Emmie sat in the farthest corner of the university cafeteria, her tray balanced on the small, slightly wobbly table. She had chosen the spot deliberately, away from the hum of conversation and laughter that filled the large room. Her fork hovered over a small pile of pasta, but she wasn't really eating. Instead, she let her eyes roam over the crowd, taking in the easy camaraderie of the other students. It was like watching a world she didn't belong to.
She had told herself that sitting alone was a choice—a way to focus on her studies, to avoid unnecessary distractions. But the truth was, she wasn't sure she knew how to fit in. She'd spent so much of her life on edge, navigating the chaos of her childhood, that normal interactions felt foreign to her.
The scrape of a chair being pulled out startled her. She looked up to see a girl standing by her table, holding a tray of food and wearing an easy, disarming smile. Her dark curls framed a face that seemed open and friendly, with eyes that sparkled like she was on the verge of laughing at some private joke.
"Hey," the girl said, tilting her head slightly. "Mind if I sit here? Everywhere else is packed."
For a moment, Emmie froze, unsure how to respond. The cafeteria was indeed crowded, but there were a few other tables with empty seats. Still, something about the girl's demeanor made it clear she wasn't asking out of necessity. She had chosen this table, this corner, this moment.
"Sure," Emmie said finally, her voice quieter than she intended. She gestured to the seat across from her.
"Thanks." