Unwanted
882 Words
The cafeteria buzzed with life—trays clanging against tables and the faint scent of pizza lingering in the air.
I stood in the center, clutching the silver tray. I scanned across the room, searching for Olivia.
My heart dropped to my stomach.
No… this can't be happening.
Olivia sat beside Samantha, laughter escaping her lips till she nearly choked on her food.
“ What's going on Olive?” I asked softly, placing my tray on the table.
Her smile vanished, and she glanced away to the other side of the cafeteria.
“ Leave here!”
Samantha’s voice sliced through the silence.
“ No one wants you!” She yelled and pressed her palm against me with a nudge back.
The cafeteria went quiet, and all attention was suddenly on me.
Sweat slid down my face, dropping onto the tiled floor.
But I didn't leave. Even though her words stung, I ignored her completely.
I just want my best friend back.
“ Olivia I’m—”
“ Just go away Amy,” Olivia muttered, barely looking at me.
My head spun in circles, and everything around me blurred.
I turned and walked away, but Samantha’s laughter still burned on my back.
My eyes blurred as I pushed through the doors.
“ Boom!” I collided with someone.
“ I— I’m sorry,” I said quickly, bending over to wipe the sauce off the sneaker.
“It’s okay.” The voice softened.
I raised my head up. Lucas?
He reached for my hands to stop me, but our eyes met.
“ H— hi, Lucas,” I said nervously, lifting my weight off the ground .
“ I didn't think you’d still talk to me,” Lucas said, with a faint smile.
“Why would you say that,” I asked, raising my brow.
“ I thought you were annoyed when I asked to be your friend.”
“ No I wasn't.” I shook my head.
He studied me for a while, then smiled wider.
“ You’ve got something on your chin,” he said, leaning closer.
I gulped hard, how would I embarrass myself in front of Lucas?
“ Where?” I asked, wiping my face.
“ Let me help you,” he said, leaning closer.
His skin brushed against mine, making my stomach tickle.
“ Thank you,” I said, looking away.
“ I'll see you later,” I added, walking past him.
“ Hope to see you at the game,” he said, gazing till I left his sight.
I told myself I was not going to watch, but somehow I ended up here.
The gym was already loud when I arrived. Students filled the bleachers, as the players jogged to the court.
I let out a heavy sigh, the only time I stayed to watch was when I was with Daniel.
I would cheer him and applaud him, screaming at the top of my lungs.
But now it felt strange, sitting down here and coming to watch Lucas.
The ball barely hit the floor before it flew through the net.
“ Goal!” The crowd erupted in cheers as Daniel scored. My jaw dropped, and for a long time my mouth refused to close.
He scored already? The game merely started.
Daniel had always been the star player in the school and he was awarded many times even outside school.
One of the opponents bounced the ball and attempted to throw it in the net. But, Daniel was faster. He blocked the shot and dunked the ball into the hoop again.
The crowd thundered and seats emptied as they hailed him. A part of me wanted to stand and praise him but I sat still. Daniel threw his hands in the air, waving at the crowd.
His smile grew wide, glancing at each face then me. My heart froze and I stared without blinking.
His smile faded, tiny lines of aggression showing on his skin.
I swallowed hard, and grasped the chair tight.
His face went numb, as if to say “ You came to see him right?”
The game continued, the thudding of sneakers stomping on the floor.
“ Whoosh.” Another shot went through the hoop.
Not Daniel? I stretched my neck looking for who had scored.
A round of applause and standing ovation came from the students as they cheered.
“ Go, Lucas! “ They chanted.
Guess we have a new competitor.
I didn't know when my hands joined together and I started clapping.
Their voices sounded like drums, and I could barely hear the sound of my own voice.
Lucas scanned across the room and his eyes met mine. He didn't say a word, but he smiled warmly enough to melt something inside me.
At that moment, Daniel noticed. His jaw clenched tight and his eyes narrowed.
He turned away quickly when I caught his stare. I sank to the seat slowly, my hands on my chest.
There was a shout for victory, and the floor thudded with heavy footsteps as some students rushed to congratulate the players.
The echoes of the gym faded behind me, yet my heart kept pounding.
I wasn't sure if I was walking into a new beginning or running from what still had a hold on me.
- Writer
