Mirrored Hearts

9

Lela's POV

   During the next classes we had, I couldn't concentrate. I kept thinking about what Judith had told me. Those kids were really cruel.

  “Lela. Lela.” Judith called pulling me out of my thoughts. Her voice was hushed.

“Huh?”

  “What are you thinking about and why are you not writing?” She asked. I turned to the board to see 'Civic Education' written on the board. The teacher had gone pretty far on the notes.

  “Oh.” I simply said.

  “Oh? You should better start writing before she wipes the board.”

  I nodded my head as I opened my book and started writing.

  After the Civic class, the bell went off for the long break.

  “So, what were you thinking about in class?” Judith asked when we were on our way to the cafeteria. We were going down the stairs.

  “Yeah. I wanted to ask that as well. I glanced in your direction once and I noticed you seemed lost in your thoughts.” Huoma added.
  
  “Nothing. Don't worry, I'm fine.” I forced a smile.

  “Really?” Judith asked sarcastically.

  “I'm serious, I'm fine.”

  “Well, if you say so.” Huoma shrugged her shoulders.

  We entered a big hall packed with students at different tables, eating, drinking and most especially, talking. Everyone seemed to belong somewhere. Cool kids, Popular kids, Rich kids, Kids with the looks, weirdos, nerds, gossips. Everyone belonged somewhere. Being in the midst of these crowds of students made me feel out of place. I wondered where I belonged.

  “Come on, Lela. Aren't you hungry?” Judith asked, locking our arms and pulling me away. I smiled.

  “What will you eat, Huoma?” Judith asked.

  “I'll have the Jollof rice they are serving. What about you?”

  “Same.” Judith smiled.

  “I'll just have meat pie and a bottle of Fanta.” I said with a smile.

  They both looked at me like I had grown two heads.

  “What?” I asked.

  “Are you serious?” Huoma asked.

  “Yes. Why wouldn't I be?”

  “Aren't you hungry? Will meat pie be enough for you?” Judith asked me. She looked concerned.
  To be honest, I wasn't really hungry. I mean, my favorite was here and still,  I didn't feel like eating it.

  “Yeah, it will be enough. I'm not really hungry.” I smiled.

  “If you say so.” Judith said and they both smiled at me.

  “Thanks for your concern guys.”

  We grabbed our lunch and went to find a place to seat. The cafeteria was filled with students and they were all chattering.

  “Come, let's sit with the rest of the class.” Huoma said, gesturing towards our classmates.

  Judith let out a sigh and said,  “Okay.”

  “Hi.” Huoma chirped when we got to the table our classmates were seated. The three of us sat down side by side as we placed our tray of food on the table.