-willow tree-

adelines perspective

As Adeline sat at her usual table in the bustling cafeteria, her mind wandered far away from the noise around her. She absentmindedly picked at her lunch, her thoughts consumed by the new girl, Jane. Adeline had seen her earlier in the hallway, standing nervously by the principal, and she had felt a pang of sympathy for her. It was never easy being the new kid, especially in the 11th grade when social circles were already well established.

Glancing around the cafeteria, Adeline noticed Jane sitting alone at a table in the corner, clearly trying to avoid attention. A part of her wanted to get up and join her, to offer a friendly word or two, but the other part hesitated. She was well aware of the popular kids and how they thrived on making others feel small. A flicker of anxiety shot through her; what would they think if she befriended Jane?

Suddenly, Adeline's heart sank as she saw Tiffany and her crew making their way toward Jane. Their laughter was loud and unmistakable, and Adeline felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She knew what was coming. She watched as they surrounded Jane, their smirks wide, their insults sharp.

"Look who we have here!" Adeline heard Tiffany's voice cut through the air, dripping with sarcasm. Adeline clenched her fists, wanting to leap up and defend Jane, but she found herself frozen in place, unable to move.

As the popular kids continued to tease Jane, Adeline felt a rush of anger swell inside her. She could see the discomfort on Jane's face, the way her cheeks flushed as she tried to ignore them. The laughter echoed in Adeline's ears, and she could almost feel Jane's humiliation radiating across the room.

"Hey, Jane!" Tiffany called out, snapping her fingers in front of Jane's face. "Earth to Jane!" Adeline's heart ached at the sight of Jane's vulnerability.

She glanced back at her friends, who were oblivious to the scene unfolding nearby, caught up in their own conversations. Adeline felt a wave of frustration; she wanted to yell at them to pay attention, to stand up for someone who clearly needed support. But the fear of judgment held her back, and she remained paralyzed in her seat.

Finally, the group of popular kids lost interest and walked away, leaving Jane alone once more. Adeline's heart sank as she watched Jane's defeated posture, the way she resumed eating her lunch, her spirit visibly crushed.

With a heavy heart, Adeline realized she had missed an opportunity to reach out, to show kindness when it mattered most. She felt a deep sense of regret wash over her as she stared at Jane from across the cafeteria, wishing she had the courage to befriend her and offer a glimmer of hope in the harshness of high school.