Chapter 8 8.

It was just physical attraction but I didn't want her to know about that too.

"Do you like him?" She suddenly asked seeing me blush at her previous statement.

"He is very good looking but that would be it." I suck at lying but I really hope that she buys it.

"I know that's a lie but I am just going to ignore it. As I was saying I don't think Charles believes in love. He is more of the playboy types." My heart sank when I heard this. He was just being nice because he is a playboy. Don't get any ideas Maria.

"I am really tired. We should do the rest of the unpacking tomorrow." Melinda said and I nodded my head in agreement. I jumped on my bed and just like that sleep took over me.

Next day morning when I woke up for a minute I didn't recognise where I was. Then when I saw Jake and Mom's picture on the side table I realised that I was far away from them.

I didn't want to be late for college. This was my second day and there was so much more to explore there.

I quickly got dressed and went downstairs to grab some breakfast. I didn't even know how to cook or if Melinda knew. I went to the kitchen and saw a note on the fridge.

Hey. I had an early morning cheerleading practice so I already left. Breakfast is ready. See you in college.

There was a delicious breakfast set up on the table and I kept asking God, how did I get so lucky? I ate my breakfast and I don't know how but I managed to reach college on time.

Everyone was seated in the cafeteria at the usual table and I was surprised that they are all early too.

"Hey Maria we are here." Emma waved and I started moving towards them. I quickly got seated and they were all indulged in regular conversations.

I looked at Charles and it seemed like he was avoiding me. He looked at me for a second and then turned away. What is wrong with him? Did I do something wrong?

"Charles, put the cigarette away!" I heard Melinda scream at Charles. I saw Charles and he had pulled out a cigarette and was smoking it right in front of our faces.

"If you want, I can go away." Charles said and stood up to leave.

Urhgg... he was acting like a stubborn child.

"I told you to put the cigarette not to leave. How many times do I have to explain it to Charles? This will kill you." Her tone was soft and she was really trying to tell him to stop. When she said yesterday that they were family to her. She actually meant it. Everyone could see it.

"You don't have to be my mother Melinda. I can do what I want." He said and left the cafeteria. Melinda was very angry. Her eyes were teary and she just rushed away.

I would have run behind her but Emma told me that it was better to leave her alone for sometime. It was time for my lecture so I bid everyone a goodbye and left for my class.

Being a new student sucks. I was literally roaming in the corridors searching for my class and it was empty because everybody had reached their classes.

At the end of the corridor I saw a tall figure leaning towards the door. His back was facing me but I saw a cigarette in his hand. I knew it was Charles.

He was standing there alone and he looked lonely. Though my mind told me to leave him alone and just reach my class my legs had already started walking towards him.

When I reached near him I cleared my throat to make him aware of my presence. He looked at me and then continued staring back at the empty space.

"Charles?"

"See Maria, if you have come here to take Melinda's side then I really don't want to hear it." He was annoyed and I made it a point not to annoy him more.

"I am not going to say a word about this. I promise. Can I just stand here?." He was a little shocked at my weird demand.

"Sure."

"I heard that you and Melinda are childhood friends." He was not even replying anymore, just nodding his head.

"You guys must be very close?" Again he just nodded. I should be getting annoyed by his behaviour but right now getting annoyed would not help.

"You must be very protective about her?" Again. Only nods. Be patient Maria. Just be patient.

"What would you do to a guy who was troubling her? You know causing her pain or not good for her." As soon as I said that he threw the cigarette and looked at me.

"What? Is any guy troubling her? Did she tell you anything? Just tell me the name of the guy. I am going to kill him." He said and his eyes looked red with anger. Melinda was right. He is indeed very protective.

"Why? Why does it bother you so much?"

"Are you crazy? If anybody was troubling her it would hurt her. I don't want her to be hurt. I don't want anything that would cause her pain." He was literally screaming at me but I didn't mind at all. This was all for him.

"This is exactly what she feels with the cigarette. If you are protective about her so is she. She considers you her family. How can she see you with something that is going to kill you?"

He was trying to understand. I really hope he did. This was affecting both of them big time.

"This is a habit Maria. Its very tough to get over it." He said looking down at the ground. His eyes were not ready to meet mine and I know he was very guilty about it.

"I will help you Charles. I promise. Just take the decision of leaving it. I am sure that everyone is going to help you out." He looked at me and I hoped that all my efforts were paid off. He removed the cigarettes from his pocket and just when I thought he was going to smoke one more he threw the packet in the bin nearby.

I was so happy that I jumped in excitement and hugged him. He was shocked at first but then his arms circled around my waist and he hugged me back. After a few seconds I realised what I had done I pulled away. It was really awkward to look at him again.

"I will see you later. I have a class." I said and rushed towards my class. Charles just stood there going back into his staring at the space.

"Charles go and please talk to Melinda. Your communication skills suck." I said and rushed towards my class.