Chapter 2: "I don't like him..." "I know"!!!

The boys joined us at our bench as I glared at the at the cancer sticks on the ground, who could possibly want to die like that, anyway???

"Is there something I should know Kitty?" Char's voice whispered to me, his breath tickled my right ear, sending shivers down my back. I turned to face him with a smile, his Amber eyes filled with warmth. "Kitty?" he asked as he raised his eyebrow in a silent question.

I sighed then replied, "Do you smell something... wrong? Like it doesn't belong here...?"

Curiously, he sniffed, and sniffed some more, on leaning slightly forward, twice again, moving me to one side his eyes fell on the cigarette butt. "No way!" he muttered "Who?"

"I don't know, but who ever it is, is going to regret it...!" I said, Char raised his eyebrows and I swiftly added "That smoker just got a one way, non-transferable ticket to Cancerville in Hell!"

He chuckled lightly as he slung his left arm, that was holding his duffel bag, over his left shoulder.

Just then Jessica Matthews, Derrick's younger sister, came and stood by us as a car drove up in front of us. Jess was grinning with that notorious glint in her eyes that instantly told me she had something to tell me. But before I could talk Derrick grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the car.

"Hey bro., you're dragging home the wrong person!!!" Jess said walking up to Derrick's speed, while Char fell into step with me. He was clearly amused by the sudden turn of events and I have to admit, so am I!

On hearing Jess' claim Derrick's rush came to an abrupt halt as he turned around and looked at me surprised.

"Oh! I'm sorry, your hand feels just like Jessica's!" he said then frowned at the stupidity of own excuse. He turned around, leaving my hand and grabbing Jess' instead then he yanked Jess in front of him and pushed her into the car, he all but jumped in himself, but by then I knew something was off about this.

"Derrick?" He looked at me inquisitively and I asked "Is there something wrong?".

"How did you...?" Derrick was about to reply with a question of his own but Char interrupted.

"She asked you a question, Derrick. You're supposed to answer, not question back." Char interjected.

I could feel the air heat up as both the boys stiffened and it did not help getting a reply so I spoke, "Derrick, Charles."

"Aww, come on K, You know I don't like being called 'Charles'!" but instead of getting distracted I repeated my question. "What's wrong, Derrick?"

Derrick got into the car saying "I really gotta go, I'm sorry."

Char stepped forward to stop them, but I stopped him and let the car drive off.

"Why'd you stop me?" Char wanted to know and my reply to him was simple, "I'd rather wait for Jess to tell me herself."

He opened his mouth to express his difference of opinion but thought bettr of it and exhaled a soft "Fine." He put his right arm around my shoulder and steering me towards the parking lot.

It's a good thing that he gave up the argument, because he knew it was futile to argue with me... The last time he tried, I won hands down and didn't talk to him for four days.

But, honestly, it's really, really tough to stay angry at him for long, his personality is so strong, influential  and likeable. His enthusiasm was contagious. Hence, it was practically impossible to stay upset with him, even if he remains at a two feet distance constantly. I'd have to sneak around him as stealthily as possible.

"Hey, Sorenson! The Coach wants a word with you, in his office now." some guy from the Basketball team informed Char.

He turned to me as if seeking a permission and an apology with his Dreamy eyes, I smiled and nodded.

"Go on, I'll wait by your car. Don't be too long." I told him, he gave me one of his semi-grins, and squeesed my shoulders with his arm slightly, then jogged back to the Gym.

Anyway I had to contact Jess, ASAP.

The rest of the group had almost reached the parking lot, slowly I walked towrds the parking lot.

Now, about that surprise, Natalie said it was good news, yet, Derrick wasn't ready to tell me. What are these people up to???

Then there was a loud bang to my right.

Then I heard Char shout "Kay! Look out!"

On looking I realised I was in the the parking lot, which I had reached sometime during my internal babble. Old Motor Man Mike was taking his 'Old Trash Truck' for a round to clean up, and damn! I'm in his way! The poor man is majorly eye-sight impaired. If I didn't get out of his way, he will be hauled to the city police aqnd I will be hauled away to the city trash dump! Okay maybe not.... But... What should I do???

Ow! My Back!!!

Some shuffling followed then... blackness.

Finally when I opened my eyes and my vision was blocked by the heads of my friends. "Hey, K. Are you okay?" Misty said as she gave me a quick hug, ouch!

"W-what happened?" I croaked then, on clearing my voice, I asked another question. "How'd I get here???"

Misty looked t me pointedly and mock scolded saying "As usual, you, 'the daydreamer' were so drowned in your own world you didn't see Motor Man Mike until it was too late for you to do anything. Thankfully Seth was close by so he pushed you out of the way."

"You mean; tackled her out of the way! He was on top of her and enjoying it!"  Char huffed. From the tone Char used one could easily say Seth wasn't Char's favourite person...

Come to think of him, "Where is he?" I thought aloud.

"Who?" Misty asked.

"Duh! The Savior, Seth!" Natalie giggled in response and as if on cue the door opened and Seth made his appearance.

"So, the sleeping Beauty has finally come to." Seth said with cute smile as he handed me a cup of Hot Chocolate, I took it, and he passed the tray around.

In the corner of the room sulking Char eyed the cup suspiciously as if it were poisoned.

While everyone fused over me I smiled at the gloomy Char, he was definitely upset the he wasn't able to save me.

When our eyes met, making an adoreable puppy-dog face  he mouthed "I don't like him..."

"I know!" I mouthed back.