misophonia | m.c

the table by the trash

Ashton walked her into the cafeteria, which was already roaring with the sounds of the students packed in to the round tables.  They were not late, but only one table was still completely empty. And of course it was the least desirable table in the whole lunch room; The table by the trash. 

Usually loner freshman were forced to sit there because no other group would allow them to sit anywhere else. Today it was empty. Cassidy usually sat a few tables away with the students who were always studying, it gave her some time to just sit back and not be expected to speak. She could fade into the chaotic sound of voices bouncing off the walls and melting together before reaching her ears and just simply be. The girl could read or write there without getting teased as well, it was a peaceful existence for thirty minutes each day. On this day, her usual seat was open, but Ashton steered her right past it and to the table by the trash. 

She sat down timidly while he plopped into the seat beside her. Ashton had insisted on carrying her paper bag lunch along with his lunch box so she could carry her books with ease. Cassidy set her stack of school supplies in front of her on the grimy table and took her lunch hesitantly from Ashton.

The boy leaned back in his chair stretching and retracting his fingers as an awkward and uneasy silence fell over the two of them.

After a minute or two, Ashton cleared his throat to speak. "I hope you don't mind, my friends will most likely end up sitting with us once they decide to show up."

His friends? Cassidy began to panic internally. It was one thing to be alone with a boy she didn't know too well, but to be surrounded by his buddies? That would be a whole other story. 

Though every inch of her insides were screaming and howling, begging her to protest, Cassidy kept a calm outward composure. She forced her shoulders up and down once in a shrug and let words pop out of her slightly parted lips. "That's fine with me."

"Great." Ashton had an easy smile that caused Cassidy to relax. Just a minuscule bit. "They're nice guys, I swear." 

Cassidy forced another small smile, her eyes staying on her pile of books before her. She pulled a pen from her pocket and picked up the top notebook, hoping he'd start explaining soon. Her thumb clicked the pen open and she turned to the first fresh page, writing in the date in the black ink. 

The boy got about halfway through practically reteaching the class the girl had missed when Cassidy spotted a familiar black haired figure making his way towards their table. She laid her pen down on the top of the page, since Ashton had stopped speaking. She recognized the boy walking over to join them and her stomach did a flip. 

"Cal, nice of you to finally join us." Ashton rolled his eyes as Calum slid into the seat next to him. 

Cassidy stretched her fingers, eyes glued to the papers in front of her. She say pros and cons to the new boy joining them. Pros; the attention would most likely be lifted from her and maybe she'd be able to eat without feel self conscious because the boys could talk to each other. Cons; Calum might bring up earlier and she might actually have to participate in conversation.

 Calum rolled his eyes at Ashton, twisting open a bottle of Dr. Pepper. He leaned back in the plastic chairs, a lazy smile turning the corners of his mouth. "Ashton, how did you get to be tutoring Cassidy Taylor?" 

Cassidy felt her cheeks heat up. The girl knew she was known for being smart, but she didn't understand why. Her grades weren't anything to envy, but apparently people thought they were. Just because she was quiet and studied a lot did not mean she was smart.

Ashton shoved his friend playfully. "She wouldn't need my help if it wasn't for you falling into her." 

"Ashton." Calum leaned forward, eyes dancing as he looked straight at his mate. "Who threw the Frisbee?"