The Mystic

2- The Audacity

Everett

It is just after third period, which means lunch! This is the only time in the school day where all four of us are together, so it is a cherished 30 minutes. I rush into the already filling lunchroom to our usual table, carefully chosen for its location near the food lines, and the exit to the classroom hallways. We can be quick to get food, and quick to get to class. I am the first of us to load up my tray and make it back to the table. I soon see Maya's wild red hair and Jordan's tall figure behind her.

"Hey guys, what did you get?" They both sit down across from me, with Jordan's arm around Maya's shoulder, and her back pressed against his chest. Typical love birds.

"Please! You know we got pizza," Maya exclaims sarcastically.

"Yeah, yeah, I don't know why I always ask" I reply laughing.

"And what is this, a chicken sandwich and tater tots?" Jordan smiles, reaching over and stealing a tot. "Very original, Jameson" He's caught me.

"Okay! So we all have our favorites, I give in" Tots really are my favorite, so I don't really care that they are laughing. A tingling sensation runs up my arms and onto my face, followed by an involuntary shiver, somebody must have opened a door.

Sorelle plops down next to me, "Hey I haven't seen you all day girl, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" she screams, placing a fudgy looking cupcake in front of me. My cheeks instantly heat up and the tingling sensation hits my face again but in a strangely soothing way. I glance around and sure enough, the entirety of the school is watching the outburst. Maya steps up onto the bench, raises her hands and loudly begins conducting the birthday song. Maya is not a singer, what she is attempting right now is the imitation of a dying seagull, but she could care less what others think of her. I, on the other hand...

"Have you no shame?!" I whisper yelled, waving at her to get down. Many people joined in and by the end of the song, I was sure I was going to die of embarrassment. Thankfully, Maya jumped back down in her seat. I tried glaring at them, but they exchanged glances at each other and busted up laughing, once again.

"Come on Eve", Sorelle wraps her arms around my waist, " you only become an adult once"

Thanks for the support, Sorelle. "If you don't watch it, I won't be sharing my cupcake" I warn. "Plus, you guys will have all the time in the world to wish me a happy birthday tonight" I say, flipping long my hair back over my shoulder, "You don't have to do it in front of all these people".

The same tingling sensation runs all over my body, and the shiver that comes with is noticeable, "Woah" They all look at me, "what was that?" Jordan asks.

I rub my palms on my arms trying to warm myself up, "Must be a draft?" I shrug, digging into my food.

After finishing up with my food, I pick up the delicious looking chocolate cupcake, peeling off the wrapper. Maya puts down her pizza giving me a sly grin, I don't think I have ever seen her put food down after she's picked it up. Something's off with her.

The cupcake takes my attention again and I lift it to my mouth. Before I can get a even a taste of the fluffy frosting, Maya sneaks her hand up and smushes the cupcake on my face, erupting into a fit of giggles. Shocked I glare at her, "Is it pick on Everett day or something?" Jordan and Sorelle join her in the laughter as I try but fail at wiping the now ruined chocolaty goodness off of my face. Maya throws her head back, full out laughing at my expression.

Suddenly an idea popping into my head, I say "Well I said I was gonna share, didn't I?"

Her brows furrowed in confusion, and I quickly reach forward, the brown cupcake mash now smeared on her face as well. All of us laughing now, we start to attract the attention of those around us for a second time, the same tingling feeling came back making me shiver.