Chapter three
902 Words
The laughter grew louder with every step Sophia took.
It rolled across the cafeteria like a wave, rising above the
clatter of trays and the endless chatter of students. Somewhere nearby, a tray slipped from someone’s hand, drawing a chorus of playful complaints before disappearing beneath another burst of laughter
Sophia walked slowly towards the table, fixing her blazer with her hand
The table sat near the window, washed in the warm afternoon light. Empty plates, half-finished drinks, and scattered packets of ketchup covered its surface, proof that lunch had become an excuse to spend time together rather than a meal.
Five boys occupied the table
One leaned so far back in his chair that another reached out to stop him from falling. Someone else tossed a napkin across the table, earning a loud protest that only made the others laugh harder
At the center of it all sat Jonathan, his smile came easily, lighting up his face in a way Catherine had always loved,
Around his friends, there was no sign of the composed student everyone admired in the class. He looked relaxed, carefree…..simply enjoying the moment
Sophia waited until the laughter settled before speaking.
“Am I interrupting?” she asked
The banter died down
Eyes lifted to her in interest
There was a beat
Someone smiled.
“Not at all”
He slightly moved to allow Sophia to be able to stand comfortably beside them.
“You must be the new student”
Sophia nodded.
“I am”
“I don't think we introduced ourselves properly this morning”
She was calm and the awkwardness that other students usually felt in such situations was non-existent.
The boys were welcoming, just like how they would be to anyone. They introduced themselves and with every name, someone else made a joke and the whole table would erupt in laughter.
Sophia carefully listened and nodded along repeating a few of their names with a smile. When she was done, her eyes landed on the last person.
“And……” she said. “You're Jonathan”.
Jonathan looked up and gave a polite smile in return.
“I am”
She let out a soft laugh
“I thought so”
Jonathan tilted his head
“You've heard of me?”
Sophia smiled.
“I think everyone has.”
Before he could answer, one of the guys gasped and placed his hand over his heart.
“Did you hear that?”
Someone leaned forward, grinning
“Recognised”
The laughter rippled along the table
Jonathan sighed as he knew what was about to happen
“You guys are impossible.”
“No.” one of them corrected. “You're the impossible one.”
He flicked a fry at Jonathan
“Tell me one single student that doesn't know your name”
Jonathan shrugged
“I don't know”
“Exactly”
“Sophia” another leaned in on his elbow. “Tell me all about what everyone told you”
Sophia hesitated and laughed
“Nothing bad I hope”
Jonathan said.
“I just……" she hesitated, as she searched for the word
“……before I resumed, everyone mentioned only a single name”
Jonathan raised an eyebrow
“Oh”
Sophia nodded
“The millionaire’s son, captain of the basketball team”
“One of the best students the school has ever seen”
She smiled
“The first time I came here, I saw you and I knew it was you”
The table was silent for a second
Someone laughed
“Then you get it”
He pointed at Jonathan
“People have tried so hard to humble this guy but it hasn't worked”
The other guy shook his head
“Yeah, it doesn't look like it either”
Jonathan rubbed the back of his neck, looking awkward.
“I think you guys are overreacting”
“Exaggerating?” another of his friends laughed
“Brother, half the girls of this school know your timetable.”
Laughter rippled again
Even Sophia was laughing.
Sophia was welcomed into the table, it was warm and inviting, and there was no silence, the conversation was just fun, and the boys were so well known and comfortable with each other that they could make fun of one another without taking offense.
Across the cafeteria, Catherine and Skyla placed their trays onto the return counter.
Students moved around them in every direction, conversation blending into one another as the lunch period slowly came to an end.
Skylar glanced towards the window.
Her eyes landed on Jonathan’s table.
Sophia was still there.
She listened more than she spoke, smiling whenever others laughed, slowly finding her place within the conversation.
Jonathan cracked a joke that made the guys burst into laughter, and Sophia laughed too.
Skylar watched for another moment.
“Catherine.”
“Hmmm?”
“I think Sophia has settled in pretty quickly.”
Catherine followed her gaze.
A gentle smile spread across her face.
“She’s new.”
“It can’t be easy being the new girl.”
She caught sight of Jonathan, their eyes met and they exchanged a quiet smile.
Skylar looked at her once more.
Something about the picture stayed with her.
Nothing looked wrong
Jonathan wasn’t doing something unusual.
Neither was Sophia.
Still..
A quiet feeling settled in her chest.
One she couldn’t explain.
The bell rang.
- Writer
