt easier than the first. I already knew my way around the school, and the faces that had seemed unfamiliar yesterday were slowly becoming recognizable. Kingsbridge was still enormous, but I was beginning to find my place in it.

Our Biology teacher walked into class carrying a folder and placed it on the desk.

“We're starting a project that will run throughout the term.”

The class quieted as she explained.

The project would involve the school garden, but instead of planting directly into the ground, each group would be given five large garden pots, one for each member. Every group would be assigned a different crop to grow, and we would be responsible for monitoring our plants throughout the term. Crops like corn, beans, cucumber, etc.

Although each student would be responsible for an individual pot, the performance of the five pots would be assessed collectively. That meant everyone's work mattered. If one person's crop suffered because they neglected it, it could affect the group's overall score.

We would record the growth, development, condition, and any changes we noticed in our crops. The documentation would be just as important as the plants themselves.

Each group would spend one hour on the project during its scheduled sessions and check on the crops twice a week—once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

“For today, you won't be planting,” our teacher added. “You'll prepare your pots and decide where each one should be positioned.”

Our group was assigned five pots and a crop we would be planting once the seeds were provided.

By the time the groups were called out, I found myself with Damian, Elena, Jayden, and Ryan.

Maya ended up in another group.

She turned around in her seat and gave me an exaggerated look of betrayal when she heard the arrangement.

I laughed quietly.

There was nothing we could do about it.

That afternoon, all the groups gathered outside with their pots, gardening gloves, protective overalls, and rubber boots.

The garden area had several open spaces where the pots could be placed. Our teacher explained that choosing the right position mattered. The plants needed enough sunlight to grow properly, but we also had to consider areas where heavy rain could wash over them or damage the young plants once they sprouted.

So, instead of simply placing the pots anywhere, we moved around the garden looking for suitable spots.

Some areas were too exposed.

Others had too much shade.

A few received sunlight for most of the day but were positioned where rainwater could easily collect.

Everyone was moving around, comparing locations and checking the available space while trying to find the best balance between shade and sunlight.

I carried my pot toward one of the areas we had selected and lowered it carefully.

“It keeps shifting,” I said, trying to position it properly and lock it in the ground.

I adjusted it again, but the uneven ground made it difficult to keep the pot steady.

Damian noticed.

“I'll help.”

Before I could object, he crouched beside the pot and began securing it properly so it wouldn't move easily once the weather changed.

I held the pot steady while he worked.

It wasn't anything unusual. We were simply trying to make sure the plants would have a stable place to grow.

But Elena noticed.

Her eyes settled on us from across the garden.

She didn't say anything at first. She simply watched for a moment before looking away and continuing with her own pot.

A few minutes later, she glanced over again.

This time, she spoke.

“Can I ask you something?” she asked, raising an eyebrow as though she already expected an answer.

Everyone in our group looked up.

I turned toward her.

“About yesterday,” she continued.

I frowned slightly.

Then she said, “The ride.”

The question was no longer private. The entire group had heard it.

I could feel my face becoming warm.

“Oh.”

Before I could explain, Damian answered.

“I was the one who offered her the ride.”

Elena looked at him.

“She was going to take public transport,” Damian continued casually. “I was heading toward town anyway, so I offered.”

There was nothing defensive about his voice. He said it like it was the most ordinary thing in the world.

Elena gave a small nod.

“Okay.”

The word carried just enough edge to make me notice.

I looked back at my pot, pretending to be completely absorbed in what I was doing.

From one of the nearby groups, I heard a quiet laugh.

“Lucky bitch.”

I glanced sideways.

Two girls were looking in our direction.

One of them shook her head with an amused smile.

“Who wouldn't want a ride with a guy as hot as Damian?”

The other laughed.

I immediately looked away.

I didn't know what was more embarrassing—the fact that they had heard the conversation or the fact that they were discussing it like I had somehow won something.

Damian didn't seem bothered.

He finished securing my pot, stood up, and brushed his gloves together.

“There. It won't move now.”

“Thanks,” I said.

He nodded and walked back toward the others.

I returned my attention to my own section.

It was just a ride.

Nothing more.

Once everyone had finished positioning their pots, we recorded where each one had been placed and made sure the group arrangement was properly documented. Our teacher reminded us that when the seeds arrived, each person would be responsible for their own pot, but the group would ultimately be judged on its combined performance.

After the session ended, we returned the equipment and headed inside to clean up.

By the time we returned to class, the garden felt like a completely different world. My boots were dusty, my gloves had collected soil, and I was ready to sit down.

Most of the class had already settled in when Damian stood from his seat.

“One more announcement.”

The room gradually quieted.

“The student council is hosting the annual Kingsbridge Welcome Night this Friday.”

The atmosphere immediately became livelier.

Students began exchanging looks and talking about plans for the evening. Some were already discussing what they wanted to wear, while others were wondering who would attend and what the night would be like.

Damian continued.

“Attendance is optional, but everyone is encouraged to come. The details will be posted on the student portal.”

He paused before adding, “There will also be a competition to choose the King and Queen of the night. The winners will receive VIP card access to school sports events throughout the academic session.”

There were a few approving reactions around the room, but nobody acted as though the prize itself was some big opportunity.

At Kingsbridge, money wasn't exactly scarce.

The major sports events and interschool competitions were usually ticketed, while the local sports events held twice a month were free for students anyway. The VIP card simply offered privileges—reserved front seats, access to the training ground, and access to sports-related activities throughout the academic year.

Maya turned toward me.

“We're going.”

I gave her a look.

“I need to help Mum make and pack orders.”

“You can help her before you come.”

I smiled.

She leaned closer.

“Amara, it's one night. Come and have fun.”

I hesitated.

Parties weren't really part of my usual routine. Most evenings, I was at home, helping Mum or spending time with Mike.

“You've only been here for two days,” Maya added. “You should actually enjoy yourself.”

I glanced around the classroom.

The excitement wasn't about money or what anyone could get from the event. It was simply the anticipation of a night away from lessons, uniforms, and assignments.

For once, I found myself wanting to experience it too.

“Fine,” I said.

Maya smiled.

“Good.”

Around us, conversations about Friday continued.

I leaned back in my chair, listening to everyone make plans.

Maybe coming to Kingsbridge wasn't only going to be about school after all.

Maybe, for the first time in a while, I could actually have some fun.