I decided just to lay low and get some lunch before I tried anything. Going over to the counter for my favorite place in the food court, I ran into Charlene and Savannah again. This time, there were disasterous results.

"What the hell are you doing in our line?" Charlene growled.

"I just came to get lunch," I answered back smugly. "I'm afraid you're in my line, ladies."

Savannah pushed Charlene aside and ran out of our way. "Great, Simon," Charlene said sarcastically. "You made my best girl run away. Now, who else am I going to get to kick your ass?"

All of a sudden, six girls (all human) appeared behind her, fists balled up. Then Savannah came from where she was and stood in front of me, facing the crowd of girls.

"If you want him, you're going to have to go through me," she said.

Charlene was surprised to see Savannah oppose her. "Why are you on his side? You should be with me!"

"Sorry, but I've had a change of heart, Charlene. It seems nerds are better than you are in my food chain. Now, leave this kid alone!"

"All right, Savannah. You win, but I'm telling you, sister: you won't next time. Come on, girls!"

We watched her posse walk away and I tried darting back to my table before Savannah caught me by the arm. "We need to talk."

I sat myself at the table where I was sitting, and she grabbed her lunch and sat next to me.

"That was amazing, what you did back there," I said, nervous to talk to her.

"I know, but I guess that's just the way I roll," she answered.

I laughed awkwardly. "Yeah, I figured as much."

There was an awful, dreaded silence that followed our conversation. Savannah moved away from me, staring at the floor. "Sorry for treating you like shit earlier."

"It's okay. You have no idea how much of that I get on a daily basis."

Savannah looked back at me. "I better hide."

"No, it's okay. Charlene's not coming."

I watched as Savannah came over and sat next to me. She caressed her finger in the shape of a heart over and over on my chest.

"I'm sorry I treated you so badly earlier," she said sweetly. "Is there any way you can forgive me?"

Getting nervous, I had no idea what to say. Somehow, having her next to me felt... great. I felt her getting closer to me, and I couldn't help but enjoy the attention she was giving me.

"Yeah, I forgive you, but we have to talk about this later," I told her. "Here's really not the place for it to be discussed."

She smiled as she backed away. "Oh, right. I understand."

She's sweeter than I expected, I thought. And God, does she look sexy...

What are you saying? She's not sexy, no way in hell!

Oh, what's the point? She's gorgeous...

Get a hold of yourself, Simon. She's only going to use you like everyone else...

"Earth to Simon!" Savannah called out, interrupting my thoughts. "Are you okay?"

I gulped. "Yeah, I'm fine." I gave myself a second to think of something to say. "Charlene's bitchy, huh?"

"Yeah... well, at least she didn't beat you up."

I laughed. "True. I actually expected that."

She took me by the hand. "Why don't I take you home?"

I smiled, blushing a little. "Thanks."

All of a sudden, the television turned on. "Hello, imbecils," rang a familair voice.

I froze. Aww, hell...

"This is your new president, Ian Hawke, speaking," he continued. "And as my first act as president, as of now, talking chipmunks are not allowed."

You had to make this harder on us. Didn't you, Ian?

"Any talking chipmunks found anywhere in the country will be executed, along with those found in Puerto Rico."

Well, at least now we know we can't hide in Puerto Rico.

That was all it took to get us running out of the mall.

Welcome to hell.