[b][i] – Kathy [/i][/b]

Listening to Crash’s story, Kathy couldn’t help but wonder, [i]‘Just how many girls does he intend to meet by hitting them on the head with a flying object?’[/i] Although she had purposefully omitted that event during their first introductions, she clearly recalled that she first noticed Crash after getting hit by his drumstick in the auditorium. Her face grew a little red, but otherwise she pretended not to hear his probing question about whether or not she was bothered by it. Instead she focused on his cheek and commented, “That’s good. I was worried it would leave a mark.”

Thankful for the distraction Eric was providing, she answered, “I’m a returning student, entering my second year here.” Laughing lightly she added, “It might have actually been a good thing you just got here. Yesterday was abnormally chaotic for all of us.” She noticed that both the guys seemed a little odd as they talked about their parents. However, it was hardly the time and place for her ask such personal questions. More importantly, she didn’t want to ask about such matters when she had zero confidence in being able to cheer them up or help them if they needed it.

Watching Eric take bites of his food, she decided to let him get started with his meal before she attempted more conversation with him. Instead, she turned to Crash and continued their conversation from before. “To me, that ‘weird’ and ‘touchy’ thing seemed like her way of flirting with you. After hitting her with that ball, I bet you were being nice and trying to take care of her.” Kathy shook her head disapprovingly, keeping a joking tone. But the forced smile was back, and she wasn’t quite meeting Crash’s eyes as she continued, “... I’m not saying that helping others is bad, but you might want to limit your kindness a bit. That poor girl probably got the wrong message from you.”

[i]‘And she isn’t the only one either.’[/i] She thought, absent mindedly running her fingers over her bandaged hand.