Rapture

19

Today, I sit at the same lunch table as Oliver and his friends. Kelsey has yet to show up and I still don't know what to do about what I saw last night. Do I talk to her first? Do I tell Jason first?

I was kind of hesitant to sit here today because of how I acted towards Oliver but as soon as I stepped into the cafeteria, Jason waved me over. 

The group of guys mostly talk about an upcoming school project while Lana quietly eats her food. I sent her the voice recording last night when I got home after editing it. I never got an email back so I hope she got it. 

"How was the football game Lana?" I ask instead.

Here gaze shifts to me, beside her. 

"They got absolutely demolished, yet again." 

"Hey! We did better than last time." Malcom interjects

Lana sighs. "Yes, that is true, but the school is losing their enthusiasm  for you guys. They need something to feed off of again. Something for them to grasp like little bit of hope."

Malcom scoffs. "We don't have the team for that this year. Besides, hope is what the hockey team is for anyway. Heard you guys beat Mountainview yesterday." He turns to Oliver and Jason.

"Yea, it was a good win." Jason says deflated, while Oliver stays quiet.

"Dude, what is going on with everyone lately?" Malcom says staring at everyone. "I've had enough of these depressing ass lunches, you guys can talk to me you know that right?"

I feel like I'm intruding in on a private group moment.

When nobody speaks Malcom continues.

"I mean, Lana has been like this since she dumped-"

"Thank you Malcom, we appreciate it man, its just been one of those weeks." Oliver cuts Malcom off.

He really likes protecting Lana doesn't he.

So, she dumped Theo then. I wonder what he did to make her like this. Maybe it has something to do with why Oliver cares so much.

"I have exciting news." Kelsey runs up to the table out of breath. "This will surely bring all of our moods up."

I put my sandwich down and give her my attention. 

"Remember, I told you about those galas my family attend?" She glances around the table.

I think back to when she was at my place and nod. She quickly continues.

"Well," she says excitedly, "most of my family can't come to the gala tonight so my grandpa told me to bring my friends."

"Ah, tonight? I can't make it tonight, we have relatives coming over." Malcom says.

"Oliver and I have practice but we could come afterwards?" Jason says glancing at Oliver for confirmation.

Oliver nods and looks at Lana but so does Kelsey.

"You remember the gala last year right Lana. It was so much fun wasn't it?" Kelsey asks pleasantly.

After last night, I'm watching Kelsey very differently. Questioning everything she says now. Does she have ulterior motives? Is she as genuine as she comes across?

Lana fork freezes midair but only for a moment. She put her utensil down and looks at Kelsey with a forced smile.

"I don't really remember much, so no." She responds.

"Awe, that's too bad. It truly was something to watch." Kelsey says as if reminiscing.

"I'm sure it was very eventful for you."