Meant to Be

Chapter 3 - Serena

He walked out of the bathroom about fifteen minutes later and was turning to leave. He looked very familiar. "Hey, don't leave yet." He turned around. Did I really just say that out loud?

"Why not?" He looked confused, but happy.

"Have we met before?"

He had a huge grin on his face. "Yes, we went to middle school together and we kind of go to the same high school now." He paused. "May I take a seat?" He sat on the ugly, green chair next to my bed. Robert didn't like it too much.

"I guess so because you're already sitting."

"How old are you?" I spit out without thinking.

"I'm twenty."

Robert added, "Nobody cares."

Jake laughed.

"Robert, stop being so rude." I poked his ribs. "I never pictured you as a janitor. You were always the smart kid."

Before he could reply, Robert butted in. "I guess that's why you are still in high school at the age of twenty."

Jake smirked, knowing Robert was jealous. "I was held back three years in elementary school. My family moved around a lot when I was younger. I'm supposed to be out of that hell hole already. To answer your question, Alice, I don't actually have a job here; I volunteer. I love making conversation with the people."

His smile vanished and he continued, "It can be a little sad sometimes. That's something I don't like about being here. There is this little girl, a couple rooms down; Serena. She's got cancer." I saw hurt in his eyes. He smiled and added, "Maybe you can visit her before you leave. You would really like her. I'll take you over there later."

Robert shook his head. "No, no, no." I ignored him. "I'd like that. How old is she?" I ask.

"She is only twelve." He replied. I frowned.

"That is terrible!"

Robert looked at me and I could tell that he was mad. He gets mad over small things, but he usually gets over them quick. He is still my best friend, always will be.

We sat there in silence for a few minutes. I caught myself staring at Jake. His blue eyes flickered up to mine. My stomach flipped. I remember when we used to hang out in seventh and eighth grade, but went seperate ways after that. He got into sports and I started taking photography classes.

It was the beginning of seventh grade, the second week, and I absolutely dreaded walking through those doors. I hated waking up so early, but an education is what pushed me to enter the building.

The bell finally rang and I exited my third period math class. I made my way to the cafeteria as I looked down at the map. I should know my way around by now, but there are so many different places to turn and get lost.

I finally made it and stood in line to get my food. Sloppy joes weren't necessarily my favorite, but I didn't hate them either. I walked to the empty lunch table I've been sitting at since I started here. I nearly finished my food before a dark haired boy sat down with me. "This is where I sat last year. I don't want anybody else to eat alone. It blows." He said.

"Thanks. What's your name?" I asked between chews.

"Jake, and yours?" He smiled and I could clearly see the indents in his cheeks. I quickly told him and he started talking about The Mad Hatter. "The bell is going to ring soon." I looked at my watch and realized how long I've been sitting here. I don't understand how classes seem to drag on, but lunch and my electives pass so quickly.