CHAPTER THREE

Friends and Hurt Feelings

I don't know what happened. Honestly, I don't. I mean, on minute, I'm laughing with X-Ray and some other D-Tent guys and the next, I'm being pulled off some guy I don't know. Okay, yeah I know a fight started, thanks, but I, well, I have no idea what I mean. All I know was that I was stuck with cleaning the Rec Hall because I 'instigated a brawl' but I really hadn't. It was the other boy. He was being an ass to Hector.

"Here." Mr. Sir shoved the bucket and mop in my direction and stalked off as I sighed, starting to mop up. I turned on the radio, not liking the daunting silence and found myself singing along to a familiar song.

"You're good," someone stated and I almost fell backwards but caught myself, looking at Hector.

"What is with everyone and sneaking up on me?" I muttered, attacking the floor again.

"I just wanted to say thanks," he said, shoving his hands in his pockets, "For earlier. No one's done that for me. Well besides Stanley."

"Yeah, I figure," I smiled, turning to look at him again, "No one is worth nothing, no matter what. Everyone has a purpose and everyone messes up. People have different ways with dealing with their lives and some just like to be quiet and keep things to themselves. It doesn't mean they're stupid or anything like that. Alright?" He nodded and sniffed. I caught his eyes and saw some tears spill but pulled him closer, wrapping my arms around him. "You're a good kid, Hector. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

"Thanks," he mumbled. We stayed like that for a few minutes longer before he let go and I smiled at him, ruffling his hair. "Ya know for a girl who doesn't talk, you have a lot to say."

"Who says I don't talk?" I asked, tilting my head.

"I overheard Pendanski and Warden talking."

"Ah," I sighed, shaking my head, "That man." He let out a short laugh, sitting on the table as I finished up. As we walked out of the room, I slung my arm around his shoulder, ruffling his hair again.

"Hey Lottie, can I ask you something?"

"Sure," I smiled as we walked into the tent and sat on my bed. He leant closer.

"Do you like X-Ray?" he whispered and I shrugged almost automatically.

"I don't really know him, do I?" He nodded, looking and I followed his stare to find Stanley sitting at a desk.

"He's changed since you came."

"Stanley or X-Ray?"

"X-Ray," but his head snapped, looking at me, "You don't like Stanley do you?"

"No," I laughed, "He's all yours." He turned red and I smiled.

"We're just friends," he stuttered.

"Course you are." My response made him pale but I shook my head. "Don't worry. I'm not going to tell anyone."

"Does anyone else know?" he mumbled and I shook my head.

"You look like really good friends." He nodded, obviously relieved but stood, walking over to Stanley who smiled at him giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder as Hector sat on a stool. It didn't matter to me if they were together or Hector just had a crush but that didn't mean I wasn't curious.

"Hello boys," I heard Pendanski say as he entered the tent before coldly adding, "Charlotte."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think he had a problem with me," I muttered, taking a seat in the circle.

"He does," X-Ray chuckled and I folded my arms annoyed.

"He pisses me off," I stated in a low tone.

"Mom pisses everyone off," X-Ray shrugged and I cocked an eyebrow.

"Mom?" I repeated, laughter in my tone. He nodded but didn't say anything further because the 'meeting' had started.

"So, that was fun," Zigzag muttered when we were done. I collapsed on the bed. After being lectured by Pendanski, I wanted nothing more than to sleep, but the trouble with that idea: I couldn't. I don't know what it was, but for some reason, sleep would not come. I heard movement and saw one of the boys leave through the tent flap. Reaching over, I grabbed my day jumpsuit and slipped it on, not bothering buttoning the front up, following the person. He stopped behind the Rec Hall and I stopped in my hiding place, watching him.

"I know you're there," he laughed, turning to face me and I felt my face heat up as I stepped out into the moonlight. He swore lightly, looking away for a second but he seemed as though he couldn't pull his eyes away when they met mine again. Walking closer, I tilted my head and his face broke into a smile.

"What?" I asked as I got closer, a foot between us.

"You do that a lot," he gestured to my face, "Turning your head."

"I guess, it's a silent question," I muttered, looking away, "There isn't any reason to talk." He reached out, turning my chin back to him and I held my breath at his touch. It felt really good.

"You've got no reason to be quiet, though" he stated and I reddened, trying to turn my gaze, but he stepped closer, brushing my hair out of my face. He moved his hand to my cheek and I tilted my head again but into his touch, making him flat out grin. Hesitantly, I reached out, lacing my hand with his and felt myself smile as well.

"I don't know what you do to me," I told him and he stepped closer, "It's like I'm different person." He had my hair in between his fingers and was playing with it idly but something flickered through his eyes and he leant in closer. As his lips brushed against mine, I felt my breath leave my body; an emptiness I never knew was there was filled and a happiness I had never encountered filled my entire being but suddenly it was gone. I opened my eyes to see him a few steps away, staring at me.

"We, I can't do this," he told me and I stepped back.

"Can't, what can't you do?" I whispered, feeling tears of rejection clouded my vision.

"You don't need me," he stated, an emotionless mask plastered on his face, "You need someone who can-."

"Don't," I bit out, "Just, don't." He couldn't pull that. Especially after the stuff I'd told him. The stuff I'd only told Minnie. I left him in the moonlight, tears streaming and tore off the jumpsuit when I got back to the tent, almost knocking over a lamp.

"Lottie?"

"Go back to sleep, Hector," I tried to keep my tone even but I don't think I succeeded because he sat up but I ignored him as I got into bed. Crying myself to sleep became a habit that night.