Between Faith and Love

Another encounter

The following day at school felt like a whirlwind. March navigated her classes with a mix of anxiety and excitement, her mind buzzing with thoughts of the previous night's Bible study and the connection she felt with Zephaniah. Lunchtime arrived, and as she scanned the cafeteria, she spotted Jehwell waving at her from a table near the window.

"Over here!" Jehwell called, her smile bright against the dull background of the cafeteria. March felt a rush of warmth at the sight of her friend and made her way through the sea of bustling students, her heart lightening with each step.

As March slid into the seat across from Jehwell, the familiar chatter of their peers filled the air. "How's your day been so far?" Jehwell asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Not bad," March replied, grateful for the easy conversation. "Just trying to figure out my schedule."

They laughed and chatted, sharing stories about their teachers and classes. But as they talked, March's attention drifted to the entrance of the cafeteria, where she spotted Zephaniah walking in with a group of friends. Her heart skipped a beat as she admired the way Zephaniah moved through the crowd with confidence, her ginger hair cascading around her shoulders.

March felt an inexplicable pull, her gaze locking onto Zephaniah's light hazel eyes as she made her way to the lunch line. The world around her faded into a blur, and all she could see was Zephaniah-her smile, her laughter echoing across the room.

Jehwell, noticing March's sudden distraction, followed her line of sight. "Oh, you know Zephaniah?" she asked, surprised.

March blinked, pulling herself out of her trance. "Yeah," she said casually, trying to sound nonchalant. "I met her at a Bible study my aunt and uncle took me to. It was cool and all."

Jehwell raised an eyebrow. "Bible study? Didn't think that was your thing."

"It's not really," March admitted with a slight shrug. "But I'm just trying to fit in, you know? My aunt's big into church stuff, and Zephaniah was there. We didn't talk much, but she seems... nice."

Jehwell gave her a knowing look but didn't press further. "Well, she's definitely one of the good ones. Always so kind and involved with everything here."

March nodded, though her thoughts were still distracted by Zephaniah, who was now sitting with a group of friends on the other side of the cafeteria. She tried to brush it off, focusing back on her lunch with Jehwell. It was no big deal, she told herself, but the feeling that stirred inside her when she saw Zephaniah lingered.

The rest of the day passed in a blur, and by the time the final bell rang, March had managed to push those thoughts aside. She gathered her things and started toward the exit when she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Hey, March! Wait up!"

She turned to see Zephaniah hurrying toward her, her hazel eyes bright with warmth. March's heart raced, and she tried to play it cool as Zephaniah caught up to her.

"Hey," March greeted, surprised but happy to see her.

"I didn't get to talk to you much earlier," Zephaniah said, a soft smile on her lips. "I was wondering... would you want to come over for dinner tonight? My family's making a big meal, and it'd be fun to have you there."

March blinked, caught off guard by the invitation. Dinner at Zephaniah's house? She felt her stomach flutter at the thought but kept her tone casual. "Uh, sure, that sounds cool. I'll just need to let my aunt know."

Zephaniah grinned, clearly pleased. "Great! We'll have plenty of food, so you're more than welcome to join us. I'll meet you later?"

March nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, sounds good."