Chapter 8

The twins waltzed into the cafeteria like they owned the place. 

With bright grins, they greeted their friends and took a seat at the largest table in the cafeteria. Charming smiles and mischievous smirks were sent towards the admiring gazes of girls; most of whom blushed and looked away shyly. The table that the twins sat at was in the centre of the room and at the centre of attention. In short, it was the table belonging to the 'popular'. 

  Neither of the twins looked my way or if they did, they just didn't notice my presence. Not that I blamed them since the seat I chose was practically invisible to anyone who wasn't searching for it. 

I was glad though. No doubt they would give me a dirty glare if they caught sight of me and I wouldn't count on no one noticing with how much attention they carried. If something like that happened...

I shivered. 

My school life would be over within seconds. 

Imagining this scenario, I quickly averted my own gaze and aimed my focus on the very delicious cafeteria food before me. The butter chicken was wonderful but the naan was a little dry. The fried chicken was yummy - the seasoning they used was way better than any other fried chicken I've tried - but I had to say that the roast pork was the best. 

The meat was juicy and tender and its flavour was absolutely divine. Definitely a ten out of ten. 

I licked the saucy remnants off my lips and gulped down my glass of juice - completing the meal. My stomach felt full but not bloated which was a good sign as it meant I hadn't overeaten. I let the food in my stomach settle for a couple of minutes before I stood up and took my tray over to the counter where the dirty trays were. 

I was shocked to see piles of uneaten food just dumped there - not having been touched at all. For a moment, a feeling of anger washed over me over how much food was wasted but after that, I felt annoyed. I mean, I really try my best not to place people into mindless stereotypes and make baseless assumptions but the students of this school were making it very hard for me not to pin them as 'typical rich kids'. I mean, if you don't think you're going to finish it all, don't take so much food! 

Don't they realize how people around the world are starving?! Don't they understand how those people would give anything to get a scrap of what was thrown away here??

My fingers had unknowingly tightened around the tray and I had to release a frustrated huff. 

As much as I wanted to stand on top of a table and lecture every single teenager in the room about food wastage, I didn't plan on dying anytime soon and such an act would no doubt be social suicide. There's always the option of taking it and giving it to the stray animals along the road but I don't know if that's a good idea. Some of the food might be dangerous to them and I'd rather not be the cause of a stray dog's death. 

'This is really maddening...'

An irritated sigh escaped my lips as I put my tray down. I didn't want to look at it anymore because my blood pressure seemed to rise the more I stared at the counter. 

Without another glance, I headed straight for the doors and exited the cafeteria, trying not to think about the food piled up on those trays.

——————[oo]——————

The remainder of the school day went on smoothly. 

Most of the lessons were fairly interesting and I managed to fill up the first couple of pages of my notebooks. I think I may have overdone it a little but I didn't want to miss any detail. I planned on maintaining my high grades so I needed to do everything I could that would ensure that. Even if it meant I would end up having to purchase more books. 

After the final bell, I packed up my things and left the classroom following the rest of the class. I trudged down the hallway searching for my locker. When I found it, I opened it and took out the rest of my belongings before shutting it and hauling the strap of my bag on my shoulder. Making sure I didn't forget anything, I followed the crowd of students to the main door and through the courtyard towards the gates where I knew Mr Ken would be waiting. 

As I was halfway through the courtyard, I caught sight of a familiar car waiting outside the gates and hastened my pace. 

Finally reaching the car, I checked the number plate to make sure it was the right one before opening the door and sliding into the backseat. 

"Good afternoon Miss Lynette," greeted Mr Ken glancing at me through the rearview mirror before adding, "I'm glad to see you are still in one piece."

My lips tilted up in amusement and I replied, "Well, it was only the first day. Hopefully, I'll still be alive by the end of the semester."

The man let out a chuckle and said, "Oh I'm sure you will."

He pulled out onto the main road and the vehicle carefully entered the highway where it travelled at medium speed. It took me around five minutes to notice that something felt off about Mr. Ken today as his expression, while still friendly, seemed a little hesitant as well. Part of me was tempted to ignore it but the other part urged me to open my mouth. And I did. 

"Is there something bothering you Mr. Ken?" I asked. 

I saw his reflection in the mirror and watched his eyes widen ever so briefly in surprise. 

"I see you noticed..." he muttered with a chuckle. His face changed and became complicated, "Miss Lynette, there is something you should know."

Well, that sounded ominous.

"It is your father Miss. He has returned and is currently home at the manor."

'...Ah.'

I had forgotten about that.

Shit.