Reconcile

e l e v e n

With nerves rampaging about my pale skin, I shuttered. My mind currently soaring with endless possibilities as to how this lunch was going to unravel.

I felt as if I were the new kid at school all over again. Even though that was ages ago and I can barley even remember what I did, much less said. But, I still can recall the unsettling feeling bubbling in the deep pits of my stomach. My palms sweaty and mind a bit hazy. It was a feeling I definitely despised.

I shouldn't be feeling this way, though. For, I've known the majority of these people for years, and I spent just this weekend experiencing a near death situation with the bunch. Therefore, I desperately needed to compose myself.

It's just that, I knew I wasn't accepted. Of course, Heather is being extremely sweet and welcoming, and I really appreciate it, I do. But, Amber has a burning hatred towards me, David could easily care less, and Nick is merely bothersome. At least Chloe was not only kind, but enjoyed my presence as well.

I took a shallow breath, bracing myself before slamming my palms into the lunch room's double doors. My vision clouded with multiplying teenagers, all while monotone voices perpetuated my eardrums.

I swallowed uneasily, my eyes landing on Chloe and Reid. The dark haired girl not looking the slightest bit worried that I wasn't seated beside her. Maybe she didn't enjoy my presence as much as anticipated.

Without warning, an arm linked with mine. Heather's brunette hair bouncing from side to side as she shot me a sincere grin.

"Let's go sit down, yeah?"

I returned the gesture. Finding myself doing nothing but slightly nodding as we both began to walk forward. Weaving through the numerous lunch tables littering the tiled floor. People's intense conversations coming into earshot for about three seconds, before dissipating completely.

Sooner or later, we had reached the dreaded lunch table. Me making eye contact with Amber almost instantly, in whom's face contorted in the utmost anger and disgust.

"What is she doing here?" The prissy teen scoffed, pursing her deep red lips.

Nick did nothing but take a swig of his water bottle. A slight chuckle emerging from his mouth, "Well, Amber, to me it looks like she's going to have lunch with us. But, we know you don't catch on that fast."

David stifled a laugh while Amber sent death glares in his direction. The teenage boy attempting to avoid any and all eye contact.

"Of course she's here to have lunch with us," retorted Heather, plopping down in a seat as well as pulling me down along with her, "she's my friend."

"Friend?" The blonde rose an eyebrow, "Catherine is your friend?"

Heather produced a pre-made salad from her book bag. Easily opening it and stabbing her plastic fork into a piece of romain lettuce, "that's right, Amber. Friend. Need me to sound it out?"

I smirked, knowing very well that Heather and I have only been friends—acquaintances even, for a few hours. Yet, that didn't refrain her from scolding the blonde.

"Excuse me?"

Heather did nothing but shrug, "This conversation is boring. What are we doing after school today?" She questioned, shoving her food somewhat gracefully into her mouth.

I opened my petite plastic bag, removing my sandwich as well as shoving the savory meal towards my lips. I presumed since I was here, I may as well eat. For, I was starving. Regardless of the aggravating people around me.

"We could always do Aldo's." Said David, "Their pizza is the best."

Heather huffed in what seemed like annoyance, "We went there Friday. Can't we do something else this time?"

Amber then piped into the conversation, taking a quick drink of her iced tea before speaking, "What about the laser tag place?"

"Yeah," David hummed in agreement, "I'm down."

"As am I," Nick nodded.

Heather pursed her lips, "Alright, sounds good."

I wasn't exactly sure if I was to attend this whole spontaneous laser tag adventure, but I wasn't going to say anything about it. For, I wasn't really into laser tag. To me it just sounded a bit childish and silly. No offense to any lovers of running around in the dark wearing colorful vests.

Also, these people sitting in front of me do not look like the type of teenagers that would enjoy that obscure activity. For, Amber even refuses to run in P.E. Much less race around in the dark for a few hours.

"And, if you weren't already aware, Cat. You're coming too." Heather nodded towards me.

I stared at her a bit dumbfounded. In complete honesty, after school I merely wanted to sleep. Not join in on laser tag. I wasn't at all intrigued.

"Uh— thanks, Heather. But, I have a lot of. . . homework to do?"

She rose her eye brows, a soft chortle emitting from her parted lips, "Homework? You can always do that during study hall, or even on the way there."

I gave her a small smile, nodding my head with uneasiness, "Okay. . ."

Nick smirked at me from across the table, plunging his teeth into his bright red apple while doing so. It was obvious he knew I didn't want to attend our little outing, and I was praying he would keep his mouth shut. For, I didn't want Heather to think I was attempting to ditch her. Because she is truly a good person.

"So," began Nick, "Who's going to be the driver this time. Because, we all know it's not going to be Cat."

I attempted to be aggravated by his comment, but I simply couldn't. He called me Cat again. And I couldn't help adore how that word rolled off his tongue so easily. It was as if that it was just meant to be spoken by him, and only him.

Again, it was also in my nature to shoot him a snarky remark in return. But, it just wasn't happening. I felt like a stuttery, jittery, mess. What was this obscure feeling churning in the pits of my stomach?

I wasn't exactly sure, but I think I like it.

"I'll drive," responded David, "My dad's car can fit us all. You know, from former experience."

Heather clashed her palms together, "Hurray! I'm excited! This is going to be loads of fun!"

I smiled weakly, pathetically jabbing my fist upward, ". . . yay."