chapter 7

Erica and I ended up being three lockers down from each other. Fate was not on my side today. In fact, it hasn't been on my side all day. Wait, did I do a quick recap? Right now we are currently making our way to the first floor of the school. It's time to eat and I've completely forgotten what I've packed myself this morning. Or maybe my sister packed it last night? You know come to think of it, I think there was a lunch box in the fridge for me. She's going to be upset when I get home. Finally, we've reached the first floor. During lunch, it can get a little loud which is usually for all school cafeterias I imagine. So, upon entering the main hallway to the cafeteria. You could hear the commotion.

"Wow, this is a huge cafeteria. This is bigger than my old school."

"Yeah, back in freshmen year I thought the same as well."

"So where do you usually sit? And would it alright if I sit with you until I make some more friends?"

"Well, since I'm on the track team I usually sit with the team members. Along with a few who aren't part of the team. So, come on follow me." (Did she just say we're friends?)

"Going through the cafeteria is always the same thing. Everyday."

"Hello, Aaron."

"Hey, AW."

"Nice job last week at practice."

"Yeah, we always watch you. So talented." 

"Thank you all for your kind words."

"You're quite popular. You even have a whole table of girls."

She really didn't have to mention that part. I'm not some Harem King. Then again, I can think about two of those in this school. Should I warn her about the one guy? Nah, not my business. Besides, she's smart enough. I keep forgetting she'll just be able to read their body language. 

"I wouldn't say I'm that popular, just well known, that's all. Here we are."

"I'm not sure about that." (Isn't that the same thing?)

"Hey everyone, sorry I'm a little late. I had some things to do."

"I bet you had things to do alright." (Damn Aaron, I see you.)

JD Phillips. Now, this guy is crazy about girls. He's also the vice-captain of the track team. I said earlier there is one Harem King you'd have to watch out for. Unfortunately, this isn't him. Damn it this one is just good at getting girls. He just does it so naturally too. I'm not jealous, not at all. Ok, maybe a bit.

"Give it a rest JD. At least let him introduce her." (What a creep.)

Mike Philips. Without him, JD would be uncontrollable. Both are cousins. Mike is a very well laid-back kind of guy and is extremely reliable. Although he does have that personality to get a little bossy. I blame JD. I blame him for that.

"Well, let me introduce myself first. My name is Erica Earhart. Thank you for allowing me to sit with you all." 

Everyone just became quiet for a moment. I knew what they were thinking. "I've heard of this girl from somewhere." Remember the EETs? Yeah, they're trying to remember where they've heard her name. I decided that it's best to let them figure it out on their own.

"Erica, this is JD Phillips. He is our vice-captain, Mike Philips, Mike Hoy, but we all call him Hoy. Dan Sweeny, DJ, or Zak, Zak is his last name. He won't mind what you call him. And last, but not least Damon Matthews." 

"Hey, are you going to introduce us?"

"Oh yeah, sorry about that Melissa. That's Melissa Johnson, Rachel Sabilla, Carol Bell, and Valerie Dillinger. You might have seen Valerie during our math class."

"Yeah, I remember her."

"Aaron, I told you to call me Val remember?"

"Oh yeah, that's right."

"Well, again it's very nice to meet you all. Um, I do have a question, Aaron. Is this all the track team members? I thought there were more."

"There are a total of twelve of us in the boys' track team. The girls have one more than us."

Dan Sweeny. He is extremely fast, making him the second-fastest on the team. If you're not careful he'll give you a run for your money. He has great sportsmanship and is highly respected in the field. That's probably due to the Sophomore year incident that took place. We'll touch on that another day. And damn it, she was asking me.

"I see."

During lunch, everyone talked and continued to bombard Erica with questions. For some reason, I wanted to save her a few times, but I looked over and she seemed to be really enjoying the attention. Oh, right you're probably wondering what I'm currently eating. Just my usual Turkey sub sandwich. Erica packed what looks like a bento box. Besides Erica and I, only Valerie packs lunch. The school lunch is quite delicious, but I've found that waiting in line isn't worth it. Especially when people come up to me every minute to talk. I find it irking at times. For the remainder of lunchtime, we all sat and talked. Erica continued to look at me a few times while I was checking a message from my sister. Does she want to ask me a question? 

"So do you have any siblings Aaron?"

"Yeah, just a little sister. She goes to this school. She's a freshmen. How about you?"

"I'm an only child."

"Luckily, I have three older brothers that are dicks. Glad they all have lives now. Senior year has been the best."

"JD give it a rest."

"Get off my back Mike."

"Can you two not start today. Especially in front of the new girl. I'm so tired."

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. Damon, he doesn't talk much. But he does not like being disturb when he's taking his afternoon nap. The guy is always tired. He's a hardcore gamer.

"Say, Aaron did you finish that assignment from computer class? Sorry to interrupt you, Erica."

"It's fine. Go ahead." 

"Yeah, why do you ask? Wait, don't tell me you didn't do yours again DJ."

"Can I pretty please borrow it? I'll give it to you during class."

"Seriously. Fine. Here you are. "

"Thanks, Captain, you're a lifesaver."

"Captain? Why does he call you Captain Aaron?"

"He seriously didn't tell you? How could you Aaron?"

"JD's right for once. That's harsh." 

"Listen here Sweeny Swine!"

"Can you boys keep it down? Us girls are having serious competition here."

Me and the boys all turn our heads including Erica. We're pretty much thinking the same thing. "How is gaming on a handheld real competition?" The girls tend to play a handle device game after they're done eating. Probably why they were quiet. Although Valarie usually tends to talk to me more, I'm surprised she's playing with them as well. Wonder if it's because Erica is here. Oh, the bell just rang.

After we all said our goodbyes, everyone went different directions to their next class. Erica and I are currently heading to our sixth-period class with Mr. Fisher. Gym, I know right after lunch too. 

"Hey, I never got an answer to my question I asked earlier."

"Oh yeah, you see…"

"Wait, you're the Captain of the track team?!"

End of Episode 4