With our horde of snacks in hand, we found our classroom and made ourselves comfortable while we waited for biology to start. It didn’t take long for students to slowly trickle in looking upset that school started back up, while we entertained ourselves in the back of the room. The dynamics of the school seemed to reveal themselves as the classroom filled up.

People separated themselves based on their respective cliques. Greek Row students grouped together, what I assumed were scholarship kids sat together, and the ones who deemed themselves popular had their own section too. It made me wonder where I would fit in–if I would fit in.

The professor walked in with three minutes to spare. “Good morning, and welcome to your Fall semester. We will cover cellular biology to include but not limited to membrane structure, cellular energetics, cell cycle and growth control, and cellular organization. I know, fun stuff. If you are a science major, these will be important. If you are not a science major, congratulations, your only task is to pass the tests and then forget everything you learn directly after the final exam.

Now, let’s get to your first introductions. You will section yourselves into groups for next week’s assignments and will need to complete your project together as a group unit. Before you create your groups of five to seven students, we will be going around the room. Please state your name, your major, and something about yourself. This can be where you are from, your hobbies, a fun fact, et cetra.”

He pointed to a guy in the front row to kick us off.

The guy turned and waved. “I’m Shane. My major is I have no idea. I’m from Houston and I’m on the soccer team. Go Sharks!”

The intros continued until they reached Kelly and me. Kelly went first.

“Hey everyone, my name is Kelly, and I haven’t decided on a major yet but I like skateboarding.” Ever the extrovert, she was beaming through her entire introduction.

I shifted in my seat. “I’m Fallon and I declared Exercise Science and am considering a minor. My favorite snack is sour gummy worms.” Stupid. So. Stupid.

After the last guy in our row introduced himself, everyone stood and formed their lab groups. I looked to Kelly, hoping she would take the lead and get us a half-decent group.

“You two need partners?” A voice behind me answered my silent prayers.

Kelly stuck her hand out over my head. “Hi there, Shane! We would absolutely love to add you to our awesome lab group. Did you come alone or with friends?” She looked down at me with a covert wink.

He chuckled at her outspokenness. “There are three of us if you want to make it a solid five.”

“Deal,” she said, still holding onto his hand.

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​Chapter 2

Fallon