HART TO HEART

I slumped in the cafeteria, my backpack sliding off my shoulders as I sank lower and lower in my chair, until I reached the perfect angle of laziness. The usual sounds of clinking utensils, chatter, and laughter filled the air, but I tuned it out, too caught up in my own thoughts. I didn't care about my posture; I was pretty sure I'd eventually die from a backache or something, but who cares, right? I winced as the piercing sound of someone dropping their plate reached my eardrums - the usual, like, what's so hard about holding a fucking plate? I rolled my eyes, thinking, seriously, get it together.

Sighing, I gazed down at the unappetizing mushy potatoes and lean steak on my plate, my gut begging me not to take a bite. Fortunately, I wasn't hungry, and a good snack from the vending machine could hold me over later. If I had any dollars on me, that is. I watched as most students bustled in and out of the cafeteria, talking about the basketball game that was going to take place later. Basketball - a game I was actually pretty fit to play, what with my height and all, but never bothered to. I mean, why bother when you've got the whole "looks" thing at your back? But it was more than that. Ever since that incident in 6th grade, where a stupid kid with curly hair nearly pummeled me to death with the ball, I couldn't take any chances again.

My eyes wandered aimlessly around the bustling cafeteria, scanning the sea of familiar faces without focusing on anyone in particular. I hadn't seen Kevin all day, probably because I'd skipped classes, and I was sure Fiona was off somewhere, chatting away with her friends like she always did. My gaze landed on Lady Sueri, sitting alone at her usual table, looking like a mysterious loner. Sometimes I'd wonder if she was a secret spy sent to our school to wreak havoc - it wouldn't surprise me, given her weirdness. I'd never seen her talk to anyone, apart from flipping off anyone who crossed her path. She was like an island, and no one dared to mess with her. Our eyes met, and I quickly looked away, not wanting to risk getting on her bad side.

My gaze shifted to Dave and Yemma, holding hands like they always did, making me roll my eyes in disgust. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, and I looked away, trying to erase the image from my mind. Then, I turned my attention to Alex and his group of barbarian friends, who were being their usual loud and obnoxious selves. They were arguing about whose girlfriend's ass was hotter and who had experienced the most epic first kiss. Their conversation was so cringeworthy that I had to tune it out.

I shook my head and let out a deep sigh, feeling overwhelmed by the chaos around me. I wanted to shut them all up, to silence the noise and distractions. I wanted to shut the entire world down, just for a moment. I reached into my bag, which was slumped on the table, and pulled out my headphones, a gift from one of my dad's friends on my thirteenth birthday. I put them on, and they instantly connected to my phone, a comforting familiar feeling.

As I scrolled through my music, I hesitated over Don Williams, my grandma's favorite artist. His smooth, country voice brought back memories of rainy days spent in the kitchen with her, singing along to his songs while sipping hot cocoa. My parents were always busy working, but those moments with Grandma were special. Keeping his songs felt like keeping her memories alive, but I wasn't ready to delve into that nostalgia in the midst of the bustling cafeteria. So, I opted for Westlife instead - yeah, I'm a vintage boy, a sucker for old songs. The lyrics made more sense to me than the offbeat songs Kevin seemed to enjoy about a random dude that fucked a 100 women. I preferred the simplicity and sincerity of old-school boy bands.

I raised my head, nodding and singing along to the lyrics that were etched in my heart like a familiar melody:

"So I say a little prayer and hope my dreams take me there, where the skies are blue to see you once again my love!"

The lyrics swirled in my mind, a comforting refrain. I turned up the volume, letting the music engulf me, shutting out the murmurs and chatter around me completely. It was so loud that I felt like I was floating on air, the notes vibrating through my entire body. But then, I snapped back to reality when I saw Kimberly Hart walking towards me - those times when your brain plays tricks on you and you have to adjust your senses to focus.

Like when you have to turn off the television to smell properly, or turn off the volume to see clearly.

I quickly paused the music, my heart skipping a beat. What did she want from me? I wondered. I had already reversed the spell.

I pulled off my headphones as Kimberly dragged a chair across the floor and sat down, her legs crossed in a fluid motion. Thanks to all the encounters with her during the whole wish thing, I didn't feel my usual nervousness around her. My heart wasn't racing, and my palms weren't sweating - Sukani had truly broken the curse! "You weren't in class?" Kimberly asked, her tone nonchalant, but I could detect solid fakeness in her tone. Her beautiful brown eyes locked onto mine, and I felt like she could see right through me. I shifted uncomfortably, trying to play it cool. "Uhmm...yeah," I began, before trailing off as her gaze held me captive. I forced a laugh, trying to sound casual. "I'm sure I've had enough of the Roman Empire for one day." Kimberly returned my laugh with a gentle smile, her lips curving upwards in a way that made my heart skip a beat. I felt giddy inside, like I was floating on air. It was surreal, talking to Kimberly Hart like, but it was real, far too real. The piercing stares and murmurs of the other kids didn't faze me; I was too caught up in the moment.

I was still recovering from the fact that Kimberly Hart, the literal queen bee, had chosen to talk to me, of all people. There was something about her aura that was captivating, demanding attention without even trying. But she wasn't exactly the friendly type; her replies were filled with a cold, dry wit that only added to the awkwardness. "So, I see you eat alone?" she asked, her eyes flicking to her phone before scanning the cafeteria as if searching for someone. I followed her gaze, feeling a pang of self-consciousness. "Yeah, were you expecting to see someone else?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant while avoiding her piercing stare.

She remained silent, and stupid me felt the urge to fill the awkward gap. "Kevin?" I blurted out, instantly regretting it. What the hell was I thinking?!

Fuck...

My face burned with embarrassment as she let out an awkward laugh. "Why Kevin?" she asked, her eyes locking onto mine, making my legs turn to jelly. I tried to play it cool, but my voice came out shaky. "Well, firstly, he's hot, and secondly, there's no other reason a pretty girl like you would want to talk to me, right?" I trailed off, feeling like an idiot.

Kimberly's eyes widened in surprise, and she let out a snort, followed by a laugh. The snort was meant to be gross, but honestly, how could one person be so beautiful? Even her laughter was captivating. "I was actually expecting, let's say, Fiona?" she replied, raising an eyebrow. I knew better than to get involved in their complicated history, so I decided to steer clear of it. "Uhh, everybody just does their own stuff..."