STUDENT BODY

Chapter 07

Chapter 07

The bonfire started around 6 pm. Almost everyone had a light dinner of hotdogs, burger steaks and chips. Shawn collected all our car keys in case we get too drunk to drive. We just laughed when Shawn handed us two bottle of beers each but we still handed our car keys to him anyways. And for those who couldn't stay further, they were given the choice to leave early. Half of the whole group stayed for about an hour and then left.

Richard and I decided to stay until 10 pm. That's when the park closes. The group were basically just exchanging their experiences from their activities. Since Richard and I were virtually outcast, we had nothing to share but our unfortunate incident.

Shawn requested me to get us another round of drinks.I stood up to get the beers and handed over one by one to all members present in the bonfire. I gave Richard his can and said 'thanks', and responded with an intense stare at me like almost smiling and sparkling. Right after finishing my second beer, I excused myself to get some fresh air.

I sat at a nearby park bench for a while, closing my eyes. I can still hear the guys laughing. The cool wind is starting to give me the chills. I love it though. It's caressing my whole body, dissipating the heat I'm feeling inside. I heard someone approaching but I just ignore it. I'm savoring this peaceful moment to myself .

"Hey Taylor . You got me worried for a bit there. " It was Richard.

"I'm fine Richard. I'm just chilling here. " Still with my eyes closed as if praying to some dieties and whatnot.

"You look weird sitting there, " he said.

"Don't start with me Richard. Can you just sit down and not talk. "

"But I want to talk. I like talking to you now. "

"Fine. But before that, is your bruise okay now? I was not able to look at it again. "

"Thanks for asking. I can still feel some stinging. The painkiller must have worn out. "

"I'll get you some more. Let me get my backpack." I opened my eyes and about to stand up when Richard's hand grabbed me and stopped me. "Maybe later then," I said.

"You know Taylor. No one has ever done that to me."

"Done what? " I asked, confused.

"Taking care of me. I pretty much take care of myself even when I get body pain all over after every football game or practice. Even with the worrying. You worried for me." He said.

"I was worried alright. You're in our group. It's our duty to keep you safe no matter what. I would do the same with Jeannie but I have to answer to Shawn first, " I chuckled.

"Is that all? A duty?" he said.

"It was first and foremost a duty. It would have been better if you weren't injured at all. It could get worse you know. But if you're asking me if I was worried sick and concerned, I was. We may have started on a wrong foot but I kinda like the Richard I'm talking to right now and not the one I talked to about two weeks ago. "

"Wow. That's so nice to hear. And my impression on you has totally changed too, " he said. "Now I know why guys in our school totally fall for you. "

"And now I know why guys and girls totally fall for you too." And we both laughed at the same time.

We were still laughing out loud when Jeannie and Shawn approached us. "It's time to go lovebirds, " Jeannie said. Rich and I looked at our wrist watches and it's about quarter to ten. How time flies when you're having fun. We just look at each other and shook our heads. Lovebirds. We are more like the talking Myna birds.