H A U N T E D

t h i r t e e n

t h i r t e e n

The boy didn't verbalize anything else that I might've found peculiar and once the bell rang, he sprinted out of the classroom. A few strange looks followed his tall figure retreating, but it was shrugged off. Once lunch rolled by, I forgot about the boy.

Instead, I focus on Kofi, who keeps shooting me worried glances. I feel the burden of each look he passes me while we stand in the lunch line, collecting salads and burritos. We silently walk to his lunch table, taking our time. I can feel the pressure building up within Kofi until he blows.

"Just ask it, love", I encourage him as we sit down. We're the first to arrive at the table, so privacy will give me some space to answer.

"What happened yesterday?", he exclaims and turns his entire body to face mine.

"I had a bit of a freakout, that's all", I shrug and take a bite from my burrito. It doesn't fall apart in my hands, thank goodness. I realize now that burritos and white overalls wouldn't work together, and make sure I am extra careful with my lunch.

"You cried and screamed for no reason. If we're going to be friends, I want to know", he insists. I turn my glare towards him, feeling rather offended by his words.

"Kofi, you've known me all of 4 days. My emotions and thoughts are private unless I decide to share it", I place down my burrito back onto the plate.

"If you can respect that, then we can't be friends", I make a move to stand up, but Kofi grabs onto my wrist, his eyes pleading with me to stay. I raise an eyebrow at the movement and pause until Kofi realizes that I don't appreciate being grabbed like that.

"I am sorry, O-Ophelia", he says my name as the song. I can't help but grin at the use of the lyric. I can't help but be reminded of what the spirit told me, about Kofi wanting to get into the witch's panties. I slouch down into my seat, noticing Neo walking towards us.

"Oh, hey Neo!", I greet with a smile. Neo returns the smile and sits opposite of me, sliding his meal in front of him.

"Hey, Ophelia! Are you okay today?", he asks with concern laced in his voice. I nod and purse my bottom lip, preparing for the onslaught of questions that are sure to follow.

"Alright! If you ever need help, please ask me", Neo grins and digs into his lunch that he must've brought from home. It's not on today's menu. Slowly, MacKenzie and Nicky join us. Surprisingly, Nicky sends a small smile my way, contradicting the atmosphere he created yesterday. Somehow, I feel a bit pathetic. As lunch continues, I notice that it's as if everyone's walking in eggshells around me. I don't know whether to be embarrassed or annoyed. I am touched in a way, but I feel like they hardly know me and I have already created the wrong impression. Halfway through lunch, I decide to be the quiet and supportive friend who doesn't draw attention, because it seems like that's the only thing I have been getting these past few days.

"Nicky, where's your sister?", I ask the boy while pushing my empty plate away. I take a sip of water while waiting for his response, rinsing my mouth with the liquid and then swallowing it.

"She has a guide - meeting with a teacher", he informs me. Somehow, I don't think that's what he originally wanted to say. I leave it, seeing as Nicole and I don't get along and it's none of my business.

"MacKenzie, I remember you saying you're stressed about the Algebra test", I call for the girl's attention. She gives me a tired stare and nods, her expression filled with anxiety and stress.

"Yeah! Like, I know we had a week to prepare, but I am bad at anything mathematical related", she sighs and rests her head in her hands.

"Do you want to study on Sunday?", I ask her, hoping that I am making good with the promise I made with myself merely minutes ago. The girl looks up with anticipation and renewed hope.