Written in the Stars *EDITING*

Chapter 2: The Food Isn't the Only Rotten Thing in the Cafeteria

Mondays were always a bore at Redwood High. The occasional brawl between two guys angry about a meaningless situation or a couple fighting in the middle of the hallway were the most common forms of entertainment at Redwood. The real fun happened outside of school, at parties, or in other public places that students frequented like the mall. That's where the real scandals and gossip at Redwood originated.

Mia ran a hand through her shoulder-length dark chocolate hair. Currently, she was sitting at her usual lunch table waiting for her best friend, Hazel, to get her food and sit with her. It was usually just the two of them at the end of the table, but that's what they preferred. They had the freedom to talk freely and enjoy their lunch without the scrutiny of their peers.

"God, I don't even know how this stuff gets approved to give to us." Hazel took her seat across from Mia before picking up her slice of pizza and dropping it back onto her plate. "This stuff might be radioactive."

Mia let out a laugh, knowing she could always count on Hazel to cheer her up. Hazel Lowe was the kind of girl who could get a complete stranger to laugh only a minute after meeting them. Her laugh was infectious and her smile was genuinely kind. Suddenly, Hazel's sun-kissed hand reached over and took Mia's pale one. "Please tell me the math packet isn't due today!"

"No, it's due next week. Maybe you should look at our shared calendar considering I write both of our assignments down for us." Having been best friends for years, the two shared a lot. Mia had thought that having a shared calendar would help encourage Hazel to stay on top of her assignments. Perhaps Mia had been too optimistic to think it would help disorganized Hazel.

"I know, I know. I was too busy to think about math this weekend. I went on the most amazing date! Violet is super cute and I honestly think she might be the one."

"Hazel. I love you, I really do. But that was your first date with Violet, how can you be sure she's the one?" Mia asked, her arms crossed.

"It's just a feeling. A spark. Maybe you'll understand when you go on a date or meet someone who knocks you off your feet."

"Ok, I get and respect that, I do. But you also said that Maria might be the one. Not to mention Lisa and Natalie. Oh did I mention Emily?" Mia teased, a smile on her face.

"So maybe I tend to fall in love easily. It's not my fault the universe didn't want me to end up with those lovely ladies. Enough about me. What did you do this weekend? Maybe venture out into the world? Or oh I know, hotwire a car? That would be exciting!"

Mia was about to respond and tell Hazel a half-truth- that she had done some homework and watched a movie. Hazel didn't need to know that Mia had gone to Nathan and been promptly rejected. Unfortunately, she didn't get the chance to tell her about her boring weekend because Susan Robinson chose that moment to walk up to the two of them. Behind her was Kat Bridges, her vapid blonde friend.

Susan placed her perfectly manicured hands on the end of the table and leaned into Mia. "Well well. If it isn't pathetic little Mia. Do anything fun this weekend?" Susan placed her left hand on her heart and let out a fake gasp. "Oh, that's right! You're a pathetic loser who no one wants to hang out with." Kat laughed in agreement as Mia stared down at her food. Susan had been rude to Mia for years, she was a bully who delighted in seeing Mia's confidence be struck down and diminished.

Hazel's eyes held fire as she said, "Leave us alone Susan. Maybe get a life or try and get your pathetic grades up." Hazel practiced kindness to an almost saint like degree. But when it came to people messing with her best friend? Well, Hazel could turn into a downright demon. Hazel tried to defend Mia the best she could, but she couldn't always be there when Susan decided to bully Mia.