Little Lies Big Secrets. (Novella)

Chapter 4||The Cafeteria

"Being crazy isn't enough."~Dr. Seuss
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I'm standing at the doors to the cafeteria. I don't like the cafeteria, at all. I haven't been in it in a long time. Jazzy told me to wait for her here. I was very disappointed at how fast Tuesday arrived. I don't want to enter those doors. It's full of too many loud and obnoxious teenagers.
I pace back and forth and continuously check the time. I don't know what always makes her take forever. Today it feels like she's taking even longer, just to punish me.

"Lia?" I turn at the sound of the voice. Jay gives me a questioning stare. Oh no. Not now. "Aren't we eating outside?"

"Um, no." I twiddle my thumbs together nervously. Here comes another lie. "Jazzy wants to eat with Nyle and she wanted me to come with her." Yup. There it is.

"And see the guy she likes!" Jazzy squeals and runs over to me. I was hoping she would have left that part out, or not have heard us at all. I notice Jay's face contort with emotion. Jazzy runs into the cafeteria and motions for me to follow.

"Will you come with me?" I ask Jay. I don't think I can do this without him. I may like him, but he's also my rock. And my other best friend. A smile reappears on his face and he nods.

We enter the cafeteria and I'm hit with noise. Talking, laughing, chairs screeching, trays banging, and even some yelling. I almost keel over in shock. It's worse than I imagined. I feel a warm hand on my back. Jay guides me over to where Jazzy is currently sitting.
The table is filled with many boys and a few girls. I recognize Nyle, the guy Mason, and of course Cameron. All the others are just faces I don't care to know the names of. I just want to get this over with as soon as possible. Jazzy pats the seat next to her and I sit down, dragging Jay with me.

"Everyone, this is my bestie, Lia." Nyle smiles at me, the Mason guy gives me a nod. Most of the others just grunt. I do a wave.

With shaking hands, I retrieve my notebook from my book bag. My nerves are crawling inside me, just ready to burst out. I know it would be rude to put my music in, so I need to write or draw, just something.
I put my pencil down on the page and let the words flow. I start to block out as much as I can. You're okay, you're okay. I try to repeat the mantra to myself, but Jazzy has to interrupt.

"So, Cameron. How is this year for you?" Cameron looks up from his food and smiles at Jazzy.

"Great. Got some good classes, soccer is as good as always. Can't complain." Cameron has short blonde hair, green eyes, and is quite muscular. As you know, I'm not a fan of green eyes. I'm not big on crazy muscles either. I don't mean to but I snort at his description. He raises his eyebrows toward me. "Is there a problem?"

"N-no." I look down at my notebook and scribble out more words. Words are good, words keep me calm.

"I don't recognize you. How long have you gone here?" I'm surprised he's still talking to me. I don't really want him to. I don't like him the way Jazzy thinks and he seems kind of arrogant.

"I've lived in this t-town my w-whole life. This is my t-third year at this school." My mouth always betrays me at times of need. Everything always betrays me. I want to try and stand up to his arrogance but no, anxiety has to come out and play. I notice Cameron's mouth form an 'o' shape. I feel a squeeze on my leg, I give Jay a small smile.

It doesn't surprise me that Cameron doesn't know me. That's how I like it anyway. I'm invisible, translucent. I skate through school, being undetected. I don't need any more problems to add to my life.