Lab Partners

The fluorescent lights of the chemistry lab hummed, casting a sterile glow over the rows of empty workstations. Elliot Goldman slouched in his chair, backpack already slung over one shoulder, a silent prayer forming in his head. Ms. Dailey had just posted the lab partner list, and a frantic throng of students was already mobbing the door, desperate to know their fate.

He wasn't really planning to stay after class longer than was necessary, but this was too important. He just needed to know. His eyes scanned the dissolving crowd, a knot tightening in his stomach. Please, anyone but them. Morgan Cook and Nate Anderson were in this class, and if he was stuck with either of them, the rest of his semester was going to be an absolute living hell.

Once the chaos at the door subsided, leaving a little more breathing room, Elliot finally pushed himself up. He still had to crane his neck and peer over a few heads, but his gaze quickly found his name on the list: Elliot Goldman. Flicking his eyes to the corresponding partner, a wave of relief washed over him. It wasn't either of his tormentors.

Jordan Hughes.