Life, Changes and Automne Feuilles: Freshman Beginnings

Chapter 5: Impromptu Conversations

The Cafeteria...

It was full, which was not surprising since it was lunch time, students were standing in line with a tray in their hands, while others were eating either alone or with someone else; it being a good place to talk, get distracted from classes and regain energy.

Of course, it "would be" for Serena if it weren't for...

«Where are they, where are they, where are they? Everything is so loud!» finally, after crossing the long corridors of the school almost aimlessly, several failed attempts to read a map and being constantly surrounded by people even in the lunch line (and all that for 10 minutes), she was now in that place with a tray of food in her hands.

With nothing better to do, Serena went in search of a table to sit down while she waited for the twins, finding one in the back which, to her surprise, was empty. Now in her seat, she took off her hood and began to analyze today's special on her tray: mashed potatoes, a meatball sandwich, a pear, and a bunch of grapes. Serena rolled her eyes at one of the appetizers.

—Is this serious? —she couldn't believe it and didn't want to, but as usual, didn't have a better option.

As she finished eating her mashed potatoes, which she didn't even like (even though it tasted good), a short young boy of dark skin, almost black vest, indigo T-shirt and honey-yellow hair approached her.

—Hey, do you mind if I sit here?

«What? Why me?! Please don't! I need to be alone...» Serena didn't have enough energy to chat with anyone so much as she tried to endure the noise around her, but to her surprise and disgust, "something" avoid her to reject him.

—No problem —she smiled, acting very pleasant—. Of course you can sit —the boy thanked her and sat in front of Serena, who was starting to eat the grapes hoping that her "guest" would stay quiet.

—So... What's your name? —the boy started to speak, there was no answer.

«Okay, I just have to say my name. But then what? What would be a good topic of conversation after I introduce myself? I wish this was easier...» Serena took more time than she thought to answer the question.

—Hey, heeey! —the young boy in front of her raised an eyebrow and scratched his hair a little—. Can you hear me?

«Why does he do that? Maybe he wants to imply something, but what does it mean?! Do I just say my name or...?» Serena still had no answer and could already feel her own fear. The boy had no idea what was happening to her.

—Are you ok-

—Huh? Oh! My name is Serena, and you? —she answered, clueless but trying to show interest. «Remember to smile! Keep eye contact!»

—Ah! —he was a little startled by the reaction he received—. Mmm... You seem a little quiet and nervous, I understand, I also go through those things sometimes —said the guy, smiling in a way of showing sympathy; without being aware that she was not very convinced about his kind gesture.

Serena rolled her eyes, reminding herself that she could only feel distrust of him, but deep down she had a shred of hope that he was a good person.

—By the way, my name is Aiden; nice to meet you Serena! —finally introduced himself.

—Nice to meet you, Aiden —Serena looked at her tray for a few moments and then looked back at the boy in the eyes.

—By the way... Are you new here?

«Try to seem neutral, ask him the same thing too»

—Yes, I am; and what about you? —Serena began to have an idea of ​​where this was going as she broke eye contact for a few seconds.