The Known Loner

Chapter 7 : The Invite

I look at the text Amelia just sent me.
"I finally convinced him to sit with us for lunch. LOL! Be ready!!!"
I sighed to myself in exasperation. If this guy steals Amelia away from me, I  would personally make sure that he's dead by the end of it.

I sit down in the canteen and take out my sketchpad. I got lost in painting that I didn't hear when Amelia approached me.

"Raven,"

I look up to see a blushing Amelia and beside her are two boys. My eyes widen as I recognise one of the boys to be the one who crashed into me in the morning. He had confident green eyes, and sandy-brown hair. Next to him was another boy who looked slightly nervous. He had brown eyes, blond hair and a natural tan. I looked back at Amelia who looked like she could burst win joy.

"Raven this is Theo and Ryan"

I forced myself a smile as they all sat down with their trays of food. Thankfully they all started to talk about some stupid match. I shut my sketch book and took out a reading book.

"Raven did you hear that!" Amelia exclaimed.

I looked up suddenly to see all three of  them staring at me.

"Sorry, what did you say?"

She rolled her eyes in mock but her lips were smiling.

"Theo just invited us to his brother's party, he wants us to come."

I looked at Theo and met his gaze. His face expression and posture showed that he didn't care much but I could see in his eyes how desperately he wanted us to come. I wasn't about to give the satisfaction.

"Thanks, but no thanks."

I slung my bag over my shoulder and walked towards the exit. Just as I reached the wide doors a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me into an empty room.

Amelia was panting slightly.
"Please Raven come to the party with me."

I looked away, "I...I can't."

Her finger tilted my chin until our eyes met. I could see that she was hurt .

"Please Raven" she whispered
"What will it take for you to attend the party?"

I pushed her hand away.
Anger suddenly grew inside me, creating a dangerous fire that I knew would devour her. I took steady deep breaths.

"Look, I can't go. I live far, far away and I don't have any party outfit."

Her face brightened up a bit.

"Amelia, Theo's house is close to the school and if you come early I'll meet you in front of the school gates and we can go to my house to try on some clothes or go shopping if you would prefer."

She sounded excited. I looked deep in her eyes and saw desperation.
I sighed and gave up. Knowing that I had no money to shop with I said:

"You better have Oreo's in your house."

She laughed out loud and clapped me on the back.

"Do you, Raven Wayer, promise to come to Theo's party with me?."

I held a solemn face.
"I do."

We burst out laughing and couldn't stop even when the bell rang.

After Amelia left I stood there alone in the empty classroom with my thoughts. The only reason I was going was to protect Amelia if that nasty rat tried to pull a dirty trick on her, but I couldn't help feeling a glimmer of happiness. I used to be a complete loner and everyone used to know that, but within three months I have a best friend and now I'm going to a party. I smiled to myself and shook my head in disbelief as I left the lonely classroom. This year is definitely going to be crazy, no doubt.