An Angel's Tears

Lunch

I walked into the Cafeteria and sat at a table in the far corner; I liked to stay away from others as much as possible. Out of sight, out of mind, I liked to say. I never ate in school, but that's a story for another time. I closed my eyes and felt the rhythm of the music. When I opened my eyes I was startled to see Reese sitting in the chair across from me. I turned off my iPod, and started to speak.

"What are you doing here?" I said confused, I didn't intend for it to come out rude, but it was instinct.

"I just thought that maybe you'd like some company, but if I bother you then I could go...." He said, a little shocked by my tone.

"No, no, it's fine. Sure you can stay, sorry for sounding so rude." The words came quickly, in a rush, as I tried to find the words.

"Hey, it's no problem, how's school so far?" He spoke calmly then smiled, and I could tell he was trying to make small talk.

"Uh, well..." I paused not knowing what to say or how to say it. It was a simple question, yet I wasn't used to talking to people. But Reese was patient, silently watching me, waiting for my answer. So I decided to take a shot, after a second I said "Honestly, this place is like a Hell hole, it'll never be a comfortable place to be."

He seemed to look relieved. "I completely agree, my family moved to Dexter this past summer. They said I could get a new start on my life, and at first I thought they were wrong. But, I mean, who knows maybe they were right...." He trailed off.

"What do you mean?" I hadn't cleared up my confusion; I still didn't know why he was here and...why he chose me. And now he had confused me even more.

"What I'm saying is, maybe, things will be different. Maybe...." I waited for a moment, but he didn't finish.

I decided I had to know "Don't take this the wrong way, but why did you choose me? Obviously, you have to know by now that no one likes me and that I have no friends...."

"I think you're wrong."

"I doubt it, but, anyway, how so?"

"You said no one likes you and you have no friends, but I like you and I could be your friend... unless you don't want to be my friend...."

"Y-you don't have to do this, I mean you can if you want to, but I don't want you to feel like you have to...." I stuttered, surprised.

"Well then, consider yourself, friended," he smiled a big goofy smile.

"I like that idea," I smiled back. It felt awkward, as I haven't smiled in such a long time, this whole exchange felt so childish.

"I do too. ....So, tell me about yourself," he said suddenly.

"Urm...." Damn, what was I supposed to say?

"Oh, come on, is it really that hard?" He asked curiously.

"Yup."

"Why?"

"I'm really bad at talking to people, and I'm even worse at describing myself. Plus, I'm pretty boring...." I trailed off.

"I think you are pretty interesting, just try your best. Would you like some help?"

"Really? And yes, I would appreciate all the help I can get."

He chuckled "Yes, a girl like you, seems pretty interesting." He smiled at me, and I couldn't help but feel the tiniest bit flattered. "And as for a starter, like you're favorite things, you don't have to tell me personal things if it makes you uncomfortable."

And so I started telling him about myself, and when I finished he started telling me about himself. And when lunch ended Reese walked with me out of the Cafeteria.

"Where are you headed to next?" Reese asked casually.

"Spanish, with Mrs. Garcia. How about you?" I replied, my tone matching his.

"Looks like we're going to the same place," he said, he seemed as if he was kind of happy that he wouldn't have to leave me just yet. He smiled.

"Well, that's a surprise," I said to him with slight sarcasm after I had gotten my stuff out of my locker.

"Yeah, come on buddy, we need to go before we're late for Spanish," he said, jokingly.

"Okay, okay, let's go," I laughed-that too felt strange-and followed him into the classroom.