Cupid's Push - Bunny

Chapter 11

"So it seems part of his ribcage has been bruised, nothing too serious luckily. I'm surprised a truck like that didn't do more. I think it may have been going kind of slow, judging by the result. I advise him to use an ice pack to help with the pain, and we're also going to prescribe him with some medicine to address any pain or inflammation."

"Thanks doctor! Can I go see him?"

"Sure. Be gentle though."

"Got it! I'll be back Nichole!"

Kenny rushes into the room and sees Butters facing the wall, in his hospital gown.

"Leo!" Kenny goes around and sits the beside the hospital bed quickly.

"Are you okay?!"

He doesn't even look at him.

"Leo.."

"No."

"I'm so sorry!"

"I don't want to see you right now."

Kenny sighs. "Alright then.. feel better."

Kenny stands up slowly and hesitantly. He exits the room and Butters wipes a tear from his eye.

¶

"Kenny, you're back already?" Nichole says, shifting in her seat.

"Yeah.. it didn't go so well. He's very upset at me.. rightfully so."

"Like I said, it's not your fault." She stands up.

"C'mon, let's go."

Kenny glances back at the room as they begin to walk away.

¶

Kenny, Kyle, and Stan are in the library, working on a school project.

"So for-" Kenny starts, but Wendy cuts in.

"Kenny, can I talk to you in private for a moment?"

"Oh- um, sure. Be right back guys." They nod at him.

Wendy brings him around the corner.

"Listen, this is kind of hard to tell you but.. I think Nichole is cheating on you."

"W-what? You too?"

"Yeah, I heard her talking to someone on the phone, but all flirty like. She said she wanted to meet them in a parking lot."

"How- when was this, how did you-"

"We were having a sleepover, and I overheard. She said to meet at about Wednesday, 4:20."

That's.. around the time that Nichole and Butters were fighting. Was he.. telling the truth?

"Hello? Kenny?"

"Oh- sorry.. this is just a lot to process."

"Of course. I'm so sorry by the way. See you around."

"Yeah, cya.."

¶

I need a break.. as much as I want to continue helping with the project.. I can't focus with all this in my head right now. I'm gonna go outside to take a breather..

Kenny steps outside and puts his hands in his pockets. He notices Butters sitting on the ground a little ways away.

This is my chance to apologize!..

He slowly approaches where Butters is sitting.

"Hey Leo."

"Oh.. it's you. Hello, Kenneth."

Kenny feels as if he's been stabbed in the heart.

"Is it okay if we talk?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Look.. I'm really sorry! I shouldn't have automatically believed Nichole like that!"

"You know I was telling the truth now?"

"Yes.. Wendy told me as well. Again, I'm so sorry! It's okay if you don't forgive me. Take as much time as you need."

Butters pulls him into a hug.

"H-huh?"

He pulls away.

"Sorry.. I'm just overwhelmed with so many emotions right now.. and it felt right."

"It's alright, I understand."

"Did you already talk to Nichole?"

"No, not yet. I plan to soon."

They get caught in eye contact for a moment.

"I'm gonna leave you be now. Goodbye, Butters."

"Bye Kenny."

A wave of relief washes over Kenny.

Thank goodness. I don't think I can handle him calling me 'Kenneth' again.