-willow tree-

Popularity

During lunch, Jane sat at a table in the corner of the cafeteria, trying to stay low-key while navigating the cacophony of voices and laughter. She picked at her food, her mind still swirling with the embarrassment of her introduction earlier that day. Despite her efforts to blend in, she felt the weight of her surroundings pressing down on her.

Suddenly, a group of the popular kids approached her table, their confidence radiating as they strutted over. Jane recognized them from the hallway—bright smiles, perfectly styled hair, and designer clothes. Her heart raced as they circled around her, their laughter ringing in her ears.

"Look who we have here!" one of the girls, a blonde named Tiffany, exclaimed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "The new girl from the other side of town! How's it feel to be a nobody?"

Jane's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, her heart racing. She tried to ignore them, focusing on her half-eaten sandwich, but the group continued to taunt her.

"Did you really think you'd fit in here?" another boy added, his smirk widening. "You look like you just came from a thrift store. What's that band on your shirt? Are they even popular?"

The laughter erupted around her, and Jane felt the sting of their words cut deep. She glanced around, hoping for a friendly face, but everyone else seemed too engrossed in their own conversations to notice her plight.

While the popular kids continued their teasing, Jane caught a glimpse of Adeline at a nearby table. She was sitting with her friends, her expression distant as she stared off into space, seemingly lost in thought. Jane's heart sank; she had hoped Adeline might come to her rescue, but instead, she seemed oblivious to the scene unfolding just a few feet away.

"Hey, Jane!" Tiffany called, snapping her fingers in front of Jane's face. "Earth to Jane! Are you even listening? Or are you too busy dreaming about being part of our world?"

The laughter grew louder, and Jane felt tears prick at her eyes. She wanted to stand up for herself, to say something witty or clever, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, she sat there, feeling smaller by the second, wishing she could disappear.

"Come on, let's go," one of the boys finally said, losing interest. "I think we've tortured her enough for one day."

As they walked away, the laughter faded into the background, leaving Jane feeling vulnerable and exposed. She glanced back at Adeline, who was still staring off into the distance, seemingly unaware of Jane's distress.

With a heavy heart, Jane resumed her half-hearted lunch, the words of the popular kids echoing in her mind. She hoped that tomorrow might be different, that maybe Adeline would notice her and finally offer a glimmer of friendship amidst the harshness of high school.