Bystander

Two

I saw the bully in the lunch line later the same day and watched her mock the server. As my face twisted with disgust, I gathered the information that the girl's name was Miranda by a group of Juniors. Miranda shoved people out of her way as she walked to her usual table, taking a bite of her green apple in the process.

I grabbed a tray and waited in line for food.

As I grabbed my food, I looked at the hurt server. Her eyes were swollen with tears and a frown formed on her face.

I leaned in close and showed her an apologetic smile. She returned the gesture with a smile of her own. "I'm sorry." I said.

I collected my food and walked cautiously toward my usual table. With ten minutes left of lunch, I scanned the cafeteria, my eyes landed on Alexander. His eyes were swollen and purple. His lip was busted and cuts were scattered across his face.

I watched as he sat in the corner of the room with his chin buried between his knees. His hands were wrapped around his legs and he watched everyone chat.

Then the bell rang.

And I lost him in the flood of people.