The moment Eric's declaration registered in her mind Monica was so completely taken aback that she just stood there. Her mouth was slightly agape.
Her mind was a complete blank. It took a few long silent seconds for the full import of his words to sink in. And when they did her shock was immediately replaced by a fresh wave of indignant fury.
She pointed a trembling accusatory finger at Eric. Her voice rose in a sharp incredulous shout. "How could you make such a decision without even asking me first?!" she demanded.
Her voice echoed in the now-silent training hall. Everyone was watching her.
Eric however had anticipated this reaction. He had known with an absolute certainty that Monica would not take kindly to his unilateral decision. He had known she would be angry.
He looked at her his expression now one of a calm almost apologetic sincerity. "At this moment," he said his voice quiet but firm "I see no one else in this entire class who I could partner with besides you."
