In truth, Charles had pulled some strings to get Larry placed in the same class as the girl that Ricky secretly fancied. Charles had even seated them together. Then, he'd waited.
Rumors had it that Ricky was obsessed with that girl. Any guy who got too close or flirted too much with her would face Ricky's wrath, and woe would befall anyone who hurt her.
Since Ricky always found justifiable reasons to get into a fight, few knew the real motive behind his violence.
So, predictably, Ricky got jealous, and Larry was bound to be punished. The whole "Larry had offended my guy" thing was just an excuse.
Charles told Demi the truth when they returned to the car. He didn't want to share about it in the café for fear that someone would overhear and tell Ricky.
He wasn't scared of Ricky plotting revenge. However, Derek had forbidden him from getting into fights. Moreover, if Ricky figured out that he was being played, he might stop targeting Larry. And where was the fun in that?
Demi gave Charles an approving thumbs-up.
"Thanks. But let's leave it at that. No more meddling," she warned.
"Fine. Larry has already offended Ricky, so unless he transfers, his life at that school is over. Ricky's not the only one who'll make Larry's life hell now."
Just then, Demi spotted Ricky outside. He lit a cigarette and swung onto his motorcycle. Then, his gang roared off behind him.
Something about him piqued her curiosity.
Demi turned to Charles and asked, "Why doesn't he just ask that girl out? He doesn't seem like the insecure type."
"I don't know the details, but rumor says that it's because she's younger. Plus, she's a total bookworm and the top of her class. I guess even he feels out of his league." Charles laughed heartily.
"Do you two have a history?" Demi asked curiously.
"Nope. We just raced a few times and fought a few times," Charles said casually. Then, his internal alarms blared.
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