Relief is in the air of the classroom inside of Klein Hall on the west side campus of Sampson University, where Professor Nathaniel Barker's "Living With The Arts." class is winding down within the next few minutes. Already the English-Literature instructor; who is covering the course this semester, had given them enough reading material to incorporate a midterm despite it being barely a month into the class.

"I decided to do something a little fun," the fifty-something teacher announces to his students.

Some pupils roll their eyes while a few give looks of apprehension to one another, including Tanner Lockhart who wishes her best friend Elijah Barker was in class today which is weird since him missing class especially his father is out of character for the academic.

"Your next assignment is to report on a musical artist I select for you. But since this class size is larger than I anticipated. I thought it would be kind of cool to put you in pairs."

Professor Barker allows the groans he was waiting to hear from his students who feel having a partner is unnecessary, then he continues when it's over he grabs a sheet of paper from his desk behind him, which he begins to read from the list of pairs he put together.

"Tanner, Thomas, you'll be covering Bob Marley, one of the pioneers of reggae music,"

At first, Tanner thought she heard wrong because he wouldn't be cruel enough to partner with her ex-boyfriend, who slept with another girl, impregnating her.

Tommy Covington is sitting in his permanent seat, has a look of unease upon his face, knowing this is going to be uncomfortable for the both of them. Then again, maybe this is the chance he can use this opportunity to give them a second chance or at least develop a friendship.

When Nathaniel finishes rattling off the list, he ends class, in which more than half of the students dashed out of the room, grateful that that class is over for today.

Tanner marches to the professor she has known since she was four years old, hoping to plead her case.

​

"Hi, Professor Barker,"

Nathaniel, who is gathering his belongings into his bag, waves his hands in a carefree way. "Instructional time is over, call me Mr. Barker. How can I help you, Tanner?"

"I'm not trying to tell you how to run things in your classroom, Mr. Barker, but I cannot work with Tommy."

Nathaniel glances at the young woman thoroughly.

​

"I understand the situation as to why you feel it is unfair for you and Thomas to collaborate on this project. However, you'll soon learn in the real world you can't always control who you must work with."

Tanner couldn't help but think most of those people don't have to worry about wanting to throttle their colleague for getting involved with someone else.

"Mr. Barker -- I can do the work on my own if there isn't anyone else to work with."

Nathaniel zips up his bag, not taking the focus off his student.

"Sometimes, you have to grin and bear uncomfortable events. I expect the project to have all of your efforts; turned in on time. Have a good rest of your day, Tanner, and please tell that son I need to speak with him."

As Nathaniel excuses himself, Tanner remains there, regretting not dropping the course when she was able to in the first place.

​