“It’s not important, I don’t even think he knows I like him anyway.” I tried to brush off Alicia so I could just get my lunch and find out if my cafeteria dreams would come true.

She took the hint. “Fine! But you’re gonna tell me later!” She warned. I smiled at her. It was as good as a promise because if nothing came of it, I’d have someone to cry to, and if something did, well Alicia would be the perfect celebrant at my personal ‘I’ve got a boyfriend’ party.

I sat alone at lunch. It’s hard to do in a school with 2000 students. You’re never really far from someone, but if you don’t have a buddy sitting by you or talking to you, then you’re alone. I tried to eat my food before the butterflies rose up and closed off my throat. I also tried NOT looking at the cafeteria doors, to keep the butterflies at bay. But I kept peeking.

So I saw Justin when he came out, carrying his tray, in both hands, unlike my daydream. He was concentrating on not spilling it and sat near the door.
My butterflies calmed.
I ate.