Caramel Popcorn

Chapter 6: Innocent faces don't get in trouble easily

"So, you look like you've been crying."

"Yeah, I have been crying." I said, dryly.

"Right."

"Economics." I answered, since he wouldn't ask.

"Your face doesn't look as bad as it did the other night."

"Thank you." I said, consciously touching the spot I had bruised.

"Does it still hurt?" He asked, tentatively.

"What do you think, genius?" Seriously, does this guy get paid to ask stupid questions?

"Okay, okay, I get it. Do you want to go back to my room? Flynn's good with economics. Or at least that's what he says, the big show off that he is."

"Doesn't he have class?" He didn't. I had been asked to memorize his schedule.

"No, actually. He said he doesn't really have anything today."

"I don't want to impose, besides I can take care of myself."

"It was only a suggestion." He shrugged.

"Don't you have class?" I asked.

"I do, in an hour. Coffee is a part of the morning routine." He smiled.

"Gosh you're beautiful." I muttered, irritated.

"And you're not happy about it?"

"I don't like people who are perfect. They lack authenticity."

"Flattered." He laughed. "If it helps I'm convinced I'm going to drop out within a few months."

"No, that doesn't help."

"What? Not authentic enough?" He snorted.

"No. I'd miss you if you dropped out. No points for that."

He looked at me with his big happy eyes and grinned. "That's the nicest thing anyone's said to me all week."

"Don't let it get to your head." I smiled. He made me smile. Maybe it was just the way he smiled. He had an unforgettable smile.

"Come on, now I have to help you." He said, standing up, determination shining in his eyes.

"I couldn't ask anyone else to tolerate me while I slowly lost my mind." I shook my head.

"You won't have to ask, come on!" He said, taking my cup of coffee with him.

"You leave me no choice." I sighed and threw on my jacket.

"That jacket's too big for you." He said.

"Yeah, it's not mine." It came with the job.

"It looks comfortable."

"It is." It was.

"And you know, it would actually fit me." He eyed my jacket.

"Don't even think about it." I glared at him.

"I'll make you a fair trade."

"Nothing you could offer me would have the sentimental value of this." I had no attachment to it, apart from the fact that it was comfortable and I didn't have it in me to go out and get myself another jacket.

"Oh, who gave it to you?" He asked, with renewed enthusiasm.

"My dad did."

"Oh, that's cute."

"Technically he didn't give it to me, I just took it and stormed out of the house one day."

"A rebel, are we?"