Lela's POV

   During the next classes we had, I couldn't concentrate. I kept thinking about what Judith had told me. Those kids were really cruel.

  “Lela. Lela.” Judith called pulling me out of my thoughts. Her voice was hushed.

“Huh?”

  “What are you thinking about and why are you not writing?” She asked. I turned to the board to see 'Civic Education' written on the board. The teacher had gone pretty far on the notes.

  “Oh.” I simply said.

  “Oh? You should better start writing before she wipes the board.”

  I nodded my head as I opened my book and started writing.

  After the Civic class, the bell went off for the long break.

  “So, what were you thinking about in class?” Judith asked when we were on our way to the cafeteria. We were going down the stairs.

  “Yeah. I wanted to ask that as well. I glanced in your direction once and I noticed you seemed lost in your thoughts.” Huoma added.
  
  “Nothing. Don't worry, I'm fine.” I forced a smile.

  “Really?” Judith asked sarcastically.

  “I'm serious, I'm fine.”

  “Well, if you say so.” Huoma shrugged her shoulders.

  We entered a big hall packed with students at different tables, eating, drinking and most especially, talking. Everyone seemed to belong somewhere. Cool kids, Popular kids, Rich kids, Kids with the looks, weirdos, nerds, gossips. Everyone belonged somewhere. Being in the midst of these crowds of students made me feel out of place. I wondered where I belonged.

  “Come on, Lela. Aren't you hungry?” Judith asked, locking our arms and pulling me away. I smiled.

  “What will you eat, Huoma?” Judith asked.

  “I'll have the Jollof rice they are serving. What about you?”

  “Same.” Judith smiled.

  “I'll just have meat pie and a bottle of Fanta.” I said with a smile.

  They both looked at me like I had grown two heads.

  “What?” I asked.

  “Are you serious?” Huoma asked.

  “Yes. Why wouldn't I be?”

  “Aren't you hungry? Will meat pie be enough for you?” Judith asked me. She looked concerned.
  To be honest, I wasn't really hungry. I mean, my favorite was here and still,  I didn't feel like eating it.

  “Yeah, it will be enough. I'm not really hungry.” I smiled.

  “If you say so.” Judith said and they both smiled at me.

  “Thanks for your concern guys.”

  We grabbed our lunch and went to find a place to seat. The cafeteria was filled with students and they were all chattering.

  “Come, let's sit with the rest of the class.” Huoma said, gesturing towards our classmates.

  Judith let out a sigh and said,  “Okay.”

  “Hi.” Huoma chirped when we got to the table our classmates were seated. The three of us sat down side by side as we placed our tray of food on the table.

  “Hello.” Some of the students answered. The others were busy with their food and some others were lost in their conversations with each other.

  Akamu or is it Mary, was sitting opposite Judith. Her plate was what caught my attention. She had a lunch box packed from home. It was filled with Jollof rice, salad, chicken and egg. She had a bottle of coke beside her as well.

  'No wonder she's so fat.'

  She was devouring the food with great speed. She didn't even mind that she was in public. She caught me staring at her and it made her slow down.

  “Hi.” I smiled, trying to make the situation less awkward.

  “Hi. I'm Mary.” She smiled back.

  “Nice to meet you. I'm Lela.”

  “I know. I like your name by the way.” She giggled.

  “Oh. Thanks?” I blushed. She smiled and continued with her food at a slower pace. Her eyes made her look like Chinese or someone from one of the Asian countries.

  “Have your snack, Lela. Why aren't you hungry?” Judith asked, she had that concerned look again. She always acted like a mother hen.

  “I'm fine. See mom, I'm eating now.” I grinned as I brought the meat pie to my mouth. I noticed that half the students at the table were staring at me.

  'Okay. This is awkward.'

  I looked away from them. The only people I knew on this table were Judith and Huoma. Not forgetting Akamu, I mean Mary. Huoma was sitting beside a boy and they seemed to be in their own little world, having a discussion.

  “Mom?” Judith asked. I turned to look at her, she was smiling.

  “Huh?”

  “You called me, mom. Why?” She asked, still smiling.

  “Oh. You do act like one. Always looking out for me.” I said and we burst into laughter. Everyone on the table,except Huoma and the boy, turned to look at us.

  'I wonder what they are talking about.'

  The students started looking away. Then, Judith said, “I think being your sister is better.” She grinned.

  “Mother, sister. Whatever. All I know is that you always watch out for me since the time of our meeting.” I said as I took another bite of my meat pie.

  “Is that bad?” She asked. She had a frown on, and her voice sounded like she'd been hurt by my words.

  “No. That's not what I meant. I'm just saying thank you. Thank you Judith for having my back.” I smiled.

  “Oh. Y-you are welcome.” She simply said. I didn't look at her but, I knew she smiled to herself.
  I felt like someone was watching me. I looked around but, didn't see anyone. I was uneasy. Then, from two tables away, I saw him.

  'What was this guy's problem?'

  Temitope Ayobami. He was staring at me. I recognized a few people on the table he sat. There was Joel, Kevwe, Obusor and Edith, of course. They were the popular and cool kids of Golden Pen so, they had a special place in the Cafeteria. Their table was out of reach for lesser ones.

  'What does it take to be popular? I'm sure everyone here are wealthy to some extent.' I wondered.

  I glared at him and averted my gaze. Still, I could tell he was still looking at me. It made me feel uncomfortable.

  “What's wrong?” I heard Judith asked. I guess she noticed that I wasn't comfortable.

  “Temi. He's staring at me.” I whispered.

  I didn't need to tell her where he was sitting. She looked over to where he was and shot death glares at him.

  She turned to me and said, “Just ignore that boy. He's a total prick.”

  I simply nodded my head as I took a sip of my Fanta and tried to finish my Meat pie.

A/N

Hey people. How are y'all doing? Well, I dropped another chapter. I hope you had fun reading.

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