Group Project
“No!”
“Something the matter Mr. Lee?”
“I don't think Caspian likes his partner.”
Wednesday threw Bianca a dirty look which the siren recuperated with equal sass. She initially thought this project was an unnecessary burden to her already full schedule. That was until the partners were announced.
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.
Ms.Plonson adjusted her spectacles. “Well I am sorry Caspian, but this group project is worth 20% of your final grade.”
“But-”
“If I allow you to choose a different partner, it wouldn't be fair to everyone else now, would it?”
“But professor, why…her?” Caspian scowled, siding eyeing her. Wednesday frowned slightly. She thought they left on a rather positive note after Hummer's incident but it would appear he only grew angrier since then.
“I beg your pardon, Mr. Lee! That is extremely rude and immature of you. I know you know better than that, I am extremely disappointed.”
“It's alright Ms. Plonson.” She offered.
“No Ms. Addams it is not. An assigned partnership is meant to cultivate an understanding and mutual respect for those you otherwise wouldn't converse with. Different perspectives often provide solutions to problems you thought impossible. ”
“But I already sit next to her!” The boy motioned exasperatedly.
The old teacher sighed, placing her hand on her hips. “The partners were chosen at random if that helps, but that is the end of the discussion. No ands, ors, ifs or buts! My mind's already made up.”
Caspian sank back down in his seat, his ears turning pink at the surrounding giggles. Giggles which Wednesday promptly stifled with a glare. If she had it her way, she'd have each and every one of them hung from the rafters for their crimes of being petulant teenagers.
“Now on another note, I’ll give you the rest of class to converse with your partners. Remember, there will be a peer evaluation at the end that goes towards your final grade, so both of you will have to put equal effort in. If you have any questions I’ll be at my desk grading your Chapter tests, so far so good….besides a few outliers.” She punctuated her point by staring disapprovingly at the boy next to her, who only shrunk further into his seat.
Chatter erupted around the room. Half of the talk was about the assignment and the other half was complaining about it. Her partner refused to even acknowledge her, even when she pivoted in her seat to give him her undivided attention.
“Well,” She cleared her throat. “I guess we should start with a specific type of fauna to analyze. Have any suggestions?”
“Whatever’s the easiest to research.” Caspian stiffly responded.
Wednesday lingered on his cold form. She memorized a plethora of conversation starters from a book she picked up from the library. But sitting here now, adjacent to the moody wizard, she decided against it. Instead, she settled for skimming through their shared textbook. “Understood.”
The assignment was relatively straightforward. It consisted of two parts, a physical lab and a research portion. They were to pick a plant that was widely used in everyday life. Then, they were to conduct an experiment revolving around the main use of it. Afterwards, they were to research its effect on the world through either an economic, scientific, cultural, or environmental lens. A minimum of 5 secondary sources consisting of a video, academic journal, news article, lab report, and a creative piece of your choosing was required. All in APA formatting with a minimum of 2000 words of the research portion accompanied with graphs and charts. She was glad there was no presentation portion. She and Caspian barely had a rapport as is. They certainly had no chemistry fitting of a stage spot.
So all in all, it was child's play really, nothing too challenging but definitely tedious given she had to work with someone. Someone who would apparently rather shoot himself in the foot than cooperate with the likes of her.
Wednesday ceased her flipping of the pages. “What about Zea mays?”
“Whatever.” Caspian brushed her off. She probably could've chosen rotten apples and his answer would've been the same.
Wednesday didn't let his ire perturb her. “Well, if we’re tracking the effects of Zea mays, then I recommend focusing our case study on the agriculture sector.”
“How long do you reckon this whole thing will take?” Caspian eyed the clock.
Wednesday tilted her head. “Well, that entirely depends on your availability. This is meant to be done over the course of the term afterall”
He hesitated, seemingly deciding whether to tell her the truth or not. Wednesday would know if he was lying to her, she memorized his timetable the second she got the chance to. Something which she regrets doing now. In a purely strategic sense, it was invaluable information. But she'd gladly give that up if it dispelled the strange feeling it felt in her chest.
