As Lise and I made our way to the cafeteria, the aroma of freshly prepared food enveloped us, tantalizing our senses with promises of delicious meals to come. The cafeteria was bustling with activity, students milling about as they queued up to select their meals.
The layout of the cafeteria was impressive, with various stations offering a wide array of culinary delights. From the salad bar brimming with colorful, crisp vegetables to the sizzling grill station where savory meats were cooked to perfection, there was something to tempt every palate.
But what caught my eye was the VIP section tucked away in a secluded corner of the cafeteria. Adorned with plush seating and elegant table settings, it exuded an air of exclusivity that piqued my curiosity.
As we approached the food counter, Lise posed the question, "What do you want to eat?" She opted for a simple dish—a sandwich filled with ham and lettuce. But I, being someone who appreciated fine cuisine, selected a meticulously composed meal, each component carefully chosen for its flavor and presentation.
Seated at our table, I began to eat with precision, using the proper utensils for each course and savoring each bite with discerning taste. Lise watched me with a mixture of amusement and bewilderment, her own eating habits more casual in comparison.
"You eat like a rich person. Can't you just use your hands?" Lise remarked, taking a hearty bite of her sandwich.
I chuckled softly at her observation. "I learned etiquette on how to eat properly, so sorry if I seem rich to you," I replied, my tone lighthearted. I couldn't help but find humor in the stark contrast between our dining styles.
As I glanced around the cafeteria, my gaze landed on Lydia, who was seated in the VIP section. Our eyes met briefly before she quickly averted her gaze, a subtle acknowledgment passing between us.
Despite the tension that lingered between Lydia and me, I couldn't help but wonder what it was like in the VIP section. Perhaps one day, I would find out for myself. But for now, I focused on enjoying my meal.
After a satisfying lunch, Lise and I decided to make the most of the remaining hour of our break by heading out to the park. Finding a secluded spot beneath a sprawling tree, I wasted no time in flopping down beneath its shade, eager to indulge in a brief nap.
As I nestled into the cool grass, Lise's laughter rang out. "Looks like you haven't learned the etiquette of napping under a tree," she teased, her tone dripping with sarcasm. I couldn't help but chuckle at her jest.
"Very funny, Lise," I replied, shielding my eyes from the bright sunlight with my hand.
As Lise settled down beside me, her demeanor shifted, her tone growing more serious.
"You know, you're my first friend, Aurelia," she confessed, her words carrying a weight of sincerity. "And I'm really glad that you accept my slightly strange side, even though we've only known each other for less than 24 hours," she continued.
Her heartfelt admission caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but laugh softly in response. Lise playfully hit my arm, her expression mock-solemn. "Hey, I'm pouring my heart out here, and you're laughing," she pouted.
Quickly sobering up, I reassured her, "I'm glad to have you as a friend too, Lise. Don't worry." But before our conversation could continue.
" Aww." a voice cut through the tranquility of the park.
Turning to see who had interrupted us, I found Lydia standing just a few meters away, her presence casting a shadow over our peaceful moment. "Well, you're pitiful," she sneered, her words laced with contempt.
Her again. With a determined glint in my eye, I squared my shoulders, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"You're not tired of bothering me" I said, my voice laced with annoyance. It baffled me how Lydia could pester someone who had done nothing to provoke her. Her persistence was almost flattering, if it weren't so irritating.
"I find you rather interesting, but you annoy me too much. Up until now, I've always been the best at everything," Lydia continued, as I watch Lydia's expression soured further.
She seemed to loathe me, and with a heavy sigh, I said, "It's not my fault that you're less talented than me." With that, I lay back down, turning away from her.
Silence was my refuge, the best response to someone as bothersome as Lydia. As Louise had suggested, I was determined to ignore her.
Lydia approached, her hands shaking me, but I remained still, unresponsive. "I'm talking to you, so when I talk to you, listen to me," she demanded, her voice rising in frustration. She tried to push me, but her strength faltered, and she pushed again, harder this time.
We were in a secluded spot, away from prying eyes, and Lydia's persistence grew. She kept pushing until we both tumbled, rolling down the gentle slope until we came to a stop at the bottom. Lydia's body pressed against mine, and for a fleeting moment, our lips touched.
My eyes snapped open, and I recoiled. "Eww!" I exclaimed, pushing her away.
Lydia scrambled to her feet, her cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "That was an accident!" she spat out, brushing off her clothes as if to rid herself of the contact.
I sat up, smoothing out the grass-stained fabric of my shirt. "An accident that wouldn't have happened if you kept your hands to yourself," I retorted, meeting her glare with a steady gaze.
Lydia huffed, crossing her arms. "You think you're so superior, don't you? Just because you have a few talents," she sneered.
I stood up, dusting myself off. "It's not about being superior, Lydia. It's about knowing what I'm capable of and not letting your negativity drag me down," I replied calmly.
Her eyes narrowed. "You'll see, Aurelia. One day, you'll fall from that high pedestal you've put yourself on."
I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips. "Perhaps. But until then, I'll enjoy the view," I said, turning to walk away.
Lydia's voice followed me, a mix of defiance and a challenge. "This isn't over, Aurelia."
I didn't look back. "It will never be with you, Lydia," I murmured to myself, my thoughts already drifting to the peacefulness of the park and the comfort of of a good nap.
Whatever Lydia planned, I was ready for it. For now, the serenity of the shade and the softness of the grass were calling me back to my nap, and I wasn't going to let Lydia's bitterness disturb that.