The thing about the first day of school, is that it always smelled the same.

The smell of freshly bought dry-erase markers, the scent of new textbooks and a hint of black coffee coming from the teacher's lounge.

Like usual, everyone was greeting each other like they haven't seen each other for YEARS, when in reality, it had been like what..? Two weeks? But I do kinda get it. I was SUPER lonely, Mom, Dad, Rebecca and Jason all had plans with their friends and I was left all alone to rot in bed and read books. But it's whatever.. at least I got to improve my English.. am I right?

There was always something so comforting about it, starting a new school year. It felt like I could start fresh, be a new person. This year, I will not be afraid to take on challenges. This year, I will not give up on studying on the third week of school. And this year, I will most definitely not let Aaron cooper get in my way again.

And that lasted around... five minutes? (That's a new record!)

I scanned the room looking for somewhere to sit down. Front row? Nah.. too close to the teacher and everyone's gonna be able to see the back of my head, a terrible option considering the amount of bad hair days I have a week. Next to the door in the back? Nope. Everyone's gonna be rushing to my seat as soon as class ends. Back row, by the window? Perfect. It's quiet, clean and close to the air conditioning!

Everyone turned, of course. Because Aaron Cooper had graced us with his presence and waddled his way into the classroom like he was the principal.

Of course, I didn't turn around. I'm better than that! I sat in my chair, staring at my newly decorated binder totally ignoring Aaron. But I could still definitely feel the energy shift. Y'all really aren't slick. And of course Aaron noticed it too, and that totally boosted his ego even more. It was ridiculous...what was so special about him anyways?

Ugh.. Can't I have one normal school day, WITHOUT Aaron? I mean, we've been in the same class for YEARS now. Is it really that hard to just split us up for once, there's 4 classes in this grade! What are the chances?

Screeeeeech!!! Thumb.

What the heck?

Then I smelled that familiar scent.

No no no... Aaron.. SERIOUSLY??

I stared at him in disbelief. I mean, COME ON. Twenty four seats and what are the chances he got sat next to me?! He stared back at me, with that stupid smirk on his face. I hated that smirk. But damn it. He looked like he just walked out of a teenage romance movie trailer.. His dark hair perfectly complimented his sharp features and those gorgeous eyes of his..could he not try to look at least a little more disheveled? Plus, has he ever heard of something called "Asking for permission??" Because HELLOO I do not want him here~

Aaron leaned back, totally unbothered by the fact that I wanted anyone but him to sit next to me..

"Miss me? Baker?" Aaron smirked

Oh fuck off dude...

"Yeahhh... Totally did." I responded.

"You haven't been swimming lately, have you?" Aaron questioned.

"Why do you care?" I said, turning my head away from his stupid face

"Your good 'ol' swimming buddy just missed seeing ya at the pool"

"Awww you must have been devastated."

"Totally, I was sobbing all the way home. It's a shame you didn't get to see me in my swimsuit."

He said suddenly jumping up and leaning in to look at my face. My heart did that stupid thing, traitorous skip again. NOPE. Not happening. I closed my eyes. Trying to ignore the fact that he was just inches away from my face. I hate this guy. He definitely knew what was going on inside my head...embarrassing, ain't it?

Just before it was about to get awkward a new teacher none of us recognized came into the classroom and introduced herself. I couldn't care less though. I know I know, I said that I would put lots of effort into studying but I know for a fact that the first 20 minutes of this lesson is just going to be her introducing herself. It's mean... but I just don't feel like listening..

That's when out of nowhere, I heard the words "Group project"

Oh come on!

"Andy and Emma, you guys are in a group. Amy and Ian-"

Was she seriously giving us partners already??

"Ellie and—"

Please don't be Aaron please don't be Aaron..

"Aaron! Please get into your groups and start planning your project."

UGH.

I turned again, to look at Aaron and he turned to me, the annoying grin on his face getting bigger and bigger by the second.

This is my actual nightmare.

"I can't be that bad can I?" Aaron said teasingly.

Oh yes you totally can.

I just ignored him though. I mean, I've been able to deal with doing tons of projects with him for all these years and it's not like he doesn't contribute, he's a total gem in these kinds of group projects. One project isn't that bad.. right??

The only reason why I've always hated Aaron Cooper was because I knew he never thought of anyone as the same level as him.. it felt like he thought he was better than everyone else. I mean sure, he was cute, smart, charming and athletic but that doesn't give him the right to look down on us.. does it?

I slumped down into my chair, closing my eyes and accepting my fate..

Aaron leaned in, closer than necessary, his voice low and teasing.

"I guess you're stuck with me, Baker."

His grin was so infuriating...so unfairly attractive..

"Guess so."

Kill me now. All of that convincing I just did? Did not work. Not even a little. Welcome to the life of being haunted by the one and only Aaron and his cuteness.

I just sat there completely defeated. Watching Aaron immediately just up to his seat and start on the project, which is pretty impressive considering the fact that it's 8am. But he was always like this, sure normally he was pretty playful but as soon as it comes to school work he turns into a total genius. I mean, that's part of the reason why almost everyone's so infatuated with him.

He solves Maths questions with ease, writes paragraphs and paragraphs of words within a matter of minutes and he always seems to have spare time during tests.

Although I've been in the same class as Aaron since elementary school, I've never been able to get over how smart he is. HUGE BONUS.. that is, if I liked him. But sadly, I don't. And I never will. Trust me on that one.

Hello guys!!
Did you guys like this chapter? I hope you did because I sure did enjoy writing it! I promise the writing gets better later on lol. Feel free to comment advice or parts you liked! 🤍