Finding You

Chapter 25 - I Remember

"Oh come on, it was just a paperback. He'll live," he replies, clearly pleased with himself.

Sensing that he's finally calmed down a bit, I take it as an opportunity to try to talk some sense into him. Taking a step towards him, I gently place a hand on his chest and take a good look at him. He's clearly stressed, and his hair's a mess from running his hands through it, but he's still just as handsome as he was the first time I saw him.

My heart skips a beat when I feel him relax under my touch.

"Look, Hunter, I don't want to do this either, but we all have to help out. It's just a fundraiser, it'll be fine," I say, giving him a reassuring smile.

Or at least what I hope is a reassuring smile. Considering he's usually the one reassuring me, I'm not exactly sure how to do this.

"Mia, if he says something, if he tries something...," he says, then shakes his head like he's frustrated with himself. "I just don't want to leave you alone with him, alright? He's a bad guy."

I can see why he'd be worried. After all, the whole time Hunter's been here, Sean's been nothing but two-faced and awful. He wasn't always like that though. He used to be someone capable of having an actual conversation.

"I'll be fine," I reply. "He's not going to try anything, and even if he does, I know how to handle him. Besides, we're still going to be on school property anyway, it's not like I'm going to a dark alley with him."

"But-"

"No more but's," I say cutting him off. "I don't want you getting into any more trouble, especially not for me." Reluctantly, I pull away from him. "I'll see you in a few hours, okay?"

"Come on Hunter, don't get all worked up," Zack calls from behind me. I turn around to see him coming down the hallway with Jay following closely behind. "We've got the same assignment as her anyway. We'll watch out for her."

"Yeah, we're the only ones that get to mess with her," Jay says leaning his elbow on my head, like I'm his personal armrest.

I shove Jay off as Hunter, who finally seems to have relaxed, lets out a short laugh.

"You'd think you'd be more worried about leaving me alone with them..," I mumble.

"No, them, I'm pretty sure you can handle. Keep an eye on her for me, will you guys?" he says, turning to Zack and Jay, who quickly nod. Hunter smiles, before leaning down and quickly kissing me on the forehead. "See you in a few hours."

"See you," I reply with a smile, giving him a wave as he walks off.

Alright. Well, this should be fun.

***************************

"Sean," I call, trying to balance the heavy boxes of supplies in my arms, but he continues to sit there like he didn't hear me. "Sean," I repeat. Still no response. "Sean!" I finally yell.

"That's right, babe, say my name," Sean says turning around with a smirk.

"Ew! No, you idiot. Get over here and help me with this," I shoot back, my arms beginning to buckle under the weight.

"Okay, okay," he replies, walking over and relieving me of the boxes. "You know, all you had to do was ask Mia."

I stretch my arms, which now feel incredibly lighter. "Yeah right..," I glance across the grass and see my supposed "guardians" looking like they're about to head out. "Zack, Jay, where are you guys going?" I ask striding over to them.

"To the library. My phone's about to die, and there are no outlets out here," Jay replies, gesturing to the entrance of the school.

"Wait, you can't just leave me out here with him," I say in a hushed tone.