\\Connor//

Lunch ... and Other Classes

I realize that lunchtime is usually for eating lunch. Not for me. I can't stomach the hot-dog casserole that this school is notorious for, but I also can't stand my moms rabbit food. I usually have a granola bar in my bag, the one with chocolate chips, because any other type is not good enough for me.

I sit with some people in some of my classmates. I don't think. Usually, I don't think too much at lunch. I sit with these people who, the only thing I have in common with, is next period. I eat my sad little rectangle of oats, and watch everyone.

Kelly Marcus is the school cheerleader and she, very perfectly, is sitting with the quarterback, Danny Black. They've been dating since 7th grade.

Daisy Julius is very into Japanese culture, and wears it across her face and body. She's always talking about boys kissing and girls kissing and the latest Japanese magazines. She's made fun of a lot, and it's sad. Sad that people think she's a loser for being passionate about something, when they aren't passionate about anything.

Eugenia "Raven" Christoe changed her name to something dark and mysterious "just like her soul." She wears clip-on kitten ears to school, and loves bands, not music. She likes the bands more than the albums they come out with, and is furious at anyone who likes the same bands she does. Bands such as Screamer Down, The Messiahs, and Metal Heart. All make music that sounds like the members are in pain. I went through that phase. It wasn't fun.

The Dungeons and Dragons crew are all named Jared. Jared Wright, Jared Apollo, and Jared Fiddler. With them is a very small girl, Jenny Fiddler, Jared's sister. Wright and Apollo wear comfortable clothes. Cargo shorts, T-shirts. It's Fiddler that stands out a lot. He's got bright red hair that covers his eyes, it's a mystery how he can play the game with no vision. His belts never fit his waist, his shoes are too small for him, and he bounces from clique to clique.

The seniors all stand around the same area. They all have little baggies filled with "sugar" and "salt." I don't associate with them in the slightest. Once Frankie Russo came up to me to ask if I knew when lunch break was over, and I hid in the bathroom for the rest of the day.

Connor Sampson reading a stupid book, with his stupid evergreen eyes, eating stupid applesauce, with his stupid perfect mouth. I hated him. I hated him so much, for no reason other than he refuses to leave me alone. That was the thing. I didn't hate him because he was mean to me. I hated him because he wasn't mean to me. He was always so nice to me, and it made me so mad. I was furious at his attempts to win me over, when he has a whole school of free-range girls to chase after. No, but I'm the girl he's nice to? That's great. I'm upset with myself for being upset with him.

I was scanning the exits when it dawned on me. It was suddenly so clear, but so foggy. Was I in love with Connor Sampson? Possibly. I stare at his profile as he gazes down on a copy of a book about a group of greasy kids weilding switchblades. Oh, my God. I was in love with him. That's why I hated him, because I loved him. He treated me so well, when I couldn't even remember to take care of myself. He offered me gum in class if I was falling asleep, he shared his book with me when I forgot mine at home. I hate him so much.

The bell rings. I stand and make my shaken way to the exit passing by Connor who was packing up his stupid book with his stupid hands. He spots me and as he raises a hand to wave at me I avert my eyes. They land on Daisy.

"Hey, Daisy!" I say with false enthusiasim. She looks at me frightened, because never once have I ever said hi to her.

"Konichiwa!" She replies. I make the rest of my way to my art class.

After that, science. Then, math. Finally, History.