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else.
                “Bethany said that her cousin would go with you if no one from school asks you,” he finished quickly.
                My jaw actually dropped as I sat there looking at Sam.  He had actually talked about me with Bethany!  I knew he had done it only because he really wanted me to go, but the thought of Sam finding me a date hurt more than I cared to admit.
                “Great!  Just what I wanted. A pity date.  Tell Bethany’s cousin no thanks.”
                I was starting to get angry now.  I shot Sam a shut up look and stowed my water, grabbed my pack and started marching up the trail.  After a few moments I heard Sam get up and start to follow me.  Not sure if I wanted to talk to him yet I quickened my pace.  Pretty soon I was running.  Stupid Bethany, thinking I couldn’t get a date.  Stupid Sam, for getting one.  Stupid me for being so undesirable that no one even attempted to talk to me or just flirt with me even a little bit for that matter.  I was crying now.  Stupid fat tears of self-pity.  I blame them entirely for what happened next.
                The tears made it difficult to see where I was going, and the pace made it difficult to stop, so it makes sense that I ran right smack into a brick wall.  Well at least it felt like a brick wall.  I started to fall backwards when two powerful arms wrapped themselves around me and put me back on my feet.
                “Are you all right?”
    The wall could speak.  My humiliation was complete.  I felt the familiar tingle of electricity across my back where arms like steel bands supported me.  The voice was familiar.  Sure enough I raised my head and looked into Cerus’ startling blue eyes.
                “What are
you
doing here?”  I panted
                “I’m here for you,” he replied, like I was stupid for having asked.  Of course the meaning of his appearance should be perfectly clear.
                “I…I…”  I fainted.
     
    *          *          *          *
     
                I had died.  I never knew embarrassment could be a quick and painless death.  Surely I was dead because I had never been more embarrassed in my life.  Never had I been more aware of my surroundings.  The smells of sweet flowers filled my nostrils, something else was in the air too.  Earth.  Its musty smell was a strong presence.  Gently a cool breeze caressed my face gliding down my arms and across my body.  Something was wet against my forehead.  With shaking hands I reached up to feel a cool compress draped across my forehead and part of my eyes.  Ugh!  Unfortunately I wasn’t dead.  I had only fainted.
                “Lex?” I heard the worry in Sam’s voice, “Are you okay Lex?”
                “Thirsty,” I croaked.  I started to sit up, but only managed to rest on my elbows before strong arms hooked under mine and pulled me up.  Exhaling I leaned back against a rock.
                “Here, drink this,” Sam handed me the water from my pack, “feeling better?”
                “I’m a little dizzy.  It’s probably just the heat Sam.  It’ll pass.”
                “It was fortunate that I was so nearby.  If I hadn’t caught you when you fainted you might have injured yourself further,” remarked a familiar voice.
                Moving in slow motion I pulled the compress from my eyes and looked into Cerus’ smiling face.  I had forgotten about him, positive that I had only imagined running into him and feeling his arms circling me.  Suddenly aware of his presence I sat up quickly and completely.  It wasn’t a rock I was leaning against, but Cerus’ chest, his arms still lightly cradling me.  The world began to spin from my quick movements and with gentle yet firm insistence Cerus pulled me back against him.  His chest