A/N: I do not own W.I.T.C.H.

A/N: Anna Lair is Irma's biological mother in this fanfiction.

Irma's Love Story

Chapter 6: Hurt

"Are you hungry?" the 14-year-old boy asked. Irma nodded and she also stood up when Caleb did so. She was about to join him to gather lunch but was stopped by him.

"You wait here," he told her. "I'll pay for you."

Touched, Irma nodded, but immediately mentally panicked as Caleb left her alone at their table. She felt the fear of losing him, while also the fear of being approached and bullied by any of the students, starting with Cornelia Hale. She was aware of how the other teenagers stared at her, for they witnessed the scandal and an angry Cornelia walking away without her shoes. It wouldn't take long for some of the students to spread the gossip across the whole school. Caleb, meanwhile, returned with trays of food. Noticing that the 13-year-old girl was watching the other students in wary, he gave her a peck on the lips.

"Don't mind them, love," he whispered to her. "Whatever happens, I'll protect you."

"Thanks…" was all Irma managed to answer as she allowed Caleb to hug her. As they ate, the two teenagers discussed their plans on the tutorials, with Caleb also giving her additional tutorials during lunch. Irma stared at Caleb with a silly grin, her eyes filled with love.

"I'll take you to your math classes." Caleb told her as the lunch was nearing its end. Irma was touched at this, while also being thankful. As they walked down the corridors, Irma glanced around from time to time, fearing of Cornelia. Not that long ago, Irma played a little joke on the blonde girl, however, that led to an angry Hale use her powers as an Earth Guardian against her. But back then, that was an innocent prank. Irma now feared what Cornelia would throw at her this time.

"Do not fear," Caleb assured her, kissing the girl on her head. "She'll not touch you here. In public."

"She was really pissed back there." Irma disagreed.

"I don't care what she feels," the boy answered. "For I do not love her."

"Did you love her back then?" Irma asked, but then regretted asking.

"No, I didn't." Caleb answered. "I thought I loved her, but I didn't. I was flattered when Cornelia threw herself at me. But as time went on, I understood that I didn't love her and that we were a bad match. Her reputation was far more important than my feelings. She would constantly assault me with kisses purely to show everyone how great and wonderful our romance is. I disliked the way she treated others, especially you. I finally understood that I was nothing but a trophy to her."

"Wow…" the Water Guardian breathed out. "I never thought you would be so unhappy with me. Sorry."

"It's alright." Caleb assured her. "It means nothing now. What matters now is that I'm with you. I love you, Irma."

"I love you too, Caleb." Irma replied before the two teenagers shared a passionate kiss.

As they parted, Irma went to her desk when she saw Taranee sitting already. The 13-year-old girl hesitated, facing Taranee, hoping that she would greet her, but the black girl just looked away from her before giving Irma a glare. Irma looked down. Sitting behind Taranee, the girl could feel the rage coming from the Fire Guardian. Thankfully, she had the strength to concentrate on the class while Mr. Horseberg announced that another math test would be soon. Throughout the lecture, Taranee didn't spoke a word to Irma, saddening her.

After math, Irma went to the gym. Today, the students were playing basketball. When the coach divided the teenagers into two teams, Irma was happy that her best friend Hay Lin was her teammate. However, the Asian girl did not share her happiness, as when Irma turned to face her, Hay looked down.

The game started off well, but then Irma noticed things began happening to her. When the Water Guardian had the ball, she ran towards the ring of the other team. Aiming well, Irma estimated in order to hit a goal, but at the last moment, when she threw the ball, it was as if it subconsciously changed course, and missed.

Landing onto the floor, wearing the white shorts and vest of a basketball player, Irma immediately heard the scowling from her teammates. Except for Hay Lin. Irma looked at her. She knew it was her doing. Being the Air Guardian, Hay Lin manipulated the air inside the hall.

Then it came to when one of her teammates tried to pass the ball to Irma. Irma didn't know what the Asian girl was planning, possibly to have her miss the ball. However, instead of flying pass the 13-year-old, the ball flew and hit Irma hard in the face, causing her to fall. Both Hay Lin and the coach immediately ran towards her.

"Are you alright, Lair?" the coach asked with worry. Irma felt dizzy as she sat on the floor, allowing the coach to inspect her face. Hay Lin covered her mouth, her face filled with guilt. Thankfully, there were no bruises.

"Lair hit the showers and have a rest. Your P.E. class is over for today." The coach told her. Hearing this, Hay Lin offered Irma help to get up, but the Water Guardian almost slapped her hand away. She was almost tearing up as she ran off to the women's changing room. Taking off her shoes, socks, vest, shorts and panties, the naked Irma Lair went to shower. As the water poured down on her, the naked girl broke into tears. She expected Cornelia Hale to rage at her. She accepted the fact that Will Vandom, Hay Lin and Taranee Cook would turn away from her. But she did not expect Hay Lin, her best friend, to try to hurt her.

When he shower was over, Irma stepped out and got dressed. The coach allowed her to leave earlier and so she did. She came to the locker room and found Caleb standing at her locker. He noticed that something was off.

"What happened?" he asked.

Irma calmly told her that everything was fine, but after pressuring from the 14-year-old, Irma gave in, telling the boy about the basketball game. He was about to do something, but Irma stopped him.

"Don't leave me. I may need your strong arms to hold me for I still feel dizzy." Irma flirted. Caleb grinned before pulling the Water Guardian into another kiss. Together, they headed to the afterschool tutorial, where Caleb helped her with math. She even managed to finish her math homework for today.

Just like yesterday, Irma felt wonderful as Caleb took her back home. Once they stopped, Irma looked up at Caleb.

"I don't want you to leave my side," she told him.

"We will always be together, my love." Caleb answered, kissing her. "Trust me."

Irma then dreamily watched as Caleb went off into the sunset. She could feel small tears forming on her eyes. Wiping them out, she entered her home. Locking the door and taking off her bag, Irma was immediately greeted by her mother. Irma deduced that Anna just came from the bathroom, as she was barefoot, wearing only a white bath robe to cover her naked body.

"Hey, sweetie." Anna spoke. "How was your day?"

"Great, if you could say so." Irma answered, not wanting to tell Anna about the fight with her friends. Irma then saw her little brother Chris. Looking up, the 9-year-old gave her a baffled look as if he expected someone else.

"Where's Caleb?" he asked.

"I'm happy to see you too, brother." Irma replied with sarcasm. "He went home."

"Ah." Chris grumbled, obviously unhappy that Caleb didn't come in. He really wanted to spent time with the teenage boy.

"You wanted to play with him?" Irma asked. The boy nodded. "You know what, how about we'll play together for today?"

"I don't see a problem here," Chris muttered. To be honest, Irma had a somewhat estranged relationship with Chris due to their age gap, but she still loved him. Irma went to her bedroom, and returned wearing only her blueish bra and panties, while walking barefoot. She spent some time with Chris, as they played one of his favourite video games; Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga. Holding the game console, the half-naked Irma had to admit that she was enjoying her quality time with Chris as they played together, joked and laughed.