✔ SLAPSHOT ✖ irwin au

forty-seven.

k a r r i s

✖

Despite the anarchy that was the Villanueva household this morning, my day wasn't entirely terrible— yet. My classes were interesting and enjoyable. I received a 96% on my AP Bio exam, my essay on The Grapes of Wrath was dubbed a 'riveting piece from a young scholar,' and to top it off, Michael had an extra package of Tropical Skittles, which he handed to me in between passing periods. Monday in November was going by swimmingly, and when lunchtime rolled around, I truly believed it was going to be a normal one.

It started off just fine, you see.

Situated near the windows, my friends and I took over one of the larger tables to consume our packed lunch. The clear morning skies turned into dark grey and when I peered through the glass, I could make out several devilish clouds looming above. Even though it seemed like rain was imminent, only sunshine poured from within us.

Berkley was giving Natalia a crash course in the vast array of Pupusas, which of course, I snuck one out of the pile to munch on. Calum and Mollie were throwing grapes into each other's mouths from across the table, and then there was Ashton and I. He skipped the second half of fourth period and drove a few blocks up Marlow Avenue where McDonald's was. When he came back, he swung the greasy paper bag towards me with a proud smile etched on his face.

"Thanks again for getting me lunch," I motioned for the empty wrappers on the table top. "You shouldn't have skipped class to do it, though. I could've just bought something in the cafeteria."

"You had a rough morning," Ashton shrugged shyly. "I wanted to make you feel better."

"And you did. Super sized fries, truly makes a girl's heart warmer," I mused, getting up from my seat slightly to kiss Ashton on the cheek.

"Oh Luke, thank you for the extra cafeteria chocolate milk," Michael playfully swooned, bringing his normally deep voice a few octaves higher.

We all turned to look at Michael and Luke who sat at the corner of the table engaged in a silly improv; an impromptu skit that teased everyone else.

"I live to please you— my sweet pea honey bee douche flower," Luke squeezed Michael's cheek.

"Bae forever," Michael batted his lashes dramatically as he blew Luke a kiss.

We broke into hysterical laughter, shaking our heads in expense. Normally, that type of teasing behavior would be something Berkley and I would be engaged in. However, we were both lucky to be in relationships— incredibly lucky on my behalf because I was an awkward girl whose favorite animal was an alpaca, and who saved her allowance on a brand new, top-of-the-line calculator.

The clock on our lunch period was ticking down, and in ten minutes classes would unfortunately resum. As we enjoyed our last several moments of break, the main cafeteria doors opened. However, no one seemed to notice or care due to the rambunctious conversations that bounced against the lunchroom walls. It wasn't until the atmosphere changed from carefree joy, to panic did we become fully aware of the unexpected troupe of people.

Principal Keller marched through the cafeteria aisles with Detective Ross and two other officers trailing behind. The entire room kept their mouths shut as they watched the authoritative figures storm through the space with purpose in every step.

"That's Detective Ross," I leaned over and whispered in Ashton's ear. "I wonder what he's doing here."

Were they here to question students? Did they finally solve the enigma behind the contents of the mystery meat? What I assumed was just an innocent visit, was actually a legal seize. Principal Keller and the police force stopped in front of our table with serious expressions. Detective Ross and I locked eyes for a quick moment before the true reason of his visit was revealed.