Thrill of the Hunt

Chapter 2

Janiah

Janiah sat uncomfortably in the backseat of Julius's Nissan Altima. She popped her Galaxy Buds in her ears listening to the latest episode of a true crime podcast she followed. It was weird that Julius approached her and invited her to a student council weekend gathering. Julius and her haven't been close since 6th grade. She glanced at the passenger seat where Frankie was taking a selfie of herself. Frankie was the reason her and Julius drifted apart.

Janiah waited for Julius and Frankie at the steps in front of Meadow Park Middle School. It was the end of the first day of 6th Grade. They usually walked home together after school since they lived so close together. Janiah was reading a sci-fi book she brought with her to school. She quickly stuffed the book in her backpack when she heard the doors open. She looked up with excitement only to find Tanya and Lita, her acquaintances from Resource Room. Her excitement dimmed.

Tanya blew a bubble "Are you looking for your people?" smacking her lips and blowing another bubble. Janiah nodded her head. Lita looked up from her phone screen " They already left." her gaze going back to her phone.

Janiah felt a pang of hurt but it didn't show on her face. "Oh, Ok" she said dumbly. Julius, Frankie and her always walked together since 1st Grade. If any of them had to leave early they'd discuss it in the group chat. She quickly pulled her phone out and checked to see if she missed any text from Jules or Frankie, the group chat hasn't had any new messages since August of last year.

Janiah felt the pitying looks of both Tanya and Lita. Tanya was a bit on the chubby side and was darker skinned, and she had a big mouth and was a drama queen. Lita is the tallest girl in their grade plus her beak-like nose which earned her the name Big Bird by the bullies. Also Lita's parents are meth addicts so she lives with her adult half brother and his boyfriend in a trailer park. They knew what it was like to be purposely left out by kids in their class.

"Well, thanks guys see you tomorrow." she said awkwardly. She was about to hurry along but Tanya asked loudly "You want to hang out with us!?" Several kids still hanging around stared at them. Janiah felt the heat of embarrassment on her cheeks and the back of her neck. Lita put an arm around her shoulder and gave Janiah a smile. Her pale skin showed all the pink bumps of her acne. "It's never easy the first time it happens" Janiah knew she was referring to being iced out by kids who used to be friends. She felt a tinge of relief knowing that she wouldn't be completely alone, but it still hurt especially when her and Jules were inseparable.