Chapter Twelve: The Catch and the Clash
728 Words
Ceci Bloomfield was fuming.
It had started as a whisper in the hallways.
A harmless rumor.
But when Ceci’s minions—Lisa and Mandy—giggled and whispered to her about how Carlos was suddenly "interested in that scholarship girl,” she had enough.
Carlos? Interested in Becky?
Ridiculous.
Impossible.
Yet… Ceci couldn't ignore the shift in Carlos' behavior.
He wasn't answering her calls.
He had been skipping family meetings.
And the worst part?
He had completely stopped chasing after her.
This was not how things were supposed to be.
Carlos had alway been hers.
Everyone knew it.
And now?
Some nobody was stealing her spotlight.
Ceci clenched her fists. "Where is he?"
Lisa smirked. "In the cafeteria. We saw him staring at her."
Ceci whipped around and stormed towards the cafeteria, her heels clicking against the tiled floor.
She was going to remind Carlos who the hell he belonged to.
The cafeteria was packed when Ceci walked in.
But all she saw was Carlos… staring at Becky.
His chair was slightly pushed back, his body leaning forward, as if he were ready to move.
Ceci narrowed her eyes.
Before she could think twice, she marched up to him.
Carlos barely noticed until she slammed a hand on his table.
The cafeteria went silent.
Kirk raised an eyebrow. "Uh-oh."
Jessy smirked. "Drama alert."
Carlos sighed. "What do you want, Ceci?"
Ceci forced a sweet smile."Oh, I don’t know, Carlos. Maybe a little conversation?"
Carlos leaned back in his chair. "About what?"
Ceci scoffed. "Let’s start with the fact that you don’t answer my calls anymore. Or the fact that you’re skipping family dinners. Or maybe—just maybe—the fact that you're suddenly obsessed with that introverted nerd?"
Carlos' jaw clenched.
Here we go.
The whole cafeteria was now watching.
Even Kirk and Jessy were trying not to laugh.
Carlos exhaled."Ceci, we are NOT engaged. You need to stop acting like we are."
The cafeteria erupted into whispers.
Ceci's face turned red.
"But… our families—"
Carlos cut her off. "Our families can talk all they want. That doesn’t make it real."
Ceci's hands shook with embarrassment.
She glanced around.
Carlos' friends looked amused.
Lisa and Mandy looked horrified.
And worse?
Everyone was staring at her like she was some desperate girl chasing after a guy who didn’t want her.
She gritted her teeth.
If Carlos was so obsessed with Becky…
Then Becky was about to pay for it.
---
### The Fall That Never Happened
Ceci stormed over to Lisa and Mandy.
She didn’t need to say anything.
They already knew the plan.
A simple trip.
Just enough to embarrass Becky in front of everyone.
Ceci watched as Becky walked through the cafeteria with her tray.
Perfect timing.
Lisa positioned herself, her foot ready to trip Becky.
Becky stepped forward.
And just as she was about to fall—
Carlos moved.
In one swift motion,he grabbed Becky’s tray with one hand and caught her with the other.
Silence.
Every. Single. Person. Watched.
Becky’s hands rested on Carlos’ chest.
Carlos’ arms were securely around her waist.
Their faces were so close.
Carlos could hear her breathing.
Becky’s cheeks turned pink.
Carlos felt his own heartbeat quicken.
What. The. Hell.
Why did she feel so soft?
Why did he suddenly feel like…
Like he never wanted to let go?
They locked eyes.
Something in the air shifted.
Becky swallowed hard. "Uh… thanks?"
Carlos blinked. "Yeah… uh… no problem."
Then—
"BECKY!"
Karl’s voice shattered the moment.
Carlos rolled his eyes.
Becky quickly pulled away.
Karl walked up, oblivious to what just happened. "Come on, I’ll take you to the chef for more food."
Becky nodded, still looking a little flustered.
As she walked away with Karl, Carlos just stood there.
Still feeling her warmth on his hands.
Still feeling that moment linger.
Kirk leaned in, grinning. "Dude. You’re so screwed."
Carlos groaned. "Shut up."
Jessy laughed. "You’re smiling."
Carlos wiped the grin off his face immediately.
Damn it.
---
### Library: The Truth Comes Of
Later that day, Becky sat across from Anil in the library, still confused.
She sighed. "Okay, spill. Who is that blonde girl?"
Anil sighed dramatically. "Ceci Bloomfield. A spoiled, rich princess."
Becky frowned. "Bloomfield? As in… Carlos?"
Anil nodded. "Yup. And rumors say they’re engaged."
Becky’s stomach dropped.
Engaged?
She blinked."Wait. WHAT?!"
- Writer
