"DING", "DING" !!! Finally it was lunch time. All throughout science my mind kept wondering to the new girl. I just wanted to make sure she was okay.
I quickly gathered my bag and raced towards the cafeteria. Though getting there was a process- with hundreds of students elbowing their way to the next class I found myself suck in a traffic jam. Slowly people started to move into the classrooms freeing up space for me to slip through the them. Once passing the insane crowd I took a deep, slow breath.
Everyday we sat at the same table, so I already knew where I was going. To nones surprise I was the first one there- like always. Aonung has class service hours all the way in the elementary building and Tsireya's class was on the other side of the school. So I just patiently waited for them.
Luckily I wasn't waiting for long as Tsireya and the Sullys joined me. My eyes were immediately glued to Kiri- trying to read her body language. She threw on a huge sweater with a hoodie pulled far over her head and a thick pair of sunglasses. As she slumped into her seat her brothers sat on ether side of her- protective. I could tell that the pain was starting to really take a toll on her.
Her brothers began to comfort her by rubbing her back and snuggling close. The older one pulled the hoodie off her head and handed her a bag of strawberries. She slowly excepted the food and began to graze. It was quite fascinating watching the Sullys eat- they all shared food and utensils. Very close and touchy family.
"Hey Kiri." I tried to talk as softly as I could not wanting to put her through more pain.
She glanced up at me and returned to her strawberries. Though Neteyam wasn't having it. He grabbed her by the waist, turning her to face me. Though she still didn't say anything. Lo'ak gave her a small nudge and a knowing look to be nice.
"Hi" Her voice sounded strained, like even the slightest thing would make her crumble. After making eye contact for a little too long she dumped her head onto lo'ak shoulder- barricading her face into his chest.
Neteyam- "The light really hurts her eyes."
Rotxo- "Got it."
I then spotted Neteyam sliding Kiri two small pills. I took a mental note of this- 'how to help Kiri with her migraines 101'.
As lunch continues I started to grow concerned at why Aonung wasn't here yet. Right before I was about to say something he slowly walked over, carefully seating himself in-between me and Reya.
(Seating arrangement rn ⬇️)
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Tsireya- "So, how have you guys been liking the school ?"
The Sullys all started to exchange looks at one other unable to come up with a response.
Lo'ak- "It's big."
Neteyam- "yeah..."
Kiri let out a large sigh while moaning something in a weird language. Both of her brothers where struggling to hold in fits of laughter.
Rotxo- "What language is that ?" I made sure to look directly at Kiri in hopes that she would respond. To my surprise she actually did-
"Arabic." Yes I know it is a blunt response but still, she responded without her brothers having to prompt her. I took this as a small victory and carried on eating my sandwich.
Everyone was able to feel the uncanny silence building. Staring off into different directions trying to distract are selves until finally Tsireya spoke up- she was always the first one to engage in a conversation.
" So... what do you guys like to do for fun ?"
Lo'ak- " I play video games."
Kiri- "A LOT."
Lo'ak- " Yeah, yeah a lot."
Tsireya- "Aonung does the same thing and always has me watch him..."
Kiri- "SAME I don't know why though cause he's not very good."
Lo'ak- "Hey, yes I am !"
Neteyam- "I don't even play video games and I know you suck."
Aonung- "Why not ?" This was the first that Aonung had said anything all lunch. Everyone turned to him as if they had spotted a ghost- which in all fairness he was being.
Neteyam- "Not a fan."
Aonung- "Hu..." Aonung returned to his phone unsatisfied with his answer. What's up with him ? I knew he was acting strange but decided to bring it up later.
Tsireya- "We should make a group chat in case anyone has questions...like about the school or anything."
Neteyam- "That's a good idea."
Lo'ak- "Yeah it is."
Both Kiri and aonung were trying to give tsireya the sink eye but failed. Tsireya had already created the group chat.
THANK YOU TSIREYA !!! Now I don't have to ask Kiri for her number- I'll already have it !
(Texting ⬇️)
F.R.I.E.N.D.S
Tsireya 🌺 - "There perfect group name"
Me - "Okay so who is everyone ?"
123- "Neteyam"
456- "Lo'ak"
789- "Kiri"
Dipshit- "Aonung"
Once receiving everyone's numbers I made personal contact names for them-
Kiri = Mama's 🧡🪴😻
Lo'ak = Lo'ak (youngest)
Neteyam = Neteyam (Oldest)
"DING", "DING" - everyone quickly gathered their items and got up.
"Hey Kiri" Her look towards me was different then before- not so moody. More like a deer in headlights. The wide eyes and open expression made her seem more human.
" I know you have art next and so do I..." I stopped for a moment to gather my thoughts. Trying to to pull myself together and build up the confidence, "Can I walk you ?!"
Hesitantly she excepted my offer and we where off. Once arriving in class I guided her to a seat where there was low light. I hope she noticed. She seemed to stumble a bit on the way there but did okay.
Miss. Smith was one loud teacher- with every sound she made I could see it chipping away at Kiri. "Here"- I handed her a pair of my ear plugs I use for swimming. Without hesitation she grabbed the ear plugs with a thankful smile. A smile full of relief and comfort- how gorgeous.
As we were sitting together in class I kept replaying the small interaction in my head- until I realized. Without even trying, I helped her with her migraine. 1. Seating her in low light and 2. Giving her ear plugs- I have no idea if ether of these things really helped or if she even noticed but I knew that this was a start. __________________________________ 1064 words
