Running From Me [Complete]

Chapter 2: NadiaHudson

NADIA POV:

I followed as Hudson approached the table his friends and Gena were sitting on. He was just as curious about what they were talking about all this time. Looking at their faces, they seemed to have been talking about just one topic. I wonder what it was.

Hudson and I arrived at the table just about the same time. We both knew what each of us were going to say.

Among the chatter of the cafeteria, Hudson spoke first.

"Yo, guys... what's taking so long?" he asked his friends. "We don't have all day. Let's go eat."

"Gena, why is this taking so long? We could've been gone by now."

"I'll be with you soon, Nadie, don't worry. You can start eating with Hudson for now." said Gena with a grin. "You don't mind sitting with her for a few minutes, right Hudson?"

"Yeah I don't mind. It's totally cool." replied Hudson.

"Okay, but make it quick. We're sorta running out of time."

Hudson and I turned back and made our way back to the line and got food. We sat together since it would be awkward if we didn't. The atmosphere between us got awkward again as we started eating. I wish there was something I could talk to him about but I'm a little shy and have no words at all. What am I supposed to do in the presence of my crush?

"So, how did you and Gena become friends?" he asked, breaking the thick wall of awkward silence with his bare hands.

"We've known each other since middle school. At first we weren't quite fond of each other because we had the same crush but we managed to work things out."

"Wow, that must've been crazy. I don't mean to pry, but... do you think it will ever happen again?"

"No, I don't think so. Even if it does, we're going to work it out because we're close."

"I guess that makes sense." he closed the topic.

"Yeah, that's our little story."

The awkward silence came back but it didn't seem like it was staying for long. The noise in the cafeteria was no match against the awkward silence. I wonder what else is going on in his mind. His face looked pale, at the same time crystal clear. His brown hair and brown eyes glittered in the morning sunlight. His appearance is to die for. He would literally make the perfect boyfriend. Everyone in the school knew that Hudson is the most popular boy here and anyone would kill to be as close as I am to him right now. He is generally kind and helpful to others but he would never let people know him so much. I once heard that this girl tried to flirt with him at a party and he rejected her. I wonder if someone like me could even get as close as she did.

At that moment, Hudson broke the silence. "So, could you tell me a little about Gena?"

I froze. Does this mean I have no chance with him at all? I felt like the life in me was abruptly drained. But I shouldn't give up just yet.

"You seem to be interested in her so much. Why do you want to know?"

"I- I think I like her." he said.

My soul sunk.

I had no chance. This was probably one of the most tragic things I've heard all year. There is nothing I can do about it.

"I guess that makes sense." I said with a look of disappointment.

"Is everything okay?" he asked me.

"Yeah, everything is fine. It's just... never mind."

"If you say so. Anyway, I was wondering, would you be willing to help me out with getting her to go out with me, since you're her friend?"

As if being told that he likes someone else wasn't enough for my sad, little heart. I felt like my heart was stabbed with a knife once he said he liked someone else but when he asked me to help him, it felt like that same knife was twisted between my ribs. Nothing could be as bad as your crush liking your best friend and you being used to help.

While lost in thought for a few seconds, trying to process everything, Gena appeared from behind Gena.

"Wow, you guys are already almost done!" she said with a look of shock. "I'll just ask the serving lady for a disposable food box to carry away."

"Hey Gena." said Hudson with a little touch of red to his cheeks.

"Hey again", she said awkwardly.

"Anyway, I'll be back soon."

Gena went over to the counter and it was just me and him again. I decided to finish my food quickly in hopes of ignoring the favor he asked me. I don't think I'm up to hurt myself even more. I'm vulnerable at this point. I think he was joking when he asked me that.

"Hey, so are you going to agree or not?"

"Yes, I will."

Having finished my plate, I quickly walked away, over to Gena. Luckily, she had just boxed her breakfast, ready to eat during recess. While walking towards the cafeteria door, I turned my head and saw Hudson joining back with his friends. I looked away and continued walking away with Gena.

Walking through the almost empty corridor, we were heading towards the classroom areas. Gena could definitely sense that something was wrong with me. I had sadness and disappointment written all over my face. She took the initiative to take care of me as always.

"Is everything okay? How did it go talking to your crush?"

"It was... okay. It was just not as good as I thought it would be."

"Did anything significant at least happen?"

I thought for a second of telling her but I decided not to. What if she starts liking him and wants to date him for clout or something? I can't let that happen.

"No, not really. We just talked about a few random things. Stuff like sports and stuff since he's a star basketball player."

"Oh, I think I know what happened now." She concluded. "He was talking about things you didn't like so the conversation didn't really hit heights."

"Uhm... yeah that's just about it." I said nervously.

"You'll be fine. Let's hope for the best the next time you meet."

"Yeah, thanks for the talk. Now let's head over for first period."

I regretted lying to her, knowing very well that she's not gonna like it when she finds out later. I'll tell her soon so that she doesn't get very angry.

What have I just gotten myself into?