She suspected it was a tumour, but 'guilt' is what her mother called it.
Caspian sighed reluctantly. “I’m available after classes today and Saturdays. And between 3rd and 4th on Thursdays.”
Wednesday nodded, looks like he opted for the truth. “Then if you really wanted to expedite the process, there's no reason this should surpass a 3-week timeline.”
“Brilliant,” He suddenly turned to look at her. Her breath hitched a little at the sudden intensity challenging her eyes. “So all that’s sorted now yeah? How about we start researching individually, in silence.”
Caspian promptly stuck his nose in his book. Wednesday hesitated before slowly pivoting in her seat to do the same. This whole ordeal was strange, to say the least. Looks like her therapist was proven right yet again, if you're grateful good things will come. Now all she needed to do was maximize this golden opportunity.
Safe to say, Wednesday didn't get much research done in their allotted class time.
“Is this a preferable spot?”
“I don't care.”
Wednesday set her bag carefully on the rickety wooden chair. “I see…”
She chose the objectively perfect spot for their study time. It was hidden amongst a maze of towering bookshelves in the political section no one seems to visit.
It was far from prying eyes and ears but in reality, it was a rather brisk walk from the entrance. A benefit for Caspian and his current state in case he had to use the restroom.
The actual location was 'cozy' as Enid would put it without being stuffy. It consisted of a rather intimate table, with a single lamp. Off to the side was a bean bag chair snuggled tight in the corner. But what she really adored most was the hidden circular window. From the outside, it appeared to be just another divot in the building's Neo-Gothic style but in fact, they had an uninhibited view of the entire front courtyard. She'd often study here just to witness the sky slowly transform into an inky black.
“I'll just need to check out a few books. What is your preferred method of research? I could request a compute-.”
“I'll figure it out.” He cut in abruptly.
Wednesday eyed his back. “Have it your way.” She muttered.
She browsed around the shelves, meticulously withdrawing the appropriate books from their resting place. Once she was sure she had a sufficient amount, she returned to a less than excited Caspian sitting as stiff as a board. Come to think of it, Wednesday doesn't think she's ever seen him fully relaxed around her.
“To streamline the process we should first see if it's possible to even conduct an experiment on Zea mays.” She gently placed the books between them, careful to avoid brushing his leg as she slid into her seat.
Caspian snorted. “You chose a plant you didn't even know you could work on? How unusually foolish of you.”
She couldn't help but raise a brow. “I am more than capable of conducting the proper procedure necessary, but due to the fabricated time limit and less than optimal school supplies at our disposal, I'm effectively performing with training wheels.”
“I'm sure someone like you would have a poison potions kit that can get the job done.”
“I left it at home.” She admitted, only realizing a second later it was probably a rhetorical question.
“Whatever, what do I need to do?”
“Well, since the lab portion can't get done until I confirm a proper experiment, you can start researching the historical context surrounding Zea Mays.” She thumbed through the stack of books, sliding over the thickest one.
Caspian took it only after her hands fully retracted, opening it up with a sigh. Wednesday barely open the book of her own before his disbelieving voice perked up.
“Corn?” He stared at her for the first time since they entered the library. “You chose to do our assignment on Corn? Have you gone mad?” He scoffed, shutting the book with a cloud of dust.
Wednesday furrowed her brows. “It's easily the single most dangerous vegetation on our planet, posing the biggest threat to modern society. It's the key ingredient in high fructose corn syrup, one of the main causes of the obesity epidemic as well as other health-related issues running rampant throughout the nation.”
The boy gave her a nasty sidelong look.
Wednesday just continued to stare at him blankly. Wasn't corn the obvious choice?
Corn syrup caused more deaths a day than venomous spurs do in a year. It wasn't the most flashiest or gruesome form of death by vegetation, but Wednesday could appreciate the efficiency. “I'm open to any other suggestions if you have them.”
He glared at her for a while before reopening the book. “Whatever.”
'Whatever' was quickly becoming Caspian's favourite word as he dug through his pencil case for presumably something to write with.
Wednesday quickly sifted through her own supplies, finding what she was looking for instantly.
“Here.” She held out the small canister eagerly. “I noticed you asking for lead in Functions.”
Over the last month, her ears had seemingly come accustomed to making out Caspian's distinct voice no matter the setting. That includes hearing him whisper, about 0.75 lead.
Which was rather unfortunate, as she only carried 0.5. But after a rather lopsided trade with Bianca (no matter how wealthy one was, $10 for graphite was highway robbery), Wednesday waited for just the right time to offer it to him.
Caspian darted his eyes down to the object in her hands, then back up to her, and back at her outstretched hand. He then turned completely away from her, procuring a tattered one-inch pencil from the deepest corners of his bag.
Wednesday frowned, retracting her hand limply.
They sat in quiet for a while, the only sound being the occasional jotting of notes. She really tried to focus on the technicalities of the experiment, but as the seconds whittled by she got more antsy.
She recited the combined advice she's received from her therapist and mother.
Be nice, be sincere, and be proactive.
How did people do this on a daily bases? Making small talk was an exhausting task, one she was ill-prepared to tackle. What was it her father always turned to? When he would break the social ice at their yearly family events?
Wednesday cleared her throat. “The weather outside was obnoxiously sunny for a mid-winter month. I much rather prefer downcast skies.” She glanced to her side. Caspian was still writing but she could tell he was listening. They were quite literally brushing shoulders.“If the sun didn't offer the necessary Vitamin D I'd do without. Vitamin D deficiency is the most common deficiency for most inhabitants of the northern hemisphere. I take supplements to help.”
She was meant by silence, the only change in his demeanour was his pressed lips.
They continued as if she hasn't spoken at all. Wednesday trying yet failing again to fully commit herself to outline the lab. She found it ironic how out of the two of them, she seemed to be having the most trouble with their little arrangement.
She couldn't help but let her eyes drift discreetly towards him.
She never really fully looked at him before. However, right now she found herself studying his every feature.
He had dark brows and surprisingly clear skin. Hidden beneath a layer of baby fat, she could tell he had the potential for a sharp jawline and high cheekbones when he was older. And of course, how could she forget, the intense eyes he so often flashed her way?
She supposed as far as specimens go, he was an above-average adolescent male in terms of health. She's even heard he goes to the gym in his off time. Wednesday can commend a person who takes time to look after their body.
Then she found herself replaying more minute quirks about him. The way his brows came together when reading, or how his wavy hair would always find a way to fall into his eyes no matter how many times he flicked them away. Or the way he would stick his tongue out slightly in concentration or narrow his eyes in confusion. The way he'd clench and unclench his jaw or how he'd kiss his teeth for no apparent reason.
Her eyes danced from his jaw down the stack of books on his side of the table. She lazily filtered down the spines until a certain author caught her eye.
“J.R.R. Tolkien. I've read the Hobbit trilogy dozens of times.” Her grandmother would always do the voice of Gollum, though her orc and Gandolf impressions were nothing to scoff at. It was a pleasant children's book, her first foray into truly great writing and world-building. She felt herself smile a bit. “What part are you on?”
“Are done doing the experiment?” Caspian snapped.
All traces of her smile fell. “Well…no-”
“Then shut up.”
Wednesday bit her tongue. “That was uncalled for.”
“If it's all the same to you I don't really give a shit at the moment.” He clipped.
Wednesday blinked. Connecting with Caspian was like trying to wrangle an electric eel. The second you think you have them, they wriggle free but not before sending you a pretty nasty shock. “Perhaps this should pique your interest.” She slid her phone over to him, unsure of what else she could offer.
Caspian glanced down at the screen. It was the photo of them in the dining hall when she revealed she had a stalker. “Huh”, He scoffed, going back to his notes. “Unless I want an unwanted shadow of my own, I guess I should really stop talking to you then. Oh, wait!” He rolled his eyes, “I have this stupid project to do.”
“Does it not concern you that you're being watched whenever you're around me?” Wednesday genuinely wanted to know. Did his hatred for her really run as deep as his self-preservation?
Caspian eyed her seriously. “Being stalked is the least of my troubles when I'm around you.”
At least he was looking at her now. She bit her lip, “How's Geral-”
“Can you shut the fuck up?” He threw his pencil on the table, the small object clattering onto the ground. He sent her a nasty glare. “I mean what game are you playing here?”
Wednesday faltered, “I...just want to get -.”
“Yeah I've heard it before, is that all you want to do? You don't want to sell my liver?”
Wednesday ground her teeth. She would applaud his ability to stick to his guns if it wasn't starting to get on her nerves. To his credit, it took real effort to continue hating like this. “If I wanted to, I would've done that already. Without you knowing.”
“I seriously doubt that.”
"I disagree vehemently."
“Well, I say screw your disagreement... vehemently."
They turned away from each other, crossing their arms.
All she wanted was to try to speak with him. Wednesday didn't think she was asking for much.
She was doing all the heavy lifting, opening up communications, and putting herself out there. She knew logically he doesn't owe her a response. That he had every right to not like her.
But she's quickly learning that human socializing was far from a logical affair.
She was frustrated and a little confused. She'll rather prance about on stage in one of Enid's onesies than admit it, a little hurt. She turned to him suddenly. “What do I have to do to prove I mean no harm.”
“I dunno…” He shrugged. “Drop-down at give me 10000 sit-ups.”
“That's impossible.”
“Then there's your answer.”
She clenched her pen. Caspian Lee was utterly impossible to deal with.
Caspian chuckled, reaching down to pick up his pathetic excuse for a pencil. “Maybe if you…just spitballing here… left Nevermore and never came back? Or perhaps if you somehow managed to send me back home, I may just pat you on the back. ”
“I'm…really trying here Caspian.” She admitted. She didn't mean for it to come out in a hushed whisper but it did.
He paused for the briefest of moments before continuing his notes. “Like I care.”
Wednesday bored holes at him until her eyes burned. “You can be awful sometimes...you know that?”
“The pot calling the kettle black," He scowled. "I'm done wasting my breath, one more word out of your mouth and I'm leaving. To hell with my Botany grade for all I care.”
Wednesday spun back around with a frustrated huff.
They stewed in silence as they worked at a snail's pace.
She has long given up on trying to structure an experiment. She instead opted for writing the Greek alphabet.
Foreword to back, back to front, then skipping every other symbol.
She was starting to have second thoughts about the whole ordeal. How long was she supposed to wait for him to 'come around'? She was a busy person, she didn't have all day.
She forgot to ask her mother at what point does she just take the hint? Accept that they may never have cordial grounds ever again. It would be ironically fitting really. The first friend she tried to make, the first time she extends herself this much, and she'd only have a wounded pride to show for it.
She was always told at first you must fail before you succeed. But why must she fail with him?
Wednesday opened her mouth to speak. It would appear they were both approaching their wits ends with each other, might as well air out what she needed to say while she still had the energy. And his attention.
“I meant it...." She hesitates, clearing her throat. "I meant it when I said I was sorry…If you believe it or not is up to you, but I just wanted to make it undeniably clear…that I was. I still am.” Her voice came out in a low whisper, if it wasn't for their close proximity he was sure he wouldn't have heard.
She didn't wait to see his response as she flipped open the largest textbook she could find. That's all she needed to say to him for now, she had no patience to try and appease his anger. Not today. If he got up and decided to take the failing grade that was up to him.
After all, there was only so much someone could say when speaking to a brick wall.
Caspian ended up staying for the entirety of their study session.