For The Better

At Dinner

Several minutes later, Skie followed Hannah down the hall towards the cafeteria. She was wearing her new uniform, and as much as she'd rather still be in leggings and a t-shirt, she looked good. She knew she'd probably get tired of wearing it eventually, but for now the novelty hadn't worn off yet. 

"Alright, so this is the cafeteria, we go through the line and grab a tray, they automatically give you everything so if you don't want something, tell them. Respectfully, of course."

Skie nodded in understanding. The two girls went to the line and grabbed trays. 

"Just pizza today, I guess it's because not everyone is here. So just tell them what kind you want."

Hannah went first and spoke in an even, respectful tone. "Cheese, please."

The cafeteria worker smiled and put two pieces on her tray. 

"Thank you."

Skie moved nervously up. "Um, pepperoni, please."

The cafeteria worker opened up a box. "Haven't seen you before."

"No ma'am, it's my first day."

The woman smiled and handed Skie two pieces of pizza. "Well, good luck dear."

"Thank you." Skie smiled and moved away behind Hannah, who was waiting for her.

"Ok, you can get chips, a side, and a drink. They'll call for seconds and dessert later."

Skie grabbed a bag of potato chips, an apple, and a carton of chocolate milk.

Hannah smiled. "Wanna find a table?"

Skie grinned and nodded in response. The two girls headed over to a small table along the side of the cafeteria with one other girl already there.

"This is Danielle. She's one of our suite mates. Dani, this is Skie."

Danielle looked up. She had long platinum blonde hair and very light hazel eyes. "Hi, Skie. And Hannah, it's Danielle, not Dani."

Hannah rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

Skie smiled at the girls, it was obvious they were pretty good friends.

Danielle smiled back. "Is it your first year here, Skie?"

"Yeah. It's kinda crazy."

Danielle looked sympathetic. "I know it can be confusing, but everyone here is pretty nice, and they'll help you along."

"So Dani, who do you have this year as a dorm mate?" Hannah smirked.

Danielle rolled her eyes but didn't comment. "Isabella Richardson."

Hannah smiled. "Oh good, she's nice."

Danielle sighed. "Yeah, but she is a bit stuck up. Everyone knows the Richardson's are, well, rich. She flaunts it sometimes."

Hannah shrugged. "That's true. She's a good person though."

Danielle nodded. "Yeah. I have bad news though. Do you know who's across the hall from us?"

Hannah groaned. "Oh no, don't tell me, Maddison?"

Danielle nodded grimly.

"Maddison?" Skie asked curiously.

Hannah opened her mouth, and her eyes widened. "She's coming this way."

"Well, I don't believe this. Little Skylar Matthews has come to the academy."

Skie whipped around to a familiar tan face. "Madi."

Madi smirked. "I prefer Maddison, if you don't mind. New school, new life, you know. I suppose you of all people would understand that."

"If Skie's face is any indication, you haven't changed at all, Maddison." Hannah said, glaring.

"Yeah, who asked you to come over here and be so nasty?" Danielle challenged.

Maddison glared. "Fine. I suppose I'll see you all later." She flipped her hair and left.

"Good riddance." Danielle muttered. "You know her, Skie?"

Skie nodded uncomfortably. "Yeah, she went to my old elementary school."

Hannah put a hand on Skie's arm gently. "Are you ok?"

Skie nodded again. "Yeah, we just never got along."

"Problem over here?" 

Skie turned to see Hazel smiling at her reassuringly.

"Just Maddison." Danielle put in.

"Ah yes, her. Be careful with that one, Skie."

"Believe me, I know." Skie muttered.

Raven came up beside Hazel. "Skie, wasn't that Madi?"

Skie glared. "Yes."

Raven glared right back. "What did she say to you?"

Skie looked down. "It's not important."

Raven's face softened. "Ok, just let me or Hazel know if she bothers you."

Skie nodded.

"Dessert and seconds!" A server called.

Hazel grinned. "Excellent. Don't let her get to you, Skie. Or any of the rest of y'all. Come on Rave!"

AN: Please leave a comment! Next up, the first day!

And yes, the other girls got dessert too. But Hazel has a huge sweet tooth XD