The day went very fast and before they could come into terms with the first day at school it was lunch break. The day was bright and sunny as three girlfriends walked towards the school cafeteria. They were excited to meet after a long holiday and catch up on each other's lives. As they entered the cafeteria, the aroma of freshly cooked food filled their senses, making their stomachs growl.
At lunch time cafeteria always a bustling hub of activity. Serene is not a word that would typically describe the atmosphere in the cafeteria at this time, as it is filled with the sounds of chatter, clanging dishes, and the occasional burst of laughter.
The sounds of chattering and laughter fill the air as students find seats with their friends. Despite the noise and crowds, the cafeteria can still be a place of serenity for some. It can be a place to catch up with friends, relax, and refuel for the rest of the day. Some students and staff even use the cafeteria as a space for study or to work on assignments during their lunch break.
The clinking of silverware and the rustling of paper bags can be heard as students enjoy their meals. Those who carry money for their lunch has to pick hot lunches from the cafeteria, while others who did not bring money for their lunch or those who preferred home food had packed lunches from home.
Sharon, who loved spicy food, ordered a plate of chicken wings with a side of hot sauce. Harriet, who had a sweet tooth, ordered a slice of chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while Lyn, who was a health-conscious person, ordered a grilled chicken salad with a side of balsamic dressing.
After placing their orders, they went to their favourite spot in the cafeteria, a table near the window with a perfect view of the school garden. As they settled down waiting for their food to arrived, they started talking about their holiday experiences without leaving their usual gossips.
When the food arrived. Sharon chicken wings were crispy and spicy, just the way she liked them. Harriet chocolate cake was moist and rich, and the ice cream added a creamy texture to it. Lyn salad was fresh and healthy, with the balsamic dressing giving it a tangy flavour.
"So, Harriet, over the phone during holiday you told me that you went up countryside visit your grandparents," Sharon said while smiling. "Can you tell us how it was over there. We are eager to hear all about it."
"We know you cannot let anything get in your way with meeting new people and having a good party. There are rumours that during the holidays the up-countryside people do have a crazy party, and with the way you like parties we are convinced that you have a great time there." Added Lyn.
"We are impatient Harriet; can you tell us in detail what was the experience there." Said Sharon to her friend.
"Why am I the one to start every time, why can't Lyn tell us hers or you Sharon, we know you haven't kissed a boy in your sweet and terrible life. Maybe you found your Mr. "Perfect" during the break, and you finally give it a try." Harriet said as she gets closer to Sharon for a beautiful chinwag.
"Or maybe they go further below, you know during the holiday anything is possible." Added Lyn.
The girls continued to bombard her with questions about her vacation. Now that all their attention was focus on her, she was not going to let them down, besides she has a great experience during the break.
"So, Sharon, did you meet any cute guys on your trip or your imaginary Mr.?" Lyn asked with a sly grin as she make gesture with her hands on the air.
Sharon blushed and looked down at her feet. "No, not really," she muttered.
Lyn and Harriet exchanged knowing looks and giggled.
"What? What's so funny?" Sharon asked, feeling embarrassed.
"Oh, come on, Sharon, you're seventeen and very soon you will be eighteen and you have never experienced a kiss" Harriet teased.
"Yeah, what's up with that? Are you scared of boys or something?" Lyn chimed in.
Sharon rolled her eyes. "No, I'm not scared of boys. I haven't found the right one yet."
"For how long you are going to wait for the right one to arrive, and from where is he going to come from exactly?" Harriet asked.
"No, it is not that way, it just that…"
"Just what Sharon?" She was interrupted by Lyn.
The girls continued to tease her, but Sharon just brushed it off, knowing that they were just joking around. However, deep down, she felt a pang of sadness. She had never had a boyfriend or even been kissed, and it was starting to feel like she was never going to experience those things.
Though many had fought over her in different occasions in her life, and even is her current school there are many who shows interest by trying very hard to woo her, she never found the one she needed. Or maybe she thought that her taste for boys is what is terrible that why she never found her prince charming yet.
She was not letting Harriet off the hook yet. She will not dodge the bullet by pushing her right into the bullet passageway. No that was not going to happen, at least not without a fight. Besides she is the crazy one and by that it means her holiday was crazy. There has to be more than she told them yesterday.
"We all know that mine is boring as always," lied Sharon. "So why should I bother you with my boring long holiday conversation while we know that Harriet among us here is the most exciting and knows how to execute her stories with sweetness in them."
Harriet had always been the first one to jump into sharing stories about her holidays or any other experience with her two best friends. But this time, she wanted to take a back seat and listen to what they had to say first, especially of that of Sharon. They could not let her.
"Gosh, well seems you guys won't back off until you hear my story but after this Sharon you will follow." Said disappointed Harriet.
"Yes, off course am going to tell you, my expedition." Sharon said staring at her friend Harriet.
"It better be nice, and I hope you have the photos and videos in your phone. You know there is nothing I love most than nice vocation pictures." Grilled Harriet.