Chapter 4
1018 Words
During lunch that day, I went into the cafeteria to get food.
I looked at the hall. Every inch of it was occupied with chattering students. Everyone else was seated with their friends.
A wave of jealousy and sadness rushed through me. It's kind of hard being a loner. I should be used to it by now but I feel bad sometimes. I wish I had a friend to talk to here, at least.
I stayed hidden in the shadows, sitting all alone. I wasn't really hungry so I decided to people watch for a while. I guess that's one of the perks of being a wallflower. You get to observe people and see who they really are when they believe nobody is watching.
As I scanned the cafeteria, my eyes landed on Alex. He was seated with his friends along with Ava and her minions. Their table is called 'the popular table'. It's for elites only.
My eyes focused on Alex. I couldn't help it. He looked too gorgeous for me to ignore. He was engrossed in conversation with friends. I couldn't help but admire his every move. I was basically captivated by his presence.
As he laughed, his smile illuminated the room. I smiled too.
The sight of his smile made my heart flutter. His every gesture seemed effortless, as if he had the power to command attention without even trying.
I watched as he interacted with others. His genuine kindness and warmth was evident in every interaction. He listened attentively. His eyes focused on the person speaking. I envy his friends.
How I wish I could be the focus of Alex's attention. I wish he could stare at me while listening attentively to what I had to say.
My admiration extended to his sense of humor, as he effortlessly made those around him laugh.
I began to appreciate the little things about him.
I noticed the way he brushed his hair back from his forehead and the slight crinkle that appeared near his eyes when he smiled. It was these small details that made him uniquely him.
I imagined what it would be like to have an actual conversation with him, to hear his voice directed towards me. The mere idea sent a thrill through my veins.
But for now, I'll have to content myself with admiring him from afar.
I have no idea why I'm feeling this way. I've never been so attracted to anyone like this before. I can feel this strong pull to him.
I sighed.
Nothing can ever happen between us. Even in a parallel universe, Alex would never be interested in a girl like me. I doubt any guy will.
He was just being nice to me earlier because he's a genuinely kind person. There's nothing more to it.
The truth hurts but I have to be honest with myself.
Suddenly, Alex's eyes met mine from across the room. Time seemed to slow down as our gazes locked,
In that instant, I felt my heart skip a beat. I felt a rush of warmth spread through me. It was as if his eyes had ignited a flame within my soul. It was as if the reality faded, leaving only the two of us in this moment.
The way he looked at me made me feel a deep sense of vulnerability. It was as if he could peer into the depths of my soul
And then, as quickly as it began, our eye contact broke.
I looked away. I could feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through my veins.
I'm pretty sure my cheeks were red right now. I felt embarrassed but happy at the same time.
"What are you looking at?" I heard Ava ask him.
From the corner of my eye, I could see her look at me. I didn't have to stare at her to know she had a scowl on her face.
I chewed on my food slowly, trying to distract myself. I managed to eat in peace for a few minutes before I heard a voice.
"Hi Emerald"
I didn't have to look up to know it was Ava but I looked up anyway.
She stood there with her two minions by her side.
"What do you want, Ava?" I murmured.
"No need to be so rude. I just came here to tell you something"
What could she have to tell me?
Ava has never wanted to talk to me. The only times she talks to me is when she wants to laugh at me or bully me. What could she have to say now?
"What is it?" I asked her.
"I like your shirt"
I raised my eyebrow in confusion.
I'm wearing a red plain Tshirt with jeans. There's nothing special about my shirt or my outfit.
"Uh.." I trailed "Thanks"
"But...." she giggled "I think I can make it look better"
"Yeah, let's give her a makeover" Lorie said.
Before I could ask what they were talking about, Ava took my plate and poured my food on my shirt.
I screamed in horror.
It didn't end there. Lorie poured her can of coke on my hair.
I shivered as the cold liquid poured on me.
All eyes were on me in the cafeteria. I could see people take videos with their phones.
"Yeah" Ava said "This looks a whole lot better"
The three of them laughed. Everyone in the cafeteria laughed at me too.
Tears welled in my eyes.
"What did I ever do to you?" I whimpered.
"What could you ever do to me?" Ava spoke "I do things because I can. Stay away from Alex, you w***e"
"That's enough!" I heard Alex roar.
He rushed to the scene "What's going on here?"
"Oh nothing" Jennie said "Just giving our friend here a makeover"
"You need an extra shirt" Alex said to me. I could hear the sympathy and concern in his voice.
A wave of embarrassment washed over me. I cried as everyone pointed and laughed at me.
Before Alex could say another word, I ran away from the cafeteria.
- Writer
