The Fighter that He Swore to Save

Chapter 5

Everett

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I walked into the science room and went straight to my lab table in the corner.  We had a lab in class today, so I would be able to work at my own pace and not have to worry about note-taking for a change.  I sat at my lone table and cringed as I did.  My ribs were killing me.

At last night's fight tournament, I took a few nasty blows.  I won, of course, but that Goliath guy sure could pack a punch.  On the bright side I got about $5,000 dollars in cash.  I was lucky when I got home Aunt Marcie was still asleep because she would have freaked out if she had seen me hurt.

I took a gab in the ribs and a hook to my left eye last night, and I knew there were bruises.  But my hoodie covered them for the most part, and it's not like anyone would care either way. 

Except for... Okay, what was his problem anyways? 

Gunner Eldred actually talked to me, like, actually tried to start a conversation with me.  I had been so flustered and surprised, I probably looked like an idiot, not that I cared.  At least I don't share any classes with him till lunch.

At that moment, the door to the science room opened and you have got to be freaking kidding me.

"Can I help you, Mr...."

"Eldred, Gunner Eldred."  He answered the smiling teacher.

"Mr. Eldred." He nodded. "What can I help you with?"

"I switched math classes and my whole schedule was flipped."  The teacher went over and scanned through his schedule.

"Let's see, Science, English, Art, Math, Lunch, History, Study Hall..."  He read off Gunner's classes and my stomach flipped.

"The math is honors, but the rest of my schedule are regular classes." 

Crap, aside from math, the office must have cloned my whole schedule because it was exactly the same.

"Well, we're doing a lab in class today." The teacher explained. "Since we already have lab partners, you can join in a group of three or something."  Gunner scanned the room and his eyes landed on me.

"Does she have a partner?"  He asked pointing towards me.

You have got to be kidding!

"Um, no I guess she doesn't."  The teacher answered seeming a little confused.  "But you don't have to partner with her, she always works alone."  See, even the teachers get the hint.

"I think I'll work with her."  He smiled anyways and walked over. 

He sat in the chair next to me and pulled out his lab book to start.  I did a quick scan of the room and saw every single eye was on us.  I hate attention with a passion so I'm going to kill this guy for making me the center of it.  I ducked my head to avoid attention and finished drawing my data table.

"So, do you know what we're doing?"  Gunner asked twirling his pencil on the table.

"We need the Bunsen burner."  I said and Gunner reached for one.  I watched him set it up and gather the lighter and a few other things we would need.  He caught me looking at him and he paused and returned my gaze.  I felt my cheeks flush and I looked away quickly.  "Sorry."

"It's fine."  He said and a pause passed between us.  "Can I ask you a question?"

"No."  He studied me.

"Why not?"

"Because judging by the hesitation in your voice and the way you're still spinning your pencil," he stopped spinning his pencil and set it down.  I looked at him. "I'd guess you want to ask me a personal question.  A question that I will not want to answer, so my answer is no."