Title: The Rebel
Chapter One: The New Kid
Emily Carter liked things neat. Her locker? Organized by color and subject. Her schedule? Printed, highlighted, and taped inside her notebook. So when her teacher, Mrs. Fletcher, announced they'd be switching lab partners halfway through the semester, Emily's stomach sank.
"You're with James Walker now," Mrs. Fletcher said with a tight smile, as if she already expected trouble.
James strolled in late—as usual. His backpack was slung over one shoulder, and he wore that black hoodie like it was armor. He didn't even look at Emily as he dropped into the seat beside her.
"Hi," she said, forcing a smile. "I'm Emily."
He smirked. "Yeah. I know. Class president, honor roll, always raises her hand. You're kind of famous."
Emily blinked. Was that... sarcasm?
"Right. And you're James. Late every day, detention on Thursdays, and I heard you climbed on the roof last week."
He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "It was just for a dare."
She rolled her eyes. This was going to be a disaster.
But deep down—way down—Emily couldn't help but feel curious.
Chapter Two: The Project
Their assignment: a presentation on renewable energy.
Emily had already made a list, a schedule, and color-coded her notes.
James? He showed up to their first meeting with a skateboard and a bag of chips.
"We have to present in two weeks," Emily said, pointing to her carefully drawn timeline. "We should divide the research. I can do solar and wind, and you can do hydro and geothermal."
James crunched on a chip. "Can I do nuclear? It sounds cooler."
She sighed. "Fine. But you actually have to research it. And we need visuals. Charts. Maybe even a model."
He raised an eyebrow. "You really like being in charge, don't you?"
She flushed. "I just... like things to be done well."
He smiled, just a little. "Okay, boss. I'll get the nuclear stuff. I promise."
Chapter Three: Unexpected Fun
James did show up with his notes. They were messy, but surprisingly good. Emily didn't say anything, but she noticed.
They started meeting at the local library, but one afternoon it was closed. "Want to work at the park?" James asked.
Emily hesitated, then nodded.
At the park, James surprised her again. He built a little wind turbine model out of straws and sticks, while she painted a poster board. They talked about music, movies, and even favorite snacks.
"You're not what I expected," Emily said.
James grinned. "Neither are you."
Chapter Four: The Rumor Mill
By the following week, whispers started floating through the halls.
"Emily and James are working together?"
"They were laughing at the park!"
"She's probably tutoring him."
Emily tried to ignore it, but it got harder every day.
When someone left a note in her locker that said Rebels don't mix with princesses, Emily felt her throat tighten.
James found her sitting alone behind the school.
"Don't let them get to you," he said quietly. "They don't know us."
She looked at him. "Do you?"
He smiled. "I'm trying."
Chapter Five: The Presentation
The day of the presentation arrived. Their model worked. Their visuals popped. And most surprisingly, James stood in front of the class, confident and clear.
When they finished, the class clapped.
Mrs. Fletcher beamed. "Excellent teamwork."
As they walked back to their seats, James whispered, "We make a pretty good team, huh?"
Emily nodded. "Yeah. We really do."
Chapter Six: Maybe Something More
After school, James was waiting by the bike racks.
"So," he said, kicking at the gravel. "There's a school dance next week. You going?"
Emily looked at him. "Are you going?"
"I might. If you are."
She smiled. "Then I guess I will."
He grinned. "Cool. Pick you up at seven?"
"You don't have a car."
"Then I'll walk."
And as he walked away, Emily realized the rebel wasn't so bad after all.
Maybe... he was just what she needed.