Bruised Innocence

Chapter 25

After the first half of classes on Friday, I was walking to the table that had become my usual. Grant wasn't there yet but it was fine with me.

I was having a good day. Miss Penn had praised me in the class for keeping up with the readings so well and it had put me in a good mood.

I was smiling as I sat down with my lunch at the table and then I groaned, inwardly.

Sinclair was walking towards me, smirking with his hands in his pocket. He walked with a swagger that suggested that he owned half of the town, which knowing him wouldn't be too far fetched.

"Go away Sinclair!" I said before he said anything.

He put a hand on his chest, "you wound me Fern! What have I done to earn your animosity?"

I looked at him.

Was he kidding me? Or could he really be that oblivious?

"So, we couldn't quite finish our conversation the last time," he looked at me in concern before adding, "you aren't feeling faint today, are you? I don't really want people unfairly going off on me for making you pass out."

Stuffing down the memories of his last visit, I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

Yeah! He really was oblivious!

He sat down across me. I decided to just focus on my lunch.

"So, I heard that Grant has been giving you rides."

I just raised my eyes at him.

What business was it of him? Was he here to make me feel bad about it?

"I can also give your rides." He said promptly and I stared at him.

"Why would you? We aren't even friends!"

"Well can be--'friends'.. too! Besides I can give you way better rides than him...," he said with a smirk and I was about to cut him off with a 'No thanks. I would have to pass.' when he added,

"and I don't mean in just my car."

".......?!"

I blinked. He leaned towards me.

"You could always ride me!" He said with a wink.

Ride him!?

"What are you, a horse?" I asked before I could think about it.

"Only in bed!"

"........"

I felt my breath race and I looked at him in alarm.

Don't think too much about it. You are safe. You are in the cafeteria. He is just jesting. Please don't think about the monster and the darkness.

I tried to calm myself and he smirked as my face flushed at his insinuation.

Fortunately, I was saved from replying to him by a frazzled looking Marlow who occupied the chair next to him and banged her food tray on the table.

"Piss off Sinclair! Go bother someone else!"

"Happy to see you too Karen! Oh, are you after him too now? I knew I should have made a move on him sooner! There's just too much competition now!"

"If this is what you call making a move, I pity your dates!" She retorted.

"You'd know all about being my date, considering you were one once!" He replied, looking like he was enjoying himself more and more with each passing word.