SHADOWS IN THE HALLWAY

CHAPTER TWO: The cafeteria class

The announcement in class had been short, almost too short for Lina’s nerves to settle.

“Class, please welcome our newest scholarship student, Lina,” the teacher said, smiling brightly. “Lina, everyone here is excited to have you.”

A polite round of claps echoed, but Lina felt the weight of dozens of curious eyes on her. The luxury bags, perfectly styled hair, and confident stances of the other students made her feel painfully out of place. She kept her head high, clutching her notebook tightly, and nodded politely. Immediately, a voice came from the back "Look at her cheap dress" Tiana said and the other classmates all laughed.

That's enough said the teacher and she ordered Lina to go and have a seat.

When the bell rang for lunch, she followed the flow of students into the cafeteria, her stomach twisting with anxiety. She scanned the room, looking for a quiet corner, but everywhere she looked, groups of girls and boys whispered, laughed, and stared.

Just as she settled at an empty table near the window, a sharp voice cut through her thoughts.

“Well, well, look who’s here. The scholarship poverty-stricken princess,” sneered Tiana,

Lina’s throat tightened. “Hi,” she murmured, unsure what else to say.

Tiana plopped down across from her, smirking. “So… do they pay you enough to sit here with us peasants?”

A few of her friends giggled behind her, tossing Lina’s bag lightly from hand to hand like it was a prop. One boy even snickered, “Hope you can handle our cafeteria food, scholarship girl.”

Lina’s fingers dug into her notebook, her lunch now forgotten. She opened her mouth, but no words came.

“You know,” Tiana continued, leaning closer, “some of us work hard for what we have. You? You just got it handed to you. Bet you don’t even know how to act in a real school like this.”

Another girl snatched Lina’s water bottle and twirled it on her finger. “Let’s see what else she brought… oh, just plain food? Figures.”

Lina’s face burned, a mix of humiliation and anger rising in her chest. She wanted to yell, to throw her bag at them, to leave… but something inside her held her back. She remembered why she had fought to get here, and she refused to let these rich kids define her.

Still, as she quietly picked up her tray and moved to the far corner of the cafeteria, she couldn’t shake the feeling that surviving this school might be harder than she imagined.

And just as she sat down, a shadow loomed over her tray.

“Oh, don’t think you’re off the hook, princess,” Tiana hissed. “This is just the beginning.”

She poured a full cup of smoothie on Lina's hair while the other students laughed in amazement.

This is so fun, a girl said from the back and another girl spilt her food on Lina.

Tiana pushed her down and just then Ethan walked in,

that's enough he echoes, We were just teaching her the school rules said one of the girls.

Ethan why are you defending this trash, she doesn't belong here, Ethan stood up and gave her a devilish look "Don't ever lay your hands on her again".

She's the problem here, she spilt her drink on me first remember? Tiana said. That was a mistake Ethan replied. This is not over yet Tiana said as she walked away while her friends followed immediately.

Are you okay? Asked Ethan. I'm fine, she replied.

Why would you allow them to bully you like that

I'm already used to these kinds of people, she added. Good luck with that because Tiana and her friends won't stop Ethan said as he left the cafeteria.

Lina tries to stand up, Let me help you a girl with blonde hair offered. Thank you Lina said, My name is Cassie the girl said, I'm Lina she replied.

I'm sorry about what just happened that's how Tracy can be. Can we be friends Cassie added, yes Lina replied. And I guess you would need a ride home Cassie added and they both left for Cassie's car