A Rift Between Us

Chapter 45 - Canteen Clash

The library came alive with the pitter-patter of footsteps. Everyone was eager to escape the intense concentration that had enveloped them. Alfie struggled to squeeze through the narrow gap between the library's security sensors as other students inadvertently pressed against him. Laboured breaths grew louder behind him. A firm hand landed on his shoulder, its warmth and pressure unmistakable.

"Hold on!"

It was Mr Dodge. He'd somehow worked up a sweat by merely sprinting a few metres. His hand guided Alfie aside as other students flooded out.

"Listen, Alfie. I've been getting non-stop assignments this past month. Your detention will have to take place this lunch."

Well, that works out better I guess. At least I can go home straight away.

"Okay, sir."

Mr Dodge firmly tugged at his trousers, but his worn-out belt let them slip back down.

"Make your way to the registration room as soon as lunch starts. I'll figure out a way to bring you your food."

He marched away with urgency, disappearing behind the many bookshelves.

The corridors buzzed with renewed conversation. A mix of gossip and casual chatter among the younger students intertwined with the tense discussions of the year elevens. Alfie mingled through them, their words sparking thoughts in his mind.

I should have all three core subjects in the bag. I remember the majority of the formulas, methods, and names...It's just ICT. A bit more work on that.

His eyes whipped up to the cold food queue. It was short. Perfect. A group of boys blocked his path, chatting away, oblivious to their surroundings. He pressed his palms together, sliding himself through them as they continued to socialise. The last person had taken their food. He stepped forward.

"Hey, can I have a chicken mayo baguette, please?"

He tapped his lunch card on the scanner, and the dinner lady handed him the sandwich. He strolled through the canteen, unwrapping it. Lettuce brushed against his lip, smearing mayonnaise across his face. Abruptly, the sandwich was yanked away. He bit down on nothing but air. The crunch reverberated, sending a sharp pain through his gums. He turned his head. Keiko stood there, her white T-shirt and pleated skirt shimmering under the harsh glare of the overhead lights.

"Why didn't you read the note, nerd? You got me in trouble." She shook his arm aggressively, keeping the baguette away from his mouth. "Next time, read the damn thing!"

"Can you stop? I'm literally trying to eat."

Oh crap. Did I...?

Alfie staggered forward, coming face-to-face with her as she pulled on his arm. He held his breath, tilting his head back as she encroached on his personal space.

"Listen. You better fix up, you understand? What I say goes. Simple as that."

Alfie's lips trembled, only centimetres from her face.

"I-I don't understand why you're always..."

A trace of fear rippled through his voice, extinguishing the brief spark of courage that had previously appeared. An imperceptible tremor took hold of his body. Keiko's hand shot out, her palm connecting with his chest in a swift, powerful motion. He careened backwards, colliding with another student. The sudden impact silenced the surrounding chatter. Eyes widened, jaws dropped, and a collective gasp hung in the air. Alfie looked up.

"What the heck??"

Everyone receded as Keiko took light steps towards him. Shafts of light struck her bandana from above, highlighting its vivid colours.

"I can do whatever I want, nerd. Now give me a piece of your baguette."

Alfie drew his hand closer to his body, practically hugging the sandwich to his chest. Her hand curved through the air, clenching around the top before ripping it in half. 

"Hey!" Alfie protested.

She took a bite, glaring at his astonished face while she chewed.

"Tastes good. See you around."

The students behind him gawked as Keiko disappeared into the crowd.

Damn it! She's really pissing me off...