The Khigir Hunters

29. Partners in Crime

There was no denying it: lunch was upon us... The bell said it all. I fled from my classroom into the lunch hall as fast as my feet could take me. I wasn't about to let Chris ruin my chance at a possible friendship... And possibly something more.

"Come on, come on..." I silently pleaded, my hazel eyes scanning the room for those familiar chocolate eyes. People were piling in from left and right. Someone poked my back to grab my attention, causing me to spin around. "Sam!" I exclaimed.

"Hey Yulia." He beamed, his two dimples emerging. "So, you want to grab lunch?" He gestured towards the line.

"Sure!" Sam and I got in line and I ended up getting a turkey sandwich again, and so did Sam! We both were amused. I beckoned Sam in the direction towards my friends. As soon as Charlotte saw us she lit up in a smile. Brayden looked a bit reserved.

"Yulia, who's this?" Charlotte inquired with a teasing undertone.

"Guys, this is Sam." I placed my hand on his shoulder. Wow I still can't believe how solid he is...

"Oh the new kid, right." Brayden suddenly recalled. Sam nodded. I removed my hand from his shoulder.

"Sam this is Charlotte and Brayden." They both greeted him with a small "hi".

"It's nice to meet you guys." Sam set his tray down and took a seat. I sat down next to him.

"Oh- I see she's already gotten you to take the turkey sandwich." Brayden piped.

"Yeah?" Sam chuckled, picking up his sandwich. "I actually thought it looked pretty good without Yulia pointing it out." He took a bite.

"Ha!" I exclaimed, pointing a finger in Brayden's face.

"Wow, this is really good." Sam said with his mouth half full.

"I know!" I exclaimed. Charlotte paused to look down at her spaghetti, then back up at Sam. Oh no. She was definitely going to recommend the pasta.

"You know, Sam..." Charlotte began.

"Oh boy..." Brayden and I said in unison, me facepalming.

"If you like Italian food, then you'll really love the spaghetti. Personally I've never had any better, not even from a genuine ristorante."

"She really loves her pasta, don't even get her started." Brayden warned.

"Sounds interesting, I'll have to try it one day." Sam nodded, satisfying Charlotte. We ate in comfortable silence for a couple of minutes when Brayden nearly choked on his burger. He pounded his chest a couple times and coughed.

"Woah, Brayden are you alright?" I asked. Brayden was currently transfixed on something behind my head, refusing to meet my gaze. "Brayden?" I looked at my friend, then moved to look behind me.

"Don't!" He warned, causing me to freeze.

"Brayden-"

"Yulia, I don't mean to panic you, but Christov is literally marching over here as we speak, and he looks pissed." Brayden gulped. I had never seen him look so frightened in my life.

"Oh shit!" I whispered, resisting the urge to look behind me. Just the mere thought of a pissed off Chris shot fear through me. This was Chris we are talking about. Kind, gentle, caring Chris. If he was pissed off, well then...

"I'll see you later guys!" I exclaimed, quickly rising from my chair, keeping my gaze ahead, and bolting towards the exit. I pushed open the cafeteria doors, ignoring my name being called. Shit, shit, shit! I bolted down the hallway, not sure exactly where I was going. Just as I rounded the corner, I heard him.