Chapter Three

Sunglasses guy led me to the front of the school and I saw Marcell even from a distance, leaning against a tree.

“So are you walking home? If you need a ride, I can give you one.”

Sunglasses Guy tilted his head towards my foot.

“You probably shouldn't be walking too much on that foot.”

“No it's all right. Can you just help me to my brother?” I pointed at Marcell's figure to show where he was.

“Sure. No problem.”

I hobbled down the stairs and gingerly took a step down, cringing at the moments when my full weight was on my bad foot. Sunglasses Guy trailed behind me, hovering close.

“You want some help?”

He offered his hand but I shook my head, taking another step down.

“No. I got thi- Woah!”

My foot caught on the step and suddenly I was falling back. My arms swung like windmills and my hair blew into my face. I grasped for something to hold onto when another hand grabbed me firmly, pulling me back safely.

“You were saying?” Sunglasses Guy's voice was casual but his hand gripped mine tightly.

“Uh, m-maybe I do need some help.” I gulped, stuttering my words. My heart pounded at the near fall and for the warmth enclosing my hand In his.

Sunglasses Guy stepped down in front of me and let me lean on him as I followed. He supported me and I didn't stumble again by the time we got to the bottom of the stairs.

“Hi Marcell.” He has bee staring at another part of the school as if he was expecting someone. His eyes narrowed on my hand that was intertwined with Sunglasses Guy's, so I quickly shrugged his hand off.

“Hey. Can you walk home by yourself? I have a-”

“Marcell!” I heard Renee's familiar voice yell out from behind and he turned, instantly losing his thought.

Renee jogged up lightly, smiling at me and nodding at Sunglasses Guy.

“Hey... Sunglasses Guy and,” She looked at me as if asking permission to say my name but I shook my head slightly. She chuckled and brushed away hair from her face. “Glasses Girl. Anyway, Marcell I don't think we should go out tonight.”

“What? Why? You don't want to go out with me now?” He looked genuinely crestfallen and Renee laughed.

“No, no! I really want to get to know you but you need to drive... Glasses Girl home instead. She hurt her foot in gym.”

“She did?” Marcell looked at my feet and noticed my wrapped foot. “You hurt yourself on the first day? You're so clumsy.” He sounded amused and I hit his arm.

“Thanks for your obvious concern.” I grumbled sarcastically. “Nice to know you care.”

“Hey, I care! That's why I was going to drive you home now instead of making you walk home, like I would do if I didn't care.”

“Okay, now that I found out that you have a heart, I'll do you a favour.”

“Really? What will you do for me, oh generous one?”

I ignored his teasing tone and turned to Sunglasses Guy.

“Does your offer or a drive still stand?”

“Sure. I can drive you if you want.”

I turned back to face Marcell and raised my eyebrow, pushing him and Renee away.

“Well? What are you waiting for? Go on your date.”

“Wait.” Marcell gripped my arm lightly and looked into my eyes. His brown eyes were slightly worried and he stared distrustfully and Sunglasses Guy. “You're getting a drive from a guy you just met?”

“So? You're going on a date with a girl you just met.” I retorted pointedly and he grinned.

“Good point. I'll be going now.”

He offered Renee a hand and she took it shyly. As Marcell turned away, she glanced back at Sunglasses Guy and I.

Thank you. She mouthed and I put my thumb and index finger together in the ok sign.

They left, driving away on their date. Sunglasses Guy put his hand up in a mock salute and grinned.