The cafeteria was filled with the sound of clattering trays and laughter.
Nora picked at her turkey sandwich on wheat at a corner table. She and Edison brought their own lunches to school instead of eating the usual greasy food that "Meadow Ridge" said was "nutritious fare."
Edison slid into the plastic seat across from Nora.
"Tell me what's up," Edison said as he opened his lunch bag. Why didn't you wait for me after class so we could walk to lunch like usual?"
Instead of answering his question, Nora said, "Something's different about you, Edison."
"It's the new hair. Like it?" he smiled at her. Instead of parting his dark hair on the side, and having it fall over one eye, it was now combed back and showed off more of his handsome face.
"It's not the hair." Nora studied him. He felt different. He had more confidence, more ambition, more something.
"Take a picture, it'll last longer," he winked at her and unwrapped his sandwich.
"Sorry," Nora blushed. "I didn't mean to stare."674Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7dgEWz6yn
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He laughed. "I was just teasing you."
"So, you still coming over after school?"
Nora looked confused.
"Remember I promised to help you pass geometry?"
"I completely forgot."
"That's not like you."
Nora noticed an incredibly pretty blonde girl that kept looking their way.
"Anna Devereaux keeps staring at you."
"She never notices me."
"Well, she has now."
Edison glanced to where Nora gestured.
Anna was standing with Carter and Trey. Trey looked annoyed and Carter looked confused. Trey still had that cut from the accident on his face.
Trey was animatedly telling something to Anna, but Anna kept looking at Edison and smiling. Trey stalked off leaving Carter to stand next to her. He followed her gaze and frowned at Edison.
"I don't think it's me she's looking at."
"That's a flirtatious smile, and yes she is looking at you." Nora said.
"If you say so," Edison laughed and dug into his chocolate pudding with a plastic spoon.
"I have a serious question."
"Yeah?" Edison said and swallowed.
"What happened at your house when Carter came over this morning?"
"Karma is what happened."
"Karma?"
"He and Trey got what they deserved."
"What did they deserve?"
"Whatever they got I guess. Why are you asking all these questions?" Edison laid down his spoon.
"Just curious."
"A coincidence happened, Nora, nothing more, nothing less."
Edison reached over with a napkin to dab at the side of Nora's mouth. "Mustard."
Nora flinched and Edison pulled back.
"Are you afraid of me?" he asked.
"Of course not. Why would I be?"
"Rumor has it that I'm a satanist. I hope you know better than to believe such nonsense."
"I know you're not a satanist."
"Say it with meaning next time," he wise cracked.
"Why would you be accused of satanism? You're a youth pastor at our church..."
"Yes, I am."
"And you love God."
"Yes, I do."
"You told me to throw away that Ouija Board when we were kids."
"Yep."
Nora looked thoughtful for a few moments.
"I know you're too shy to ask, so I'll answer for you. No, I haven't messed with anything satanic, or anything of the like, and I was accused of satanism because losers like Carter can't use their brains to reason."
"But Carter said that you knew something..."
"Like what?"
"I heard some kids talking and they said you caused the accident in front of your house. With witchcraft."
"Witchcraft, huh?" Edison grinned.
"That's what I heard."
"Since when do you believe rumors?"
"I don't, it's just that everything is so strange lately and that ghost girl I saw in your house..."
"There was no girl in my house, Nora. There are no such things as ghosts."
"But I saw -"
Just then, Anna stopped by their table. She was wearing jeans and a low cut ruffled blouse. As she put an arm on Edison's shoulder, Nora could see her cleavage and perfectly manicured nails.
"Hi, Edison," Anna cooed.
"Hey," Edison muttered.
"Do you think you could help go over some math homework with me during study hall?"
Edison cleared his throat. "Sure, I guess."
"Terrific. See you then," Anna's pink lip gloss sparkled as she smiled at them both and sauntered off with Carter following close behind her, like a puppy dog.
"You're going to help her?" Nora asked.
"It's nothing."
"But she is always so cruel to you, why would you suddenly help her?"
"To prove that I am not the creepy satanist weirdo that this school is beginning to think I am," Edison said. "Besides, being kind to others is good."
"I suppose so," Nora said and stood up.
"You're leaving?"
"I'll see you in our next class."
"Alright. Are we still on for tonight?"
"Can you come to my house instead?"
"Sure. I'll be there at seven." Edison said and watched her walk away. He thought she looked especially pretty today in her jean skirt and leather boots.
Apparently, so did some other guy who was admiring her legs as he lounged against the wall near the cafeteria double doors, but Nora didn't seem to notice.
He glared at the guy who looked away. That's right, buddy, stop staring. She's mine.
Maybe Edison did like Nora as more than just a friend. He'd have to explore these feelings further.
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