The long hour and half lesson finally came to an end. Their teacher packed her books and sauntered out of the class. Just as she stepped out, the class was thrown into a rumpus as the students glided out of their seats; living the class in groups.
Phidelia was busy packing her books into her bag and didn't notice Rowan's gaze on her.
“Hmm...Phidelia?” Rowan mumbled skeptically.
“Huh?” she muttered, lifting her eyes to him with a quizzical look.
“Since you have no friends yet would you mind joining me for lunch? We can keep each other’s company.”
“Really? Can I?” Phidelia exuded, face etched. The thought of eating alone in the canteen without any familiar face around was a major problem which was running through her mind earlier on. Knowing very well that Isla will not give a second thought ignoring her even if she sees her because Isla sees no fun being with her. “Let me finish packing then.”
“Sure.” Rowan smiled secretly to himself as Phidelia turned to pack the rest of her book into her bag. Tina watching them from her desk felt so bitter; her face burning up with rage.
“Hey, girlfriend? No lunch today?” Roxy walked up to Tina who seemed distracted with whatever she was watching and didn't even hear what she said.
“Hey girlfriend?” she called once again but Tina was absent minded. She slowly followed her gaze to whatever she was watching and noticed Rowan and Phidelia. “Oh–your crush and the new girl, huh?”
“Should I handle her for you?” Bella joined into the conversation from behind them; drawing Tina’s attention. “You know I’m good in putting people in their place right? Just say the word.”
“Maybe some other time Bella. It's so early for that. Besides, Rowan is the class captain and may just be helping the new girl with her first day here. Don't think too much Tina.”
Bella shrugged over Roxy’s words. “Whatever, you girls should hurry up already. I’m starving.”
“Let’s go” They heard Phidelia mumbled excitedly. They turned their gaze to them. Watching as they both sprang up from their desk and sauntered out of the class, chatting and giggling. Tina scoffed, “Disgusting.”
“Just as I thought.” commented Bella. “What did he even see in her?” She glanced at Tina who still had her gaze at the door with a wolfish look. “Woow– I got chills down my spin just with that look. Come on.” she took the lead. “They're gone already. We should go have lunch.”
Roxy chuckled, slightly shaking her head at Bella’s attitude. “Let’s go Tina before lunch break ends.”
She glanced at Roxy and without another word, picked up her bag from the desk and shoved it over her shoulders. “I have been trying to get his attention for a while now. I just don't understand Roxy.” she took the lead, followed by Roxy.
“Are you girls coming or not?” shouted Bella from the corridor.
“Gosh Bella.” exuded Tina as they walked out of the class; their voices fading into the corridors of the canteen as they kept talking about Rowan and Phidelia.
****
Rowan and Phidelia walked from the counter with their trays in hand. Phidelia took omelet with rice whiles Rowan took Vegetable rice.
“Why did you transfer from your old school?” questioned Rowan.
“Well, I....” Just then, she saw Isla approaching with some friends. “Hey Isla you.....” she mumbled but just as she assumed, Isla ignored her; walking pass her with her friends like she was a piece of wood. She glanced at her back and sighed, “And there goes nothing.”
“Do you know her?”
“Yeah.” she turned back to Rowan and they continued their walk. “We’re cousins. I have been living with them since I got separated from my parents.”
“Got separated?” Rowan sounded surprise. “Hmm..” Phidelia mumbled in response as they settled around a table seated at the right side of the hall.
“But that's a story from another time. So now tell me about yourself. How long have you been in this school?” She scooped some of the rice and omelet into her mouth.
“Well.., since first grade. Actually, my parents are shareholders of this institution and as you know, they had me school here even if I don't want to.”
“Oh I see. So it's more of whether you like it or not situation. Too bad but in some way, it’s good.”
“And how is that?”
“Well, it gave me the opportunity to meet you here and be friends. Who would have sat with me if you weren't here?” she gave him a wry grin. Rowan chuckled and slightly shook his head. At that instant, Tina and her friends sauntered into the Canteen and some students hurried out of their wat. Phidelia stared at them over Rowan’s shoulder unblinkingly. He noticed her intense gaze and turned to have a look at what she was looking at.
“Who are those girls?” she queried.
“Oh, that's Tina and her friends.” he turned his gaze back at Phidelia. “We’re in the same class with them. Didn't you see them?” She slowly shook her head in response. “Don't worry, you’ll get to know everybody soon.” He commented and they continued with their meals.
Tina and her friends also took their trays and settled some few distance away from them. They kept stealing glances at Phidelia and Rowan to the extent of scoffing at every gesture Phidelia made.
The latter were so immersed in their conversation and meals that they didn't even notice glares thrown at them. The seconds and minutes passed by with Phidelia and Rowan over their table when an irritating sound echoed through the entire hall, making Phidelia jolt a little in her seat.
“What was that?” she exuded, with both herself and Rowan turning to the direction of the noise only to see a provoking scene.
They couldn't tell exactly what happened but Tina and her friends were seated around a table with mischievous smiles on their faces and staring at a girl kneeling on the floor, her head casted down with her tray and food scattered around her. Everybody kept looking at them without offering any help to the girl.
The next thing Phidelia saw, Tina sprang up from her seat and pulled a fistfull of the girls hair; making her scream in pain.
“What the hell is she doing?” Phidelia queried angrily and jolted up from her seat.
“Hey Phidelia, don't get.....” Before he could end his statement, Phidelia speed off in anger. He tried to hold her hand but he was slow to her speed. “Shit!” he loud whispered, slightly pushing the chair back to make room for him to get up. Everybody had their eyes fixed on them but nobody was willing to offer any help as they were afraid to involve themselves in those crazy girls issues.
Tina was about to slap the girl when someone held her hand. She deftly turned to the culprit only to see Phidelia, eyes glinting with anger. She scoffed, snatching her hand. She glanced at her friends and smiled, “See– who– we–have– here–?”
She turned her gaze back at Phidelia and they both locked eyes, glaring at each other.