The Only Exception

four

"Sure!" I agreed happily.

The two of us walked out to the field together. I was hoping Quinn wasn't anywhere near, otherwise we might have to deal with another hissy fit from her. She usually ate with her group in the cafeteria though so I wasn't too worried.

Hunter led me over to a pretty tree in the corner of the field before setting his stuff down in the grass. I took a seat next to him and neatly crossed my legs while he sprawled out. I pulled out my small lunch sack from my backpack and noticed that Hunter wasn't pulling out any food from his backpack.

"Did you bring lunch?" I asked.

Hunter shook his head, "Nah, I don't usually eat here. I just eat a bunch before and after."

I took half of my sandwich out of its little baggy and handed it over to him.

"No, D. Eat your lunch," he chuckled.

"I'm really not that hungry. Plus, it's hard for me to eat cause of my stitches," I explained while continuing to hold the half out towards him.

He looked at me again for extra reassurance before taking the sandwich.

"PB & J?" He laughed after the first bite.

I laughed and nodded as I took a small bite out of my half.

"You are a child."

"It's good!" I defended as we both laughed.

We both finished our halves quickly and then continued to sit and make small talk. It was a cold day, which wasn't unusual for August in Washington. I wasn't planning on being outside today so I had only worn a thin sweater to school. I started to shiver a bit and wrapped my arms around myself as I listened to Hunter talk.

"I am not looking forward to our math class this year. Ms. Harrison is confusing me already."

"I can help you," I offered shyly and I tried to keep my shivering to a minimum.

Hunter looked over at me once I spoke and immediately his eyebrows furrowed.

"Oh no, are you cold? I'm sorry! Here," he said and began taking off his sweatshirt despite my protesting.

He carefully slid it over my head, careful to avoid my injury. I blushed as I slid my arms through the armholes of his hoodie. I had to admit, I was much warmer now. He didn't seem to be bothered by the crisp air now that he was just in a short sleeve tee. My eyes were instantly drawn to the tattoos that covered his arms.

I instinctively reached out to touch one of the tribal patterns that were on his tan arm. Hunter chuckled and I drew my hand back, embarrassed of how weird that must have been.

"It's okay, I don't care if you look at them," Hunter smiled and held out his arm.

I took him up on his offer because I really was curious. I moved closer so that our legs were touching and I held his arm in both of my hands. His large biceps made my hands look so small.

"Do they have meaning?" I asked and looked up at him, realizing our faces were now a lot closer than I had expected.

He nodded with a smile, "My family is Polynesian. These tribal patterns represent my culture and are used to symbolize power, strength, and wisdom."

"That's amazing. I love them," I confessed with a smile.

Hunter's eyes moved down to my lips and I felt myself grow nervous. He seemed to think better of it though and focused back onto my eyes.

"Thank you. You're one of the only ones," Hunter said.

He leaned back against the tree and then scooted me over so that I was leaning against him. He placed one arm around my shoulder and the other one he placed on his thigh closest to me with his palm facing upward. I realized it was an invitation for me to hold his hand. I prayed my hand wasn't sweaty as I gently placed my hand in his.