The Normals

Slice of Heaven

The school cafeteria, in my opinion, was a complete war-zone. It was loud and crowded. You could hardly breath without feeling completely suffocated. Also to add to the fun, there were those stupid assholes who threw random chunks of food around the cafeteria, and where did that food normally land?

On anyone who didn't exactly fit in.

And that basically describes me. So, since I had no desire to get hit my the school's mystery meat, I sat outside alone.

It was quit and peaceful in the silence I bathed in.

It was nice.

I ate my spaghetti on the side of the school, avoiding any contact with anything living. It was a secluded area I found at the beginning of freshman year, and I had been eating my lunch in this spot ever since. I leaned up against the fence that separated the school from the football field and soaked up the sun's rays.

This was my own little slice of heaven in this hell. It was my form of sanctuary.

Or that was until I head someone calling my name from the front of the little alleyway that was between the school and the football field.

"Oh Vera, there you are! What are you doing back here? I was looking for you in the cafeteria and I couldn't find you." A familiar brunette popped her head around the side of the building, a tray in her hands.

"Mia," I hissed in slight annoyance, dropping the fork in my hand back onto the red plastic tray. "Why are you here?"

Mia appeared to be taken aback by my tone. "Um," She replied nervously. "I just wanted to have lunch with you." Her hazel eyes held worry behind her thick brown rimmed glasses. "And well um, since I'm new I don't really have any friends." She paused, looking down at me with a pleading look.

My fists tightened on my tray.

Make some friends.

I repeated that phrase in my mind to remind me that I need to attempt to be nice to others. "Whatever." I mumbled out. Mia smiled, taking a quick seat next to me, leaning her back up against the fence. "Don't let your shirt get caught on the fence." I warned quietly, noticing the type of material her shirt was.

"Oh, thanks for the heads up." She giggled, opening her milk.

I grumbled out a 'yeah' before shoving more food into my mouth.

I didn't understand why Mia would wanted too speak to me after Chemistry, let alone have lunch with me. I mean yes, I was kind to her and I agreed to be her Chemistry partner for the year. Still, I wasn't exactly gifted with the powers of being social.

Maybe it was because I was the only person who had a full conversation with her. Or maybe it was because she truly enjoyed my company. But a large part of me doubted that.

"So why are you eating back here?" Mia asked hesitantly, putting a piece of lettuce into her mouth.

"Have you not been in that cafeteria?"

She chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, I guess I understand why you eat here. But why do you eat here all alone?" She asked. "I mean, you surly have to have some friends who eat with you normally, right?"

"No." I answered bluntly, swallowing another large amount of food.

"Oh, I see." Said Mia, picking up the hint that I wanted to cease talking about the subject. So instead of being quiet, she changed the topic. "This would be a good place to study. It's nice and peaceful but also a great place to catch a glimpse of the guys practicing." She smiled. "And since we have mostly the same classes, we could work here together after school sometime."

I glanced at her, seeing that she genuinely wanted to spend some time with me. I bit my lip, putting my tray on the grass beneath us.

"I can't. Normally, I have a counseling session with my therapist after school."

Mia's excited expression faded slightly at my words.

"But I'm sure if I mention you to him today, Phill will give me the day off tomorrow. Maybe we can hang out then. That is, if you want-" I was interrupted by to arms wrapping around me, hugging me tight.

"That sound great! Tomorrow it is then!" Mia tightly held me whilst squealing quietly.

"Um," I uttered out a sound of surprise. "Yeah, it's a study date then." I struggled for breath. "But ugh could we first stop the whole physical contact thing." I mumbled.

"Sorry." Mia pulled away. "I am just a little excited to finally have a friend."

I had to stop myself from chocking on air. "So wait, we're actually friends now?"

She nodded.

"Damn that was simpler than I thought." I grumbled under my breath.

~ ~ ~

So it has literally taken me over 4 months to update this damn book...which (once again) I apologize for.
(It seems I have been doing that a lot)

Anyways, my reasoning for the late update is due to the fact that I have been extremely distracted and busy. And instead of prepping for the ACT tomorrow, I am procrastinating by posting this chapter (and/or watching Supernatural while eating ice cream).

So after the ACT, I am planning to update more frequently. And in case you give a shit, I have not lost interest in this book. In fact, I think about it quite frequently, mentally concocting ideas for the plot and chapters.

I promise I will update sooner.

- S