Chapter 3

Over an hour later, I saw Salley near locker, getting her books. I walked to her. "Hey,

Salley," I said.

Salley turned to me. "Oh, hi, Espio," she said. "How're you doing?"

"I'm just fine."

"Cool. Hey, do you like my new locker?" Salley opened the door so I could see the

pictures of ninjas, flowers, and butterflies. "I designed it myself."

"That's really cute, Salley."

"Thank you." Salley accidentally dropped some of her books. "Oops, I'm such a

klutz."

"Here, let me help you." I picked up one of the books.

Salley picked up the books quickly. "No, it's fine. I can pick them up myself. Really."

Just as she was about to grab the last one, I touched her hand. She looked up to me and blushed. Then,

she grabbed the book. "I, um…I've got to go." Salley turned away from me and went upstairs. I didn't

know why she was acting so strange.

I turned to see Vector and Charmy looking suspicious. "What?" I said.

"Oh, nothing," said Vector. I could tell that he was lying.

"C'mon, Vector. It doesn't look like nothing when you have that expression on your

face. What are you and Charmy thinking?"

"It's really nothing," said Charmy, "except maybe we think that Salley has some sort



of…affection towards you."

I thought I knew what Charmy was talking about. "Wait a minute, do you two think

that I have a crush on Salley?"

"No," said Vector. "We just think that Salley has a crush on you. It's pretty obvious.

Why else won't she talk to you?"

"Yeah," agreed Charmy, "and maybe you two will start dating each other. That would

be so cute."

I silenced them. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, time out. I don't like her like that. She's my

apprentice and I'm her mentor. We can't like each other."

"But what if she does like you?" said Vector. "What then?"

I hated to admit it, but Vector did have a point. "If Salley does like me," I thought,

"then maybe I shouldn't disappoint her. But, is it really true?" I sighed.

"Yep, I know what he's thinking," said Vector.

"What's that?" asked Charmy.

"That Sal's going to tell him how she feels."

"Well, I'm betting that she's going to tell him tomorrow."

"Yeah, right." As Vector and Charmy were talking, I sighed and went outside to

meditate.

About an hour later, I went back inside the house and Salley came downstairs.

"Okay, Vector," said the cat-girl, "I've finished organizing everything."

"Good job, Sal," said Vector, working at his desk. "You can go take your lunch break,

now." Salley sat at a table and took out her lunch. She was eating a sandwich with a Capri-Sun drink,

two chocolate chip cookies and a banana. I walked over and sat next to her.

Salley saw me. "Oh, hey, Esp," she said. "what's up?"

"Nothing much," I replied. I was still concerned about Salley after she blushed at me

near the lockers. "Hey, Salley, are you okay?"



"Yeah, I'm fine. Why?"

"I just wanted to be sure because you looked a little embarrassed when I was trying to

help you picked up your books."

Salley went silent. "Embarrassed? I wasn't embarrassed. I was just…surprised."

I thought she was lying. "Are you sure? Because, if there's anything you want to tell

me, now will be the best time."

"Really, there's nothing wrong with me!" Salley's voice was very stern. She looked

away from me. "I'm sorry…"

I put my hand on Salley's shoulder. "It's okay." I sighed and sat up from my chair. "I'll

leave you alone."

Just as I was about to walk away from Salley, she grabbed my arm. "Espio, wait!"

I turned to her. "What is it?"

"Can you please sit with me, just until I'm done with my lunch?"

I smiled. "Sure." I sat back down on my chair.

Then, Salley took out one of the cookies, broke it in half, and handed it to me. "Here,

Espio, I want you to have this."

I took the cookie and ate it. It was really delicious! "Oh, gosh. This is really good."

"Thanks, Esp. Hey, Vector, Charmy. You've got to try these cookies." Salley took

another cookie and broke it in half. Then, she gave one half to Charmy and the other to Vector. They ate

it.

"Man," said Charmy, "this cookie is so good!"

"I agree," said Vector. "Who made it?"

"My mom," said Salley. "She's a really great cook. Especially when it comes to

deserts."

"Well, tell your mom we said thanks," said Charmy. Salley smiled at the three of us as

we gobbled down our cookies.