Danger Force: The Next Generation

Chapter 3

Maya, Kenzie, and Sarah walked to the cafeteria together, their laughter mingling with the bustling sounds of lunchtime. As they entered, the aroma of various foods filled the air, making their stomachs rumble in anticipation. The cafeteria was buzzing with students, some chatting animatedly, others huddled over their lunch trays.

Sarah scanned the room and her face lit up when she saw her best friend, Amethyst, waving eagerly. Amethyst was hard to miss with her striking appearance. She had long, flowing dark hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves. Her piercing grey eyes were her most captivating feature, reflecting a depth and intensity that drew people in. She wore a vibrant purple top that perfectly matched her name, paired with black jeans and a collection of bracelets that jingled softly as she moved.

"Hey, I'll catch up with you guys later," Sarah said, her eyes fixed on Amethyst.

"Alright, see you later," Maya replied with a smile as Sarah walked off towards her friend.

Maya and Kenzie continued walking through the crowded cafeteria, weaving through groups of students until they spotted Jacob and Mark sitting at a table near the windows. Sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over the scene. The boys were deep in conversation, their trays already half-empty.

"Hey guys," Maya greeted as she and Kenzie slid into the seats across from them.

"Hey, how's it going?" Jacob asked, looking up from his tray with a smile. Jacob was always the serious one, focused and determined, but he had a soft spot for his friends.

"It's been a day," Kenzie replied, rolling her eyes. "But at least we're finally here."

They chatted about their first day, sharing stories about new teachers, confusing schedules, and funny incidents in class. Mark, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly stood up.

"I'm gonna grab a cookie," he announced. "Anyone want anything?"

"Could you get me a red velvet cookie?" Maya asked, her eyes lighting up at the thought.

"Sure thing," Mark replied with a grin. He headed towards the dessert counter, navigating through the crowd with ease.

Mark reached the counter and picked up a red velvet cookie for Maya and a chocolate chip cookie for himself. As he turned to head back to the table, he realized he needed to use the bathroom. Not wanting to take the cookies with him, he left them on the table and made his way to the restroom.

Entering the bathroom, Mark immediately noticed Lance and his friends loitering around, skipping class and smoking. The acrid smell of smoke filled the small space. Lance and Mark had a history; they used to be friends in elementary school, but Lance had changed. By middle school, he'd become a jerk, and in high school, he was nothing short of an asshole.

"Well, look who it is," Lance sneered, his eyes narrowing as he saw Mark. "You lost, or did you just decide to join the fun?"

Mark's jaw tightened, but he remained silent, trying to avoid a confrontation. Lance and his friends laughed, misinterpreting his silence.

"What's the matter, Mark? Mute all of a sudden?" Lance taunted.

Mark took a deep breath and looked Lance in the eye. "You used to be nice," he said quietly but firmly. "Now you're just an asshole."

The laughter died down as Lance's expression darkened. He took a step towards Mark, his face twisted with anger. "What did you just say?" he demanded, his voice low and threatening.

Before Mark could respond, Lance shoved him against the wall, pinning him with surprising strength. "You think you're better than me now, huh?" Lance growled.