Hulk Girl

Chapter Twenty

When we both got to school, I was smothered by Carter and Honey's concern. Even Nick and Hunter stopped by to check if I was okay before going off to their own classes. I was touched, alright, and thankfully they didn't notice anything weird around my eyes. Kieran definitely outdid himself—Cindy would be proud to know that her concealer's being put to good use.

"At this point I can honestly say that he's your guardian angel," Carter said as we went to the cafeteria. "That boy has done nothing but look out for your ass!"

"I can agree with him on this one, Cece," Honey said, gentle as ever. "To be honest, I've never been more relieved until now, knowing that Kieran's beside you all the time."

"True, true," Carter huffed as he grabbed a serving of salad. "I swear, I keep falling for that boy every day."

"That I can't agree with you," Honey giggled. "But I do see why he's got a lot of admirers now."

"You're only seeing it just now?" He said in disbelief, his highlighter blinding me as he whipped his head wildly towards Honey.

"Well, he was kinda mean to Cece at first so that's why..." She trailed off with a shrug.

We all sat on the end of the long table along with the basketball members. They weren't complete yet and only a few were present, so I was relieved when we arrived. I can't stand it when they all look up when someone arrives at their table.

"Speaking of being mean," Carter's eyes zeroed in on me like lasers. "You're being nice to Kieran, right?"

"Seeing that I'm on the receiving end of his protection, I think I know a little bit about gratitude," I said, "So why are you saying this all now?"

He gracefully took a forkful of leafy greens and chewed slowly. He took his sweet time, enough that by the time he swallowed, the table seats were all occupied. However, I noticed that Kieran, Nick, and Hunter weren't present. Hmm, when we separated from our Math class, their coach did call for him. Knowing for a fact that those three were the solid foundation of this year's team, I can only guess why they've been called. I hoped at least that he's having his lunch. Kieran had been complaining about hunger for the whole duration of  the previous class.

Finally Carter leaned over and whispered, "You should show how grateful you are to your handsome guardian angel."

I scrunched my face in confusion, "But I already do. I give him my chocolate every now and then."

Honey looked pointedly at Carter, "That's the highest form of gratitude she could give, you know."

He made a face, "I know, I know, but there has to be something. Does he want new shoes? New sports bag? New water bottle?"

"So a gift, then?" Honey asked.

"That's right, a gift. It doesn't have to be grand, Cece. As long as it comes from the bottom of your heart, he'll appreciate it," Carter concluded with a bit of a smug smile.

But the chocolates were from the bottom of my heart... I don't get this. And Kieran had been happy whenever I gave him one. What's Carter trying to—

"Oho, what's this I hear?" Cameron's loud, obnoxious voice piped up, cutting my line of thought. He had squeezed himself between Carter and a quiet member whose name I didn't know. Suddenly, seeing this huge blonde drowned me with yesterday's event. My stomach and right eye suddenly flashed with pain at the reminder of this guy almost turning me into goo. "Does little Cece have a boyfriend? Oh—sorry for yesterday, it was an accident."

I can't believe the nerve of this guy. Did he seriously just apologize as a second thought? But then again, he's an idiot, and idiots can apparently be insensitive to people's feelings. I can only give him a tight-lipped smile as a response.