Misunderstood

Their classmates were starting to get the wrong idea.

Some mumbled questions about why Blair had not been kicked out of school yet. Others murmured their concerns for Cadmus whose life they believed was being threatened.

"Hey, wait," he began but was then suddenly yanked by Blair up to the coaster.

"Let's go," she told Cadmus as she went on to take him to their seats at the back.

"What are you-"

"I brought a first aid kit with me. Let's tend your bruises."

He perked up at this. Students weren't exactly required to bring first aid kits with them. But he then recalled –

Blair was being bullied.

His hands twitched at the memory. It's unsettling enough to watch her ignore everyone's look of contempt and derision. His mind didn't have to supply that reminder.

On the coaster, Blair and Cadmus had settled down on the back.

She prepared a cold compress and pulled out a roll of bandages. Then, she began treating his bruises by wrapping ice packs around his arms.

"I think that should do it," she beamed with her chest puffed out, looking quite proud.

"Thank you," he responded, blushing a little as he looked over her work in silent awe.

"Hopefully, they'll heal fast."

"Any injuries I should treat?"

She stiffened up and squeaked out, "I-I'm alright! Nothing to worry about!"

His eyes narrowed for a bit at this. But instead of prodding, he said, "I'm sorry."

"What for?" Blair questioned.

"You got hurt because of me, and I don't just mean physically."

"Excuse me?"

"The class assumed that whole thing about you pushing me down the stairs. I was about to tell them that I tripped on my own, so why did you-"

Blair put a hand up and said, "I didn't deny it because it's partly my fault for pushing your buttons. Besides, my reputation has long hit rock bottom. They won't believe me even if I tried to explain what really happened."

"What are you talking about? It's not your fault! You helped me! Why do you have to take the heat?"

"Just drop it, okay?! It's not like I have anyone that cares about me, anyway!" Blair exclaimed.

Cadmus stopped cold, stunned by her outburst. Seeing his reaction, Blair grumbled, "Forget what I said. Leave me alone."

She rose from her seat and moved to the front. He looked on as he set himself to thinking.

'What was she saying? Was she for real?'

Instead of needling her about it, he remained sitting there, deep in thought. Cadmus then looked outside the window, choosing to let Blair be. Without him realizing, she briefly craned her head around to glance at him.

And with that, all was quiet between Blair and Cadmus once again.

Unfortunately, after the field trip, the incident spread around the school like wildfire. There's gossip about her pushing him down the stairs on purpose. To complicate matters even more, he could swear that she was openly avoiding him.

He had half a mind to call people out on the rumors. But he knew it wasn't likely to change their opinions of her. He never got the chance to clear the situation up.

Blair continued acting like everything's normal, but after their conversation on the coaster, that's no longer enough to fool Cadmus.