Author's Voice

Chapter 4- Lunch With The Popular Kids

     It's finally lunch time. I can't believe a bunch of popular kids have been talking to me today, and they even like me. I'm the quiet kid, but now a ton of people know me and think I'm cool! 

     The table of popular kids is usually always full, but today there was just one small open space. Even from across the cafeteria, I could pick out the empty seat next to the small blonde figure of Sasha as she waved to me.

     You're welcome.

     "Why are you back?" I groaned.

     You're in my book. I have to be around to write what happens, especially when there's big events like this.

     "This isn't a book! It's my life! And what do you mean big events?"

     Your life is my book, and it's not everyday an average looking quiet kid becomes popular in one day. 

     "What do you mean average looking?"

     You're a teenager with short brown hair, green eyes, a light skin tone, and you're wearing a hoodie with converse. There's probably at least a hundred other kids in your school who fit that description. It makes you blend in well.

     "Why do I have to blend in? What about the popular kids? Everyone knows who they are."

     You blend in because you're average. They don't blend in because they're popular. They're...not average. They know a lot about others, good social skills, friendly, good fashion, a decent life, everything. That's what makes them not average.

     "So you're saying they're like good people?"

     Just because they sound good doesn't mean they are. Most of them only wear those traits as a mask while the real human hides. There's good people who aren't popular too. It's like a guessing game of who is good and who's faking it.

     Did I seriously just get taught a life lesson by a voice in my head? This author person better not mess with too much. 

     When I got closer to the lunch table, Sasha smiled at me and gestured to the open spot next to her. As soon as I sat down, lot's of eyes at the table turned to me. 

     Sasha was the first one to ask me, "So Oscar, how long have you been here at the school?"

     Everyone was looking at me as if their eyes were scanning for any answer or flaw to me. The weight of everyone's gazes was pressing down on me and making me feel like I'm some sort of gazelle among a circle of lions. The pressure was starting to kick in as my body was trying to tell me to do something. Say something Oscar!

     I managed to mumble, "I've been here for all of high school."

     Popular kids can be scary.

     Everyone's expression turned to either a look of surprise or interest. A guy sitting across the table from me, who I don't know, chuckled at my response.

     "I can't believe you've been here all throughout high school and we've never seen such a cool guy like you," he exclaimed.

     I sighed, "Well I'm not surprised. I've been told I'm a pretty average guy."

     I didn't mean it as a bad thing. 

     Sasha lightly poked my arm and smiled at me as she spoke, "You're not average. You're a really smart guy."

     I smiled at her, but there was a deep feeling in my gut that something was off. I'm usually having lunch with Ryan, but here I am with the popular kids. Ryan should be fine.

     "What about your family?" Sasha asked me.

     Backstory is always fun.

     "I have an annoying younger sister named Hazel. She 's usually at home whenever she's out of school. My dad isn't really home much. He's either working all the time or out with another one of his girlfriends."

     She looked confused and asked, "Another one of his girlfriends?"

     "Yeah. He always gets a new girlfriend and then they break up for some reason. Then he's out finding another one."

     "What about your mom?"

     "She's...not around anymore. She passed when I was little."

     "Oscar...I'm sorry."

     "It's okay. It was a long time ago."

     You should probably change the subject before this gets awkward.

     What am I supposed to talk about after that? I'm looking around, but what can I talk about? 

     I nervously spoke, "Anyway, I know that you struggle in class sometimes. If you need help with some of the school work then I can help you if you'd like."

     Well, you changed the subject, but it still sounded awkward.

     She giggled, "Oh, well thank you. I might have to take you up on that offer. History is tough for me."

     Then, she grabbed a napkin and hastily scribbled on it. She handed it to me and I saw that she had written her phone number in blue ink across the napkin. 

     "You should text me and we can set up a time to study together," She continued.

     Congrats. You got a girl's number!

     I thanked her and put the napkin in my pocket for later. 

     Suddenly, the school bell put an end to my lunch with the popular kids. Things are starting to look better when you have the advantage of an author.