I felt a tinge of anxiety and excitement for the school day, today was the day we started our challenges, with our Valentine’s Day partners.

“Hey, See you later,” My Bestfriend—Lora—said.

“Okay, see you!”

We talked about our valentines partners, hers some attractive jock with a saracastic humor, she seemed giddy.

We shared sympathy for mine—although so far, he didn’t seem so bad.

Time had passed, everyone met in the cafeteria for the first challenge.

“The first challenge, is an art contest, we have paint canvas placed on each couples table, and paint. You will be painting each other, the surpise reward will be given afterwards. Find your partner, you have 10 minutes before we begin.”

I found Jason sitting down already. Would it be the same as it was in the email? So light and airy?

“Hey,” He said awkwardly, itching his head.

“Hey, you good at painting?” I ask.

“Actually, I took a painting class, I wouldn’t call myself a professional, but I _can_ paint.”

I grinned, feeling my heart slow down _some_.

“I love painting, it’s one of my favorite activities, let’s see who will win.”

There was a count down blaring out the speakers.

Shouts of “3….2….1.. LETS GO!” comes from everywhere.

I started on his hair line, his hair swooping somewhat in his eyes, but not enough, to where you can see his blue eyes.

“Have you tried this last year?” I asked, continuing to paint.

“No, I switched to a private school—I didn’t like it at all so I begged my dad to go back.”

“Does it suck having your future planned ahead of you?”

“Yes,” He continued painting as well, “I find myself wishing I could be in a different position, able to pick _my_ own path.”

“I understand that, what do _you_ want to do?”

“I know I mentioned traveling, but other than that, I’d like to be a food critic.”

“Ooh! You’re a foodie like me!” I smiled.

He chuckled, but not in a mocking way. “Yeah, I’ll have to take you to one of my favorites.”

My face started to flush, I had never been asked out before.

“I look forward to it.”

We were slient for a little bit, I started on his white collared shirt. His shirt more form-fitted around his chest and arms, but I drew it more oversized. (He doesn’t need to think I was looking at his muscles.)

I accidentally caught myself starring at him, his only response was a smirk.

How had I never noticed him before? His smile could light up a room, his laugh was contagious.

“Am I going to look like a goon?” I ask.

“Well… let’s see, are you on my good side?”

I didn’t know how to answer, and I think he could tell so he added, “You are. So no, you aren’t going to look like a goon. Plus I want us to win.”

“Me too, and hey, if yours doesn’t get votes, mine will!”

We both laughed, and kept talking as we painted. We had about 20 minutes left, and I was finishing the shadows and details of his features.

I captured his eyes so well, and the way he smiles.

He caught me smiling at him, and I looked away, completely tomato red.

“So, have you done this last year?” He asked.

“No, I wasn’t interested in this. If you would’ve asked if I wanted too, I would’ve laughed in your face.”

“No?” His eyebrow came up, “I wouldn’t have suspected you’d be the type to… _you know_.. hate this kind of thing.”

I laughed, almost spitting out my water. (Thankfully I didn’t…)

“You’d be surprised. And don’t take this the wrong way, but I would’ve hated that I’m sitting here with you…” I felt bad just saying that, so I quickly added. “I misunderstood you _a lot.” _

_ _“Should I be flattered?”

“No, I thought you were some kind of man who went from women to women…”

“Oh, well in that case you were completely right!” His saracasm loud.

I laughed, “Well, I’m glad I was wrong.” I smiled.

“I had my suspicions of you.”

“Like what?”

“That your a gorgeous girl, who didn’t know her worth.”

“Wow, well, I wouldn’t have assumed I’d be your type.”

“Oh honey, I _knew _you were my type, you’ve got that smile that any guy would love. You’re humor is excellent, and you’re one of those girls who anyone can get along with.”

I didn’t know what to say, but I just said, “Well, I’d say _now_ you’re my type… but back then I didn’t know.”

I was almost done, and the time was 10 minutes. He seemed like he was almost done.

But I knew him more than I knew anyone in my life, in just 2 days. I was excited to get to know him more.

(. Part 3????)