“Oh yeah, I’m fine, thanks,” Rachel said, smiling.
She couldn’t believe he even noticed she’d left the classroom and even if he did, that he would care to ask how she’s feeling.
“What happened? You flew out of here so quick, I got worried,” Rob asked, whispering so that the teacher wouldn’t hear.
“Just felt sick, that’s all. It passed,” Rachel replied.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better,” Rob said. “So do you want to hang sometime?” he asked.
She thought for a moment, remembering their last interactions and time spent together. She couldn’t help but remember the feelings she had for him at the movies and how it abruptly ended when Benji showed up.
She remembered her love for Benji. She didn’t want to betray him or cheat on him, but part of her felt OK with spending time with Rob. It wasn’t like they were dating or anything – it would be an innocent hang out.
“Um…I guess,” Rachel replied. “This weekend works, I think.”
“Perfect, I’ll be in touch,” Rob said as the bell rang and everyone got up out of their seats.
“Rach! I’ll see you at lunch, right?” Emily asked, as they parted ways down the hall.
“Yup! I’ll be there,” Rachel said, secretly dreading the cafeteria. She didn’t even want to let her mind go there yet. The morning passed quicker than she would have liked it and as she looked at her watch, she knew lunch was right around the corner. Thinking about it made her feel queasy, then the thought of throwing up made her even more nervous, because the only thing swishing around in her stomach was blood. She couldn’t image the scene that would cause.
As she walked towards the cafeteria, she didn’t know how she would face everyone in such a big, bright space. She didn’t want to do it, but knew if she didn’t, it would cause more of a stir.
“There she is!” Taryn’s voice came barreling down the hall.
“Ahhh!!!” yelled Liv and ran to give Rachel a hug.
“OMG! You’re really back!” Jen said, waiting her turn for a hug.
“I’m back! In the flesh!” Rachel said, as she pointed to herself and smiled. “Glad to see you guys, too! I’ve missed you.”
“Let’s grab our table!” Emily said as she started walking into the cafeteria.
With all her friends around her, she felt at ease. She didn’t feel as overwhelmed as she thought she would entering the cafeteria for the first time in days since she’d gone missing. She was happy to have such a caring and loyal group of friends at AHS and she felt lucky that they all happened to meet up with her before she had to walk in alone.
As she sat there, at the lunch table, she wasn’t feeling hungry for her peanut butter and jelly sandwich. After all, she didn’t need to eat human food anymore. She watched as everyone took out their food and began to eat.
“So Rach, you have to tell us, what the hell happened?” Taryn asked.
“Yeah!” the others said, waiting for her to talk.
“Ya know, I really don’t want to talk about it,” Rachel said back, trying to conceal her privacy around the matter.
“What do you mean? You can tell us!” Emily said.
“Yeah, we won’t tell anyone. We promise,” Jen said.
“I know, you guys are the best, but it really was scary and I’m not in a good place to talk about it right now. Plus what really matters is that I’m back and still breathing, right?” Rachel asked, trying to make light of the situation.
“Um, you’re seriously not going to tell us?” Taryn asked, getting annoyed. “We’ve been worried sick about you, and now that you’re back, you’re pleading the fifth?”
“Seriously, you guys can’t be mad at me, it was really terrible what happened and it’s so raw that I need time to heal myself before I start talking about it. I can’t just snap my fingers and go back to normal,” Rachel said.
“Guys, let’s respect her, she will tell us, eventually,” Emily said, sticking up for Rachel.
Rachel shook her head and said, “Yeah, I promise, I’ll tell you guys, just not here.” She looked around the cafeteria at all the staring faces. It was like everyone was listening to her, the hustle and bustle sounds she was used to in the cafeteria were very quiet today and she could tell that everyone was curious about what had happened. It was like everyone was eavesdropping on her conversation with her friends. She didn’t feel safe at school—she felt like she had to completely censor herself, especially now. If anyone found out what really happened, well, she didn’t know what they’d do.
“So, what’s this I hear about the Halloween ball?” Rachel asked, changing the subject.
“OMG! The Halloween Ball is the coolest event at AHS. Like everyone who’s anyone goes to this!” Liv said, excitedly.
“It’s tonight!” Jen said, “Do you have your costume yet?”
“Well, seeing as I just found out about this, no!” Rachel answered.
“We have to get you one then!” Taryn said. “I’m going to be a rock princess! I already got my costume and tried it on. I think I have everything set to go. Plus, you know who asked me to be his date! So I’m pumped.”
“Who?” Rachel asked. “The guy in your math class you like?”
“Yup! Sure did!” Taryn said, smiling.
“Well lucky you!” Rachel said.
“Do you have a date? I assume not since you didn’t even know about the ball,” Emily asked.
“No, I don’t. I guess I could always go alone right?” Rachel asked.
“Um, you could,” Emily answered, sounding uncertain.
“Well, it’s going to be sick! It’s tonight at the bowling alley in town. It’s going to be so fun. You have to come!” Jen said.
“I’ll be there! I’ll be there!” Rachel said, getting excited. She finally was happy to have something to look forward to.
“Rach, you haven’t touched your lunch? Aren’t you hungry?” Emily asked, sounding concerned.
“Not really, still full from breakfast,” Rachel said.
“Ok, well, you should really eat something, don’t want you to start feeling sick again,” Emily said.
“Thanks for looking out,” Rachel said with a smile.
“So you guys cool to come to my place for a sleepover later?” Taryn asked. “My mom said it was OK, we could all sleep in the basement.”