Chapter 111 - 110: Changing Partners II
"It's been a while." Geoffrey began as he moved the chair Milly vacated so that when he sat on it, he was facing Serena. "how have you been these days?"
Serena felt a little awkward. Although they have been friendly at some point, that was before that kiss and him professing his intentions happened. Anyway, he has been nothing but nice to her lately, and she felt a little guilty that she can't simply return his feelings. Thus, she tried not to be unwelcoming and smiled at him.
"I have been fine. How about you?"
"I've been well too. This came as a pleasant surprise, that we're partners in this class now, that is. Do you have any song in mind for the coming evaluation?" he asked trying to sound casual. He thought about how to best approach Serena. He wanted to pursue her but did not want to look excessive.
"How about Tchaikovsky's Swan lake?" Serena suggested. She did not want to memorize another classical piece if she didn't have to.
Geoffrey smiled at her suggestion and nodded his head. "That's fine with me. When will you be available for a rehearsal?"
Serena tried to answer but staggered as she saw from the corner of her eyes, Emily approaching Charlton, then she sat on the seat vacated by Kylo. They were too close for comfort and she wanted nothing more than to storm over and tear them apart.
"How about tomorrow after our student council meeting?" Geoffrey suggested when Serena did not answer.
Serena turned her attention back to him. "come again?"
"How about tomorrow afternoon?"
Serena thought it over. That was agreeable as next week, she will be busy preparing for the midterm exam. "I guess tomorrow is fine."
"Then, shall we go over and fill in the time slot?" Geoffrey suggested, seeing their classmates leaving the room to do just that.
Serena peeked at Charlton and Emily. She could not help but think of the what ifs. She recalled that in the novel, it was through their partnership in music class that Charlton fell for Emily. What if the plot of the novel was so strong that that happening was inevitable? What if Charlton's love for her was not real? What if it was just like what she thought last time?
Then, she looked at Geoffrey. Why was he acting out of character? Was it because of her? But all she did was not to pester him and let him spend his time with Emily. How could he have magically turned to like her? Why was he even trying to pursue her?
She doesn't know, but she knew that her feelings were real.
--
"Okay, let's go." Serena told Geoffrey as she stood from her seat. She was not a martyr nor a masochist to keep on staring at Charlton's back when he seems to have completely moved on from her. If he actually even needed to move on.
Geoffrey smiled and waited as she collected her things. Seeing that she was carrying a bag, he quickly offered to carry it for her.
Serena did not want to, however, seeing Charlton not even turning his head even to take a glance, she smiled at Geoffrey and said her thanks. Then they left.
If she waited for a second longer, she would have seen Charlton turning.
--
Emily decided to approach Charlton when he didn't seem to be moving from his seat. She knew that she was at fault last time but come on, she gave him a kiss for free. He should be happy if he were a man. Anyway, keeping her real thoughts in her head, she walked to his side. At the corner of her eyes, she observed Serena looking at them. Knowing that it would irritate her, she decided to seat directly beside Charlton. Anyway, based on how she gauged his attitude after that kiss, he would not be rude enough to tell her to move away.
"Mr. Charlton, I never thought that I would be partnered with you from now on. It must be fate." She said as she smiled at him tentatively.
Charlton took a deep breath. He was annoyed that she chose to sit right beside him.
When he didn't answer her, she chose to take the soft approach. "Ah… I know it's a little late, but I wish to sincerely apologize for last time. I don't know what got into me. Perhaps it was just me being sad after you know… Anyway, I hope the two of you are going strong and that I did not cause you too much trouble?"
Charlton hearing her being remorseful felt that he as a man, was being too petty. Emily did not purposely do what she did last time. Also, it was not completely her fault that he and Serena broke up. She had already apologized, so he should not continue to blame her. Besides, he could sympathize with what she went through or was still going through. Geoffrey left her. She was not on her right mind.
Charlton shook his head, "It's all in the past."
Emily gave him a sweet smile. "thank you. Anyway, what's up with Geoffrey, he seems to be awfully close to Serena now. Aren't you jealous?"
Charlton felt like she poked a sour spot. Not being able to help himself, he turned to look at what the two were doing and saw Serena smiling at Geoffrey as she handed him her bag. He clenched his fist.
"Why would I be?" was all he said in response.
Emily understood then that the two must have fell off. But if the looks they gave each other was any indication, then she would bet that the two still have lingering feelings.
--
After Geoffrey wrote their names on their chosen time slot for tomorrow, he decided to ask if she had plans for later and if they could have dinner together.
"I'm sorry, but I already made plans with my friends." Serena decided to decline. She didn't really have plans with them, but she needed time to think alone.
"Oh… Then, how about lunch tomorrow?"
--
TBC