Today is the last introduction to the characters of Once Upon a December Nightmare. If you missed the previous flash fiction, you can read Cassie and Mary's "Departure," Denise and James's "Honky Tonk Love," and the monster's "Legend." I hope you enjoy our characters from the epilogue, Cara and John's "Chemistry."
Chemistry
Cara leaned over the stained paper and attempted to figure out where the experiment was going wrong. Running her finger over the steps, she swore she had done everything right, but the chemistry experiment appeared more like a science fiction nightmare!
Her gaze fell to her classmates. She had moved to southwestern Virginia from Richmond a week ago, but she didn't really know anyone yet besides her friend Allison, who she knew from theatre camp. A few people were managing well with their experiments, but the boy behind her caught her attention.
She recognized John by his dirty blond hair and ruddy complexion and remembered their introduction at church. She didn't know much about John, but there was one thing that was clear to her: he knew science.
Leaning back in her seat, she glanced behind her. "Psst." Nothing. "Hey." Nothing. "Psst, John."
John peered up from his notebook and looked at Cara through his smudgy lab goggles. "What?"
She flicked a glance to the teacher. Mr. Hanover was paying little attention to the class. "I was wondering if you could help me. I thought I was following the instructions, but I'm lost." She motioned to her nearly failed experiment. "Can you help?"
He sighed, and his cheeks grew a little redder while he stared at her project. For a moment, he said nothing. "You forgot to add the sodium chlorinate in step five."
"Oh, I did." She giggled. "Thanks." She began to turn around but stopped. "How do I fix it?"
"If you stir the liquid counter clockwise and bring it to a boil, you should be able to slowly add the sodium chlorinate. Then, complete the rest of the steps." He flashed a shy smile. "I hope that helps."
"Thanks!" She turned back around and did as he instructed.
At the end of the class, her experiment was completed, and she passed with John's help. After gathering her things, she hurried over to him. "Thanks again for helping me." She touched his arm and gave him a genuine smile.
"Y-you're welcome." John grinned while his gaze fell to her hand on his arm.
Cara caught sight of Allison. "See ya around. Hey, Allison. Wait up." She jogged over to her friend without giving much thought to John afterwards.
4 comments:
Oh no! Did she just want him for his science advice?
This reminds me of my lab partner in physics. I picked him as a partner because he was smart, but I liked him as well. :)
Hehe! At this point in the story, she just wanted the help. Of course, in the epilogue, it is their first date (months later than this flash piece).
Aw, poor John!
Little did they know...
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