The Revenge That Sparked Love

CHAPTER 006

I couldn't take my eyes off it as I stood there. Valeria was near Alejandro, her hand lightly stroking his bruised cheek, the same cheek he had previously refused to let me touch.

Why am I pushed aside while she gets to console him?

Alejandro flashed that grin that always made my heart skip a beat as Valeria leaned in and whispered something.

Then he noticed me. His grin dimmed slightly. Following his gaze, Valeria's expression changed from one of surprise to one of coolness.

Alejandro's mouth clenched. He straightened up and left without saying anything. Valeria gave me a final smirk and then followed him.

I watched them go, unable to move.

"Hey, Camila... you there?"

I was startled back by Mateo's voice.

"What?"

"Just making sure you didn't forget you were meant to take me to the nurse."

I gave him a fierce look and accelerated. To catch up, he jogged.

"I was kidding, come on! Relax. Are you alright? It must have been wonderful to see them together again.

"I'm all right."

I could have been the one assisting Alejandro if Mateo hadn't intervened sooner. Valeria took over instead.

I was so preoccupied at the clinic that I almost fell. Before I hit the ground, Mateo grabbed me.

He held me close and whispered, "Be careful there, princess." "You should be keeping an eye on me, not the other way around."

Smoothing my shirt, I withdrew.

"Yes, since it's obvious that you require a lot of supervision."

Mateo chuckled. "Aw, nice one, Camila."

I pushed open the clinic door and bit back a retort.

The noise startled the nurse inside. Her shocked expression made me feel bad.

"I apologise! I didn't intend to frighten you.

"Don't worry; I'm fine."

Between us, she glanced. "Is everything okay?"

I gestured to Mateo. "I'm all right. This is what requires assistance.

Mateo's eyebrow went up. "Oh, I'm a thing now? I don't mind at all, doll face.

The nurse looked at us, then at Mateo. "Dear, what seems to be the trouble?"

Mateo remarked nonchalantly, "A couple of bruised ribs from a disagreement." "Plus, if Princess maintains the attitude, a broken jaw could result."

The nurse let out a sigh. "While I get some supplies, why don't you sit down and explain where it hurts?"

Mateo winced as he sat.

She put on gloves and said, "I'm going to need to check the ribs." "Can you help prop him forward a bit, Camilia?"

I put my arms around Mateo and walked behind him. My hands warmed his skin.

I changed my hold and applied pressure to his aching areas as the nurse poked his side. He took a sharp breath.

He whispered, "Be careful with the merchandise there."

"Am I hurting you? I apologise."

"You don't have to sound so excited about it."

The nurse stopped and looked at me. I gave a charming smile.

She stated, "I think it's just deep bruising, no breaks." "I'll get some arnica ointment to help with the swelling."

Mateo turned to me and smiled as she went to the supply closet. "You know, Camila, you can hold me for as long as you want."

With my cheeks burning, I instantly let go. Mateo laughed.

The nurse came back with an apologetic expression. We actually don't have any more of that ointment. I'll go get some from the pharmacy next door.

Silence fell after she was gone. Leaning against the counter, I massaged my aching knee, which I had injured when Mateo bumped into me earlier.

Mateo took notice and got to his feet. "Is that from before? When did Alejandro push you?

I became irritable. "Don't pretend to care."

Mateo took a step forward. "Did he cause you pain? Respond to me.

"I have nothing to tell you!"

He slammed his hand down on the wall next to my head. "Until you tell me the truth, I won't move."

We exchanged scowls. I gave in at last. "All right! It's from the time you bumped into me and knocked me down. "Happy?"

"What, Princess, can't you take a little tumble?"

"You know that you're just bad luck!"

The door of the clinic opened. Just before the nurse returned with an inquisitive glance, I pushed Mateo out of the way.

"Did I interrupt something?"

Mateo said softly, "Nope, everything is fine here."

We left the clinic after Mateo's treatment by the nurse was complete.

Mateo turned and grinned mischievously at me. "So, we had a small celebration at Diego's today to honour my basketball tryout."

I gave an eye roll. "You still haven't been added to the team."

Mateo waved a hand and said, "Whatever." "Anyway, you ought to stop by."

"Tough pass. Why should I attend one of your jock parties?

"Because I might have to tell the nurse some fascinating facts about how you sustained that knee injury earlier if you don't..."

I tensed up. He wouldn't risk it. The nurse, who detested anything involving Mateo, especially after what transpired between us freshman year, would tell Mamá-Rosa if she found out.

Mateo took advantage of the fact that he had me cornered. "So, Alejandro and I will see you there. No justifications. "Wear something cute!" he called over his shoulder as he winked and left.

Furious, I stared after him. The unbearable i***t! I had been coerced by him into attending this foolish party. And in some way, he thought I would also bring Alejandro along?

I let out a groan. Why did I only draw trouble today?

I was freed from the demanding school day when the last bell rang. However, I didn't have time to unwind. Alejandro still needed to hear about Mateo's party this evening. And Alejandro was not going to be pleased about it, given what had transpired earlier.

As I waited for Alejandro outside the classroom, my stomach turned. I inhaled deeply when he eventually came out. The time had come. But how can I politely bring this up? Should I start by saying I'm sorry? Describe Mateo.

Alejandro walked confidently towards me with a smile on his face before I could make up my mind. He said, "Hey, Camila," as if nothing had occurred.

I smiled back at him, caught off guard. "Hello, Alejandro." Perhaps he was no longer angry? My courage was sparked by this.

"So, uh, this party that's happening tonight that..." I started.

"Leave, Alejandro!" I was interrupted by Valeria's voice. She was waving at him from his car when I turned around. "I've been waiting for ages!"

Alejandro looked apologetic at her and then back at me. "Oh no, I didn't realise I had a tutoring session with her. Sorry, Camila."

He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. "I'll see you later, okay?"

He waved and rushed away before I could say anything more. "Goodbye!"

My mouth remained open in astonishment as I stood there. Alejandro seemed totally fine, not angry at all. Instead of feeling relieved, I felt irritated. I had missed the opportunity to discuss Mateo's party with him.

Alejandro was now leaving to spend more time with Valeria alone. The idea made my stomach turn.

I sighed, hauling my heavy bag higher on my shoulder. I trudged toward the bus, dreading having to tell Alejandro about the party another time. This day just kept getting more complicated.