Mil SO (Military Significant Other)

5. Crocodile

(In media is Nash)

One thing I was glad I missed out on yesterday was lunch. It wasn't the food itself I wasn't looking forward to; I loved food. I was dreading the stupid seating system and trying to figure out where I fit in. I grabbed my lunch and paid for it; glancing around at the different tables as I did so. I finally settled for an empty one in the corner. I did still hate people. I sighed and started in on my lunch in peace. Well, it was peaceful until Heath sat down. Nash followed his lead, and soon the whole table was filled. I sighed and set down my fork.

"Hey Iris," Heath smiled. He looked so cute; I couldn't help but to smile back. He turned towards the rest of the table. "Everyone this is Iris. Iris this is Lance, Alaric, Kalani, Reagan, and you've already met Nash, Kaden, and Brooklyn," Heath introduced.

Lance was tall and blonde with swimmers shoulders and a great smile. His eyes were brown and seemed to be smiling. My guess was that he was on the Varsity swim team with Heath. Alaric was a chill guy with dark hair and grey eyes. He had light stubble and had this look that just screamed 'mature'.

Kalani was a stereotypical cheerleader. Point blank. She had dirty blonde hair and light eyes. She was skinny and fit and she was actually wearing a flipping bow. Reagan, I noticed, was probably brought to the table by Brooklyn. She had super tan skin and highlighted brown hair with light brown eyes. She was gorgeous and tall. I waved at them briefly before going for my food again. They all chatted and thankfully left me out of the conversation. I kept my head down as I ate. I felt someone nudged me and looked up to see Heath watching me.

"What's wrong?" he asked so only I could hear.

"I'm not too fond of people," I answered quietly. Heath squeezed my hand in his.

"Say crocodile if you need to escape," he joked. I cracked a smile and thanked him wordlessly.

"Oi, Iris, you down for a party this Friday?" Lance asked me. I froze on the spot as my eyes shot up. A party? I didn't do well in cramped spaces with people around. One time I was after the accident, and I flipped out. They were ready to restrain me with a straight jacket.

"Crocodile," I blurted.

"She can't do the party, Lance," Heath said for me. They looked between the two of us confused before letting it go and resuming their conversation. Heath glanced at me. "You okay?" he asked. I only nodded and pulled my hand out of his.

After lunch, the day resumed as any other school day. I had to admit, I was nervous about the initiation with Nash and Heath. I knew it couldn't be horrible, but it was a friend hang out. That would mean that Heath and Nash would be the first real friends I'd made since the accident.

~

I know it's a bit of a shorter chapter. Next one will be longer, I promise. :) Plus, next chapter is Iris' initiation to the cave club. ;)