4 Growing Pains (2/2)

Isabelle crossed her arms across her chest in triumph, proud of her excellent response.

And then Celia, without thinking, chimed in.

”Yeah, man. Ash IS retarded!” She shouted at the young man.

Ash and Izzy looked incredulously at Celia.

Celia only caught herself after she'd already blurted out what she had said. She had meant to say ”isn't” but had slurred her words.

”I mean, she is NOT retarded!”

Celia had shouted her first statement with such force that it sounded like she meant what she actually said. The subsequent take-back was unconvincing and only seemed to punctuate the mistake. The young man laughed out loud at the insult to Ash's intelligence.

”Of course she's not retarded. I wasn't implying that at all, Celia.” The young man replied, a wide smile on his face.

Ash's own face was burning with embarrassment. Izzy grabbed Ash's hand protectively. Celia, on the other hand, had shut her eyes, cringing in second-hand embarrassment for her friend.

”I'll see you later, ladies. And for the record, Boots, I don't think you're retarded at all.” The young man waved goodbye and walked past them still smiling.

”Thanks, Hunter,” Ash mumbled under her breath, low enough so that he couldn't hear. Her ears were burning. She felt a small pain go through her chest, an acute pain that was different from the one in her bones and muscles.

”Ash, I'm so sorry! I was just trying to make you look good in front of Hunter! I didn't mean it like that! I meant to say that you were smart!” Celia pleaded, rubbing Ash's shoulder.

Izzy tugged at Ash's hand and started walking toward the classrooms. Celia followed along, tugging at her earlobe in frustration. She pinched her earlobe just enough for it to hurt a little. It was Celia's own way of punishing herself: her best friend was in love with Hunter Guzman, and she had just called her ”retarded” in front of him.