Whitmore Prep

          I didn't go to dinner last night. Ash never came back. So right now, it's Friday morning, and if I don't go to breakfast I'm sure my stomach will fold in on itself before lunch, and I don't think my classmates will be a big fan of that. Therefore, I need to talk myself into leaving this dorm room.

            I can't think of any inspiring words, but my stomach is telling me quite a few. I slide into the hallway, shrugging on my backpack. Maybe Parker didn't tell anyone about my freak-out? He's a boy, a high school boy at that. Of course he told people.

            My empty stomach lurches with the elevator as it pulls me down to the lobby. Most of the students got to breakfast half an hour ago, and if I don't move quickly I'm going to be late for class. I could eat some fruit on the way to Physics, but not in class. Ms. Norbury hates food in class.

            The morning sunlight brings some warmth to the brisk December breeze. It snowed overnight, there's a light powder on the parked cars. Thankfully, Headmaster switched our vests to blazers at the start of the month, so I pull the jacket closer to me as I hurry towards the Dining Hall.

            Ash probably told all of our friends about our argument. They probably all think I'm a whiny baby. I was overreacting, but I was seriously afraid and hurt. Either way, I don't know if I can face the other students...

            I pause outside of the Dining Hall doors, considering just waiting until lunch. However, my stomach strongly disagrees with that idea, so I pull the heavy oak door open and step inside.

            Everyone is going about their normal routine. No one stops what they're doing and look at me. No whispers or glances are exchanged. Maybe it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.

I spot Reyna sitting alone at our own table. I give her a small wave, but as soon as she spots me she storms out of the Dining Hall without looking back.

            I move through the short line of other over sleepers and look around at where to sit. Delilah's dumping her trash when she spots me and moves quickly to me.

            "There you are, I was afraid you'd be late for class." Delilah slides on her over sized bag that carries zero books. "Do you want to walk together?"

            "Yeah, thanks." I say, relieved. I wait until we're outside of the Dining Hall and I have 4 good bites out of my apple before saying anything. "So... Does she hate me?"

            "No, she doesn't hate you..." Delilah sighs, "But she really hates when people whine over little things."

            I try not to show how much that hurt me. "And you?"

            "Me? It wasn't my argument to get involved with, I'm not on any side. But... Yeah, you kind of overreacted."

            "Yeah, I know." I take another bite as we enter Commons. "I just get so paranoid lately..."

            "I totally understand. Everyone has their moments. You just kind of hit one of Ash's pet peeves."

            "How can I make it up to her?" I toss the core into a trash can outside the science building.

            "Hmmm..." Delilah looks around, thinking. "Ooh! Accept Parker's invitation to the Winter Formal!"

            "He probably thinks I'm a freak now... I mean, more of a freak, I can break his arm with like, two fingers."

            "What are you talking about? You can crush his scrawny bones with your pinky if you're pissed. Besides, he came into Life Training class yesterday totally upset. Then he asked us at dinner if you were okay."