Mason turned his head slightly, considering her. "What about Ethan?"
Lydia let out a bitter laugh. "You know he doesn't want me. Everyone knows. And I do not want to fail."
Mason sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. I get it." He glanced at her, a small, genuine smile appearing. "I wish I could. I really do."
Lydia frowned. "Then why not?"
"You heard Professor Harris." He leaned back against the tree. "We are stuck with who we got."
Lydia exhaled, pressing her forehead against her knees. "I forgot about that."
Mason nudged her foot lightly. "Look, I know Ethan's a pain in the ass, but he's not impossible."
She lifted her head slightly. "You say that like you know him."
Mason shrugged. "I've had classes with him. Although he is not particularly cordial, I d
