FOR ONCE, I WASN’T LOOKING FORWARD TO film class. It used to be my favorite because I got to sit next to Jacob, but now it was my least favorite for the exact same reason. Assigned seats were the worst; it would be Jacob and me, right next to each other, every Friday.
I took my time walking to the media center. Today, Mr. Ramirez was supposed to announce the team grades for our student films. Jacob and I had been partners. Of course. I’d been beyond excited when Mr. Ramirez put us together, and we’d had a lot of fun shooting the film. But now I couldn’t even talk to him.
I walked through the lobby, entered the theater, and sank into my plush red seat. Class started in less than two minutes and Jacob still wasn’t there. Mr. Ramirez walked to the front of the room, shuffling through a stack of papers. Finally, Jacob walked in and took his seat next to me. He wore a blue striped shirt that I’d never seen before and his hair was pushed off to the side. I couldn’t help wondering if he wore it that way because Callie preferred it.
I looked away before Jacob could notice me staring. He leaned forward, pulling out his notebook, and kept his eyes straight ahead.
“Crazy that film’s back to Fridays,” he said finally.
I shrugged. “Whatever. Better than Mondays.”
Mr. Ramirez walked to the front of the room and smiled. He always started film class with a movie quote and it was like a class competition to get the right answer first.
“‘There’s no place like home,’” Mr. Ramirez said.
Easy!
“The—” I started.
“The Wizard of Oz,” Jacob said, cutting me off. He didn’t even give me a sorry-for-cutting-you-off glance. Rude.
“Correct, Jacob,” Mr. Ramirez said. “Good job. Now, let’s discuss your films. You all submitted excellent, detailed work. I enjoyed viewing each film.”
I looked over at Jacob for a second and caught him staring at me. Oops. I shifted in my seat, my attention back on Mr. Ramirez.
“I’ve chosen a few of your films to discuss,” Mr. Ramirez said. “Let’s start with Brandon and Wes, who produced a comedy.”
My phone buzzed. I kept one eye on Mr. Ramirez as I pulled it out of my pocket. It was a text from Eric. Even before I read it, I smiled.
IM ltr, coach?
Jacob shifted in his seat. I jabbed my finger on the off button and dropped my phone into my book bag. Neither of us looked at each other.
“Next,” Mr. Ramirez was saying. “An excellent documentary by Jacob and Sasha.”
I froze. Before the mess with Jacob, I would have loved Mr. Ramirez talking about our project. But now it was just weird. I didn’t want more attention on Jacob and me.
“Jacob and Sasha went on location to Canterwood’s stable,” Mr. Ramirez said, nodding to us. “They used Sasha’s horse, Charm, to show an animal’s intelligence. Sasha did most of the on-screen work while Jacob did editing and scoring.”
I looked over at Jacob and he glanced back. We traded awkward looks.
“I’m going to share a clip of the film,” Mr. Ramirez said.
The screen went black and the credits started.
S&S presents an original major motion picture. Starring Sasha Silver, Jacob Schwartz, and Charm. Directed by Jacob Schwartz.
I appeared on the giant screen. “Ever wonder how smart animals really are?” I asked.
I slid into my seat, shielding my eyes with my hands. This was so embarrassing! I talked for few more seconds, and then on-camera, Jacob walked over to me. He’d been terrified of Charm, I’d later found out; he was afraid of horses—but he’d gone along with the horse-themed documentary for me. I forced myself to watch on-camera Jacob and not the real one.
“Sasha and Jacob worked as partners and demonstrated the teamwork that’s necessary to be successful in the film industry.” Mr. Ramirez smiled and tipped his head to us. “I hope both of you consider making more films together in the future.”
Jacob and I just nodded. I slumped into my seat with relief when Mr. Ramirez chose the next movie. Mr. R had no idea that Horse Sense was the last project Jacob and I would ever do together.
When class finally ended, I stuffed my notebook into my bag. Jacob shifted toward me for a second, his eyes on my face. I thought he might say something, but he only shook his head and got up. He disappeared down the aisle before I even squeezed out of our row.