• • • • •
I’m sitting in World Cultures watching the clock tick from 11:58 to 11:59 as my thumbs fidget. Lunch is in one minute. I typically avoid places like the cafeteria, where large groups of students gather without prominent adult supervision. So naturally I’m nervous about eating lunch with Seth in the cafeteria.
My heart flutters when the lunch bell rings and people hastily make their way out of the classroom. I want my feet to grow roots and stay planted here. But instead I inch my way down the brown-tiled hallway with my sack lunch (that I pack every day so that I can eat anywhere but the cafeteria).
Our school lunch situation is a bit different from most, at least from what I’ve been told. Whitehall High School students—even the supremely popular ones—eat in the cafeteria. It is for one simple reason: pizza. Our pizza place in town has about three tables and is the slowest pizza place in the world. And if you’re thinking about McDonald’s or Taco Bell, well, I’m sad to report that Whitehall is too small to have those. We have one Subway, which is connected to the gas station near the interstate. That’s the same place that I work at—but I work on the other side of the gas station, at the diner. So most of the students eat in the cafeteria.
I hesitate near the double doors as I hear the chaos of sounds coming from inside. Once I turn the corner, all bets are off on what happens next. For all I know, everyone’s ready to throw food at me.
* * *
At the beginning of the school year, I came to eat in the cafeteria before I knew better. Live and learn, right? I was alone. As usual. And I’d just gotten my pizza. I held my tray and looked around at all the familiar strangers, and slowly trudged to an empty table.
I felt awkward and self-conscious. I had just sat when I heard Joey’s voice above me. “Hey, look. My favorite writer is here. And all by himself.”
Matt and Psych stood next to him.
“Taking a break from your novel?”
I didn’t look up at any of them. I took a bite of my pizza.
I felt Joey flick my ear as he laughed and said, “Come out of your study more often. I like you, DICK-ens. And you might make some friends.”
My face turned beet red.
“That pizza looks good.” He took it out of my hands and acted like he was going to take a bite but then dropped it onto the floor. “Whoops. Greasy.”
All the students were laughing, and I felt exposed and vulnerable. I felt like the entire school was against me. I just wanted to run away. That’s all I ever want to do.
Joey leaned over the table and hugged me very exaggeratedly. “Love you, Charles.” He laughed and flicked my ear again before walking off. Matt and Psych followed, but not without flicking my ear too.
After a few more not-so-pleasant encounters, I decided to forgo the cafeteria.
And eat alone.
* * *
I take a deep breath and face the cafeteria straight on. I scan the room and see that students are scattered from table to table, talking or eating or laughing. It’s almost like no one is even aware of my existence at the cafeteria entrance—which is great.
I search but can’t find Seth anywhere. I don’t want to walk into the chaos that is the cafeteria, and it’s small enough that I can see everyone anyway. If he’s not here, then I guess I’ll go back to my secret hiding place. I’m feeling duped, and as I turn, I bump right into him.
“Where you going, Charlie?”
“I thought you weren’t coming.”
“You thought I’d ditch you? Harsh. Mr. Roberts had to talk to me.”
I need to shake off my insecurity. “Where do you want to sit?”
“I don’t care. Lead the way.”
I walk to the table that’s closest to the doors. It’s practically empty. “This is good. In case we have to make a run for it.”
Seth laughs, because he thinks I’m joking.
Seth’s talking as we eat our turkey sandwiches—I love turkey, but I’m transfixed by Jennifer Bennett sitting across the room. Her blond hair and slim face with her sharp nose and dark brown eyes make her so beautiful.
Seth clears his throat, and I look to him. He’s staring at me, expectantly.
“Sorry?”
Seth laughs again. “Never mind. Nice glasses, by the way. I have contacts.”
What is happening right now? Not only am I in the cafeteria, but someone cool is eating next to me and talking to me. And I can’t get out of my head enough to enjoy it.
Earth to Charlie. Come back.
“So tell me something about yourself, besides the secret fact that you’re into UFOs,” Seth says.
I feel my face turn red. “You can’t tell anyone that.”
“My lips are sealed.”
Then I wonder, why would Seth have my back? Why wouldn’t he use this information to make my life hell and to gain some popularity?
“What are you thinking about now? It’s like your brain is never quiet.” Seth chuckles again as he takes a bite of his sandwich.
I watch him chew. “Are you a sophomore?”
Seth nods. “Yep.”
This is just too weird. Why would a sophomore want to hang out with a freshman? Let alone me? This has to be a trap—and yet, it feels real.
“You know . . .” He stares at me as I talk. “I’m a freshman, right?” I’m ready for him to blink and grab his food and leave me right here. Not another word said. And you know what? I’d get it. I wouldn’t even fault him for it.
So I’m bracing myself, but instead he laughs. “Yeah, I know. You’re a freshman for a few more days and then you’ll be a sophomore. Like me.” He winks.
“Not sure it works like that,” I say.
“Charlie, I don’t care what grade you’re in. It’s not about that.”
Then what’s it about? I clear my throat. “So you’re okay with it?”
Seth stares at me as he tries to figure out if I’m being serious. “Would I be sitting here eating lunch with you if I wasn’t okay with it? Or if I didn’t like you? Just, relax.”
I nod, a heavy feeling in my chest. After so many years alone, I feel undeserving of a friend.