Chapter 2

Most of Mel's morning classes seemed to go by quickly enough. Third period Math was the slowest, but that was because she wasn't too good at math. She never had been, and she didn't think she ever would be.

After fifth period ended, Mel checked her schedule and discovered that it was time for lunch. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't eaten since breakfast, when she had a nutrition bar before sprinting out the front door to the bus. Her stomach growled loudly, as if to reinforce the fact that she needed food.

Mel made her way to the cafeteria, which was a large spacious room with floor-to-ceiling windows lining the right and left walls. All of the windows allowed a generous amount of light in, and today the bright rays of the sun poured in, washing the tables and students in a golden glow. She headed over to the lunch line, glancing at the whiteboard that hung on the wall a few feet away. Today's lunch was hamburgers and french fries. Mel's stomach seemed to do a happy dance at the mere thought of it.

After she had gotten her food-a hamburger, fries, and a Pepsi-she stood at the edge of the tables, a little anxious. She had never really had any friends, just acquaintances, so it was hell to try and find a place to sit at lunch.

Chewing her bottom lip nervously, Mel made her way over to a table that was occupied by a beautiful girl with caramel skin and golden hair, a black guy with dreads that were pulled back into a short ponytail, and another guy with dark hair and tattoos that covered his arms. All three were seniors, but they seemed to be her best bet. She sure as hell wasn't going to ask Maryse if she could sit with her and her snotty friends.

"Hi," she said shyly. "I'm Melly. Can I sit with you guys?"

The beautiful girl and black guy both smiled immediately, warm, genuine smiles that made Mel feel like they had been waiting for her to come along and ask. "Of course you can!" the girl chirped, scooting over on the bench to make room for her.

Mel felt a great sense of relief wash over her, and she quickly sat down before they could change their minds.

"My name is Eve," the beautiful girl said, smiling that warm smile again and sticking out her hand. Mel shook it happily.

"I'm Kofi," the black guy added. "And that scary looking guy is Phil, but he hates that name so we call him Punk." He pointed at the tattooed guy.

"Damn straight I hate that name," Punk agreed, looking up from his salad at Kofi. "Bad enough I have an alcoholic father, I don't need to share his name too."

Mel bit her bottom lip. She always seemed to do that when she was nervous; it was a bad habit that she just couldn't shake. "I'm sorry to hear that," she told Punk.

Punk shrugged. "It stopped affecting me a long time ago." He went back to eating, and Mel took that as a sign that the conversation was over.

"So what classes do you have, Mel?" Eve asked, breaking the silence.

"I have first period English, second period Gym, third period Math, fourth period American Government, fifth period Chemistry, sixth period French, seventh period Study Hall, and eighth period Art," Mel listed off. She took a bite of her burger, and her stomach rejoiced.

"I thought I knew you from somewhere," Kofi said with a grin. "We have American Government together." At Mel's curious look, he added, "I flunked it last year. The tests are brutal."

"No, he flunked it because he never paid attention," Eve told Mel matter-of-factly.

"Kofi thinks he's too good to pay attention," Punk added.

Mel laughed along with them, and for the first time she felt like she belonged. These three seemed to like her, and she liked them. Eve was so sweet, and Kofi was hilarious. Punk's dry sarcasm made her laugh as well. Maybe she actually had a shot at having friends.

Lunch flew by, and when the bell rang it was almost bittersweet for Mel. Usually she would welcome the sound of the bell, because it meant she didn't have to sit alone at the table in the corner anymore. But now, when she had people to laugh and talk with, she didn't want the period to end.

Kofi gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder as they were all getting up and said, "It was really nice meeting you, Mel. Feel free to sit with us as much as you'd like."

"Thank you, Kofi," Mel said with a bright smile.

They all headed off to their classes, and as Mel walked to French, she couldn't help but think that this year was going to be her best one yet.