How To Build A Flower Shop

Chapter TWENTY FOUR

Bobbi takes a glimpse over at Nicholas, who already looks at her with despair and a hint of... jealousy? His eyes flicker between her and Roberto. Is he jealous that she's sitting beside Roberto and they're getting along? Is that why he keeps appearing? She wants him to know he can't be jealous because she's no longer his girlfriend, and he lost her a long time ago. Jealousy doesn't fit into the equation. He had a problem and she tried to fix the issue. He then tried to make up for it but he did it in the wrong way. It was too late.

She turns back around and opens her bag. Neatly lays out her history book, pencil case, ruler, notebook, and bottle of water - a way to distract herself and ignore the squeeze at her heart. She reads ahead on a chapter her teacher plans on going through tomorrow, highlighting passages, and there's another tight squeeze at her heart, her stomach rolls.

Doesn't know why the feeling presses down on her, but she just wants to cry. Mourn for the loss of a once good, healthy, and happy relationship. As she inhales deeply, tears get caught in her throat and she coughs to stop the tears from building up. Pats her chest to ease the coughing as her throat is scratchy, when another hand pats her back and rubs up and down. She turns her head to Roberto and she says her thanks.

'You okay now?' he whispers, eyebrows raised in concern.

She nods her head, resists the urge to look over in Nicholas' direction.

A few minutes tick by and Roberto leans over to Bobbi, his eyes ahead at the board. Mr Dixon is immersed in a science-fiction book.

'Have you got food?' Roberto whispers over to her.

She stares over at him with wide eyes. 'Was your lunch not enough?'

He had a big salad, two health bars, a banana and apple, and homemade bread. He shakes his head.

'How much more can you eat?' She tries to keep her voice as low as possible, in hopes that Mr Dixon doesn't look up from his book.

At the same time as he pats and rubs his stomach, Roberto whispers, 'A guy has gotta eat, Bobbi.' He flexes his arms. 'And bulk up on the healthy food to keep muscles like these.' He does some flexing with his arms and kisses his muscles.

She smiles, her eyes trailing to his arms and then his chest. 'I only have a packet of chips and they're not for vegans, sorry.'

He waves her off. 'Eh, it's okay. I should get used to you disappointing me.' He faces forward, a straight face on him.

Her eyebrows furrowed, she blurts, 'How?' Her hands smack over her mouth, and she apologises profusely to Mr Dixon, who gives her a warning look.

After a moment Roberto whispers, 'I was joking.'

**
Detention over, Bobbi calls Andrew over before he rushes out the door. As he packs his bag, she turns to Roberto before he reaches them.

In a hushed tone she says, 'You have to apologise to him for bullying him a while ago. You're a good guy at heart, Roberto, so I don't like the way you treated him. Say you're sorry because I know picking on people like that is not you.'

Keeps his head down and nods.

'Hey, what's up?' Andrew strolls over, looking between Bobbi and Roberto.

'Hey, Andrew.' Roberto scratches behind his neck. 'A while back I picked on you when I was having a bad day. I kinda took some of my anger out on you. I shouldn't have done that. You didn't do anything. I'm sorry. Are we good?' Puts a hand out for Andrew to shake.

He knits his eyebrows together as he looks at Roberto and his outstretched hand. Shakes his hand and nods. 'That was a long time ago, thanks. I appreciate it.' He smiles at Bobbi and she smiles back, glad Roberto's apology was sincere and that Andrew accepted. 'Thank you. I'm gonna go catch up on sleep, see you both around.' Adjusts the straps of his bag and makes way for the door, as do Bobbi and Roberto.