NEW FRIENDS
831 Words
GABRIELLA’S POV
Immediately the bell rang, signaling the end of class, I dashed to the cafeteria, starving and desperate to escape the intense atmosphere of the classroom.
My mind kept drifting back to him, making it impossible to focus on the lesson. I realized I needed to protect myself from getting emotionally entangled, so despite the difficulty, I decided to push him out of my thoughts. It was clear he wasn't interested; I could see it in the mirror. He was way out of my league, way more attractive than I could ever be. Ignoring his presence, I hurried out, pretending not to hear his call.
As I queued up in the cafeteria line, a gentle touch on my arm made me turn around to find a charming boy with curly coffee brown hair smiling at me. Wow, he was really cute.
"Hi, something was on your arm," he said, explaining his touch.
"Oh, thanks," I replied with a smile.
"I'm Ryan, and you are?" he inquired.
"I'm Gabriela, but you can call me Gab," I responded, still smiling.
"Nice to meet you, pretty Gab," he said, winking, causing me to blush. "The pleasure's mine." I said
"Oh, I'm happy to give that to you," he said, flashing that adorable smile once more.
Was he flirting with me, or was I just overthinking it? Sure, he was cute, but my mind was still wrapped around Mr. Werewolf.
Comparing them? I don't know why I'm doing it, maybe because Mr. Werewolf has me captivated. I turned back to the line, contemplating the unexpected encounter.
I placed my order when it was my turn, grabbed my food, and searched for a table to eat. As I neared finishing my meal, sitting at the end of the cafeteria alone, feeling a bit isolated, a girl approached me. She settled in the seat opposite me, saying,
"Hi girl," in a confident manner.
"Hey," I responded, surprised by her boldness.
"I'm Hannah, we're in the same class. I saw you this morning when you did all that drama," she remarked, jogging my memory.
She's the girl with the piercings, the one I like.
"Yeah, yeah, I remember. I'm Gab," I acknowledged.
"So, where'd you come from? You don't look like you're from around here."
"Yeah, I'm from Italy, just moved here last week," I shared. "Why'd you move here?" she inquired curiously.
"Long story, but it has to do with death," I explained, trying to keep a somber tone at bay.
"s**t, I hate death, I've gone through two myself. Not good at all."
"I can bet it isn't," I chuckled, and she joined in.
"So, what are your plans tonight?" she asked, munching on tomatoes.
"Nothing, actually," I replied, hoping it wasn't a party since I'm not a fan, and she seemed nice to turn down.
"There's this thing happening later tonight at the beach, close to the woods. It's like a bonfire party somehow. I think you should come so I can introduce you to my friends." I knew it would be a party.
"Sorry, but I don't go to parties; it's actually not my thing," I said, hoping she wouldn't get upset.
"Okay, okay, not a full-blown party, just a chill hangout with a few folks," she reassured me.
"And guess what? Jason's gonna be there," she added with a sly grin.
Confused, I inquired, "Who's Jason?"
She described him as the strikingly handsome guy who guided me to his special seat.
I couldn't help but think, 'Mr. werewolf?'
"So, his name's Jason, huh?" I remarked.
"Yeah, and it seems like you're not the only one drawn to him," she teased.
Perplexed, I raised an eyebrow, prompting her to explain, "Oh, honey, Mr. Gorgeous has caught the attention of many." "Oh," was all I managed to say, realizing I might have some competition.
"Alright, I'll consider it," I replied with a smile.
As she handed me her phone to exchange numbers, I thought, 'Let's see how this game plays out.'
"Hey ladies," I glanced up and spotted the cute boy slipping in next to Hannah.
"Ryan, what do you want?" Hannah inquired, looking a bit annoyed.
"Why can't a man join the lady squad?" he chuckled, then turned to me.
"You're quite the looker, Gab," he winked.
Hold up, what's with the winking – does he have an eye condition or something?
"Hey," I managed a forced smile.
"Gab, meet my pesky twin, Ryan," Hannah introduced, shooting him a glare.
Ah, now I see the resemblance. Twins – always thought they were cute.
"We've crossed paths already, Hanny, right, Pretty Gab?" he grinned at me.
"Yeah, we have, and drop the 'Pretty Gab,' just Gab will do," I corrected him politely with a smile.
But I guess it stung him because the smile vanished from his face instantly.
"Oh, I think I'm smitten with this girl," Hannah quipped, flashing a mischievous smile at him.
Okay, I guess they're not each other's biggest fans.
- Writer
