Sofia’s POV

Lunch rolled around too quickly for my liking, quickly becoming another joyless part of my day.

As I stood in the lunch line, my stomach churned with anxiety. What would I get for Vincent this time?

Yesterday’s choice had apparently been too boring, and he had made it clear that I had better do better today. I hated the thought of catering to his whims, but I couldn’t handle more mockery during class.

The cafeteria buzzed with the usual lunchtime chaos. The clatter of trays, the hum of conversation, and the occasional burst of laughter from groups of friends filled the air. I shifted nervously from foot to foot, glancing over the selection of food options as I neared the counter.

When it was finally my turn, I was greeted by the same lunch lady from yesterday. Her warm smile was a small comfort in this otherwise daunting school. “Hello again, dear. What can I get for you today?” she asked, her voice kind and inviting.

I hesitated for a moment before leaning in slightly, lowering my voice. “Do you know Vincent Walker?” I asked, deciding to shoot my shot.

Her eyebrows raised in mild surprise. “Oh dear, who doesn’t know Vincent around this place?” she replied with a light chuckle and a shake of her head.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to take a chance. “Do you happen to know what he usually orders for lunch?”

She hummed thoughtfully, tapping her chin. “Vincent, huh? Let me think… Ah, he’s a fan of the Cajun chicken pasta. Spicy, flavorful, just like him too.” She winked at me.

I nodded, grateful for the insight. “I’ll take two orders of the Cajun chicken pasta, please. And two Cokes.”

The lunch lady’s expression softened with understanding as she began to serve the pasta. “You’re sweet, you know that? Trying to please Vincent… it’s no easy task.” She sighed, her eyes filled with a mixture of pity and concern.

I forced a small smile. “Thanks. I just… I don’t want any trouble… I’m new.” I tell her the fact despite that she probably already figured that for herself.

She nodded knowingly and quickly packed the pasta into two trays. “Here you go, sweetheart. And don’t worry about your lunch; I’ll keep it aside until you get back again. Take care of yourself, alright?” She offers, making my life so much easier.

“Thank you,” I replied, genuinely grateful for her kindness.

Balancing the tray, I made my way through the cafeteria, my heart pounding with each step as I exited and headed for the gym hall lockers to find Vincent.

It didn’t take me long to reach the area in the school that he seemed to occupy like a king – finding him standing with the blonde who had tripped me, the dangerous looking one with the shaved head and Daryl from English who offered me a small wave.

Vincent looked up as I neared, a smirk already forming on his lips. “Well, well, look who’s here with my delivery. I started to think you wouldn’t show today! What did you bring me then, Sofia?” he drawled, his tone dripping with condescension as he said my name which sent a shiver up my spine.

I carefully set the tray in front of him. “Cajun chicken pasta and a Coke,” I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my choice. “Not bad,” he admitted, taking the tray from my hands, balancing it on one hand before moving to grab the fork.

His friends watched him, waiting for his verdict as he shovelled the first bite in to his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully, then nodded. “Much better than yesterday. You might be learning after all.” He chews, as the others laugh – Daryl offering an eye roll to his humour.

As Vincent and his friends laughed, I felt a small surge of relief that today’s choice had been a success. Just as I was about to excuse myself, two cheerleaders rounded the corner, their presence like a sudden storm clouding over the atmosphere.