Fighting Back

Chapter 4

Back to back classes and rapid note making made my day go in blur. It had been a week since I talked to Matt and I hadn't seen him much. It was finally lunch break and I found myself standing in the queue to buy lunch. Balancing a sandwich in one hand and my water bottle in the other, I carefully walked towards the empty table at the far corner. With my eyes fixated on the sandwich, I hadn't looked up in time. I bumped into someone and my lunch fell down. 

"Watch where you go", the grumpy voice said and shoved my shoulder as he walked away. I sighed and looked at my sandwich lying uneaten on the ground. I had no money left and my stomach growled. I probably had to stay hungry for the rest of the day, I thought to myself and turned to walk out. 

"Would you like to join us?", Matt asked as he suddenly appeared in front of me. I looked behind him to see an excited Natasha motioning me to join them at their table. There were four other boys seated there and I wasn't really comfortable talking to many people. Before I could kindly decline him, he circled his hand around my wrist and dragged me towards where his group sat.

"Hey guys! This is Stephanie. Be nice to her", he said to everyone and pushed me to a chair between him and Nash. After everyone introduced themselves, they continued their talks about which I had no idea. I realized Nash was the only girl in the entire group and was amazed at the way she freely interacted with them. 

There was a big plate of french fries placed on the table and the sight of food made my stomach growl again; this time a little too loud. The table fell silent and everyone stared at me expressionless. Well, awkwardness and me have a great attraction. 

"I'm getting some food. Steph, you coming?", she asked getting up from her seat. I nodded and followed her.

"Can I pay you later? I don't really have the cash now to pay you back", I awkwardly asked.

"You don't have to pay me for buying you food, honey. I saw what happened there with Jacob. Are you okay?", she asked worriedly.

I smiled at her concern and told her I was fine. When we were back, Matt gave me a smile and patted the chair for me to sit.

"So today's party is still on right?", Carl asked. 

"I don't know man, Chris isn't here yet", Matt answered.

Just as Matt finished, Chris came running towards us. 

"Sorry I'm late. I got held back by Ms.Watson. So-", he abruptly stopped when his eyes landed on me.

"Stephanie", he greeted me with a stiff nod.

"Chris", I replied.

Matt looked confused. "Do you guys already know each other?", Matt asked.

All of them looked at Chris and me waiting for what we'd reply. They, except for Nash and Matt knew how Chris and me know each other but opted to keep quiet.

"Yeah", Chris shortly replied with a tinge of sadness in his voice.

"Okay", Matt said learning not to ask about it more.

Sensing the tension, Nash spoke. "Chris, the party is at your place tonight right?"

"Yep. No change in plans", he said as he stuffed his mouth with fries and took a seat.

Everyone got into a heated conversation about how much they would party tonight while Matt leaned closer to my ear and whispered, "You are coming to the party"

"Nope. I have some studies to do. I'll pass", I replied. I wasn't in a mood to party. And I had to video call Becca tonight. Plus, I've never been to a party before and I might make the whole event awkward with my mere existence. 

"Not inviting you darling, I'm informing you so that you get ready", he winked. Before I could argue, he joined  the talk with the rest of them.

"I'll help you get dressed. Will be at your place by five", Nash said excitedly. 

She passed a paper with a phone number scribbled on it. "Text me your address", she said as the bell rang indicating the end of lunch break.