Lunch period was supposed to be chill.
Supposed to be.....
But when you're Raye Marlowe "chill" is just a myth — like calorie-free cake or straight-A motivation.
She was so hungry that after she styled up her messy hair and cleaned the whole paint on her face she rushed to the lauch room ordering food very quickly .
She walked into the cafeteria holding her tray like a nervous bridesmaid at the wrong wedding.
Her eyes scanned the room like they did every single day since school started.
And there he was.
Joshua Blake .
She had eaten enough and now that she was full , she decided to stare at the guy .
He had gotten a new haircut _ and geez she couldn't deny that he looked fabulous in it .
Her crush since_ well _ since last week when she saw him with another girl .
Smile of the gods.
Laughed like a cartoon prince.
Basically a golden retriever in human form.
She missed Jane she thought trying not to think about Joshua as she stared at the empty seat in front of her .
And above all her mystery text guy .
Yes she said it _ she finally agreed.
She missed the guy _ to herself though Raye thought a small smile tugged on her lips as she played with the salad on her plate .
It looked like he was busy cause he didn't text her again that much , a couple of times sure but just a few notes and then he left for like two days again .
The cycle continue till today...and would probably continue if he didn't text her .
Then, she raised her head up a soft smile on her face , glancing at the student who were all chatting and eating their food , her eyes moved again to settle back on Joshua .
He looked at her a small smile on his lips .
Eye contact.
Her stomach FLIPPED like a pancake at a five-star diner.
She smiled. Slight nod .
And then…
He looked past her.
Straight past her.
Like she was just part of the lunchroom wallpaper.
Right at her.
The girl from that day .
Blonde. Perfect. Lip gloss that probably cost more than Raye's life savings.
And then Joshua smiled.
At her.
HER !!!.
Raye shook her head focusing on her food as she tried to forget what was happening now .
It was happening again ..
And geez she wouldn't lie , it hit her hard in her chest .
Like they were squeezing her heart _not to tight though ...but it still stung .
She was almost getting over her feeling Joshua .
But it still hurt though .
Then she watch her, Layla as she walked over to Joshua heels clicking , hips swaying like she was auditioning to be the next model .
And then he reached over to touch her hand — just like a scene out of one of those cringe romance movies Raye only hate-watched in secret.
Raye's heart stopped.
Then did a weird little thump.
Then dropped into her socks.
She blinked.
No way. No no no no no way.
The girl leaned in and whispered something in Joshua ear.
He laughed.
Raye sat there as she rolled her eyes sky high before stuffing her salad more faster in her mouth .
That girl? That perfect girl?
Was his girlfriend?
So that's who she was.
Not just some hallway girl.
Not just some pretty face.
She was the reason he never saw Raye. Because he already had someone.
And it wasn't her.
Raye who didn't feel like eating anymore , suddenly losing her appetite , she decided to leave the place carrying her juice box and fries as she walked out of the cafeteria.
Raye sat outside on a bench by the school parking lot, poking her soggy fries like they'd personally betrayed her.
She hadn't cried. She was growing up now .
She didn't feel like crying _ but she was sad .
She tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear before sending a dramatic text to the only person she could relate to now.
Jane
Raye:
"Guess who's the lead in my love life is a literal joke?"
But....
Jane was sleeping on the couch , popcorn party gone wrong .
Literally _ popcorn was everywhere as she snored way to loud for a girl .
She had been playing a visual game since _ a dance visual game , to keep her busy as she waited for her friend .
But she slept off eventually.
Her phone buzzed.
Not Jane
Him.
Mystery Texter:
"You okay, Little Tragic?"
She stared at the screen suprised at first before a small smile tugged on her lips .
This was another new name again , he had given her .
See !! Their relationship was progressing, but she doubt things would ever grow from this stage if the guy doesn't come to face her .
Raye:
"No. My soul just yeeted itself into a trash can."
Mystery Texter:
"That's dramatic. I respect it."
Mystery Texter:
"Also, he's an idiot."
Raye sniffed. Then snorted.
Raye:
"Thanks, random boy I've never met."
Mystery Texter:
"You have met me. You just don't know it yet."
Raye :.
And maybe I would never know , and maybe I will never see you .
Mystery Texter:
"But I've always seen you, Rae."
Her fingers froze.
Seen me?
Was he just being smooth?
Because it was working.
Raye:
"Okay, but like... seen me how?"
Mystery Texter:
"Seen you laugh so loudly together with your friend at the same time glare like you would kill her the next minutes . Classic though .
Mystery Texter:
"Seen you buy two cookies and tell people one's for your cousin, but eat both before you leave the cafeteria."
Raye stared.
How did he know all that?
Her chest did that thing. The tight thing.
She didn't know if she wanted to cry or laugh .
She did one ... A laugh tore out of her lips as she covered her mouth with her palms .
Grinning from ear to ear .
Mystery Texter:
"joshua is temporary."
Mystery Texter:
"You? You're the main character, cupcake."
Raye laughed. A real, wet-sounding, awful-snort kind of laugh.
And she felt… better.
A little.
Even if she still hated Joshua styled hair .
She felt better .
She placed the phone on her chest , a sigh escaping her delicate lips as she closed her eyes letting the silent stretch.
He was the least person she expected to help .
She didn't even know he would reply but he did .
After a two days break out .
He texted her .
He was there .
And for once she admitted something true .
Even though he was mysterious .....
... ..... What he did really .....meant so much to her ...very much .