(Extra)ordinary

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

After the hype of the competition died down over the past two days, everything returned to normal. Normal as in bullying, teasing and laziness.

My next competition was 3 weeks away, so I thought, why not relax a little bit? I temporarily stopped my healthy diet plan and resumed the usual full-fat menu.

It was lunch time. I entered the cafeteria in search of something to sink my teeth into. Cravings were calling out to me, especially the oily ones.

I was absolutely elated when I saw that cheeseburgers and fries were on sale today. These foods were special; the lunch lady only sells them once a month. Ever since I was in freshman year, I've been eating those food. Until recently, when I started my healthy diet. Today was the day. I'll have it and then I'll stop for the rest of the year, I promised myself.

I joined the queue, with Elle right behind me. Fortunately, the queue was short and before I knew it, it was my turn at the counter.

"One cheeseburger and fries please," I said politely.

The lunch lady grunted at my order. She got a tray, slapped a packet of fries on it and went to the grill to make my cheeseburger.

"I thought you were on a healthy diet?" Elle asked skeptically from behind me.

"I'm taking a break."

"You're just giving in to temptation Anna."

"I've trained hard for the competition, I totally deserve a well-earned break." I said smugly.

She rolled her eyes. "As you say so..."

The lunch lady returned with my order. She placed the tray in front of me and stuck out her arm.

"That'll be $2.50, pay up."

She was really grumpy today. I dug out my wallet and tossed her a note and some coins. She counted the cash and called out, "Next!"

Elle shuffled up to the counter while I stood at the side, waiting for her. "Fruit salad, please."

The lunch lady returned with her order and Elle paid.

We walked back to our usual table by the corner in silence. When I reached the table, I chucked my bag aside and set my tray down. I slid into the seat and tore open the cheeseburger packaging. Before I savored the taste of it, I realized that Elle was staring at me.

"You really are hungry, huh?" She asked, after plopping down onto her seat.

"Definitely." I bit into the cheeseburger and sighed. This was the best day ever. I fingered my fries, and begin to shove them into my mouth one by one.

Elle was stabbing vegetables in her fruit bowl while watching me eat.

"What?" I asked, embarrassed. I wasn't used to people staring at me while I ate.

"Is it really that nice?"

"Yup." Then it struck me. "You want a French fry!"

She sighed in defeat. "You got me."

"You could have asked earlier." I chucked a fry at her. She gratefully took it and munched on it.

"I hardly ever eat fast food anymore. It's mostly subs and sandwiches," she said thoughtfully. "Or sometimes salad."

"That's like a person living on tofu." I mused.

"Yeah, but its healthy, and tasty too." She reaches for another of my fries.

I slapped her hand away. "Hey! You just contradicted yourself, woman."

Elle gave a rueful smile. "It doesn't hurt to eat fries once in a while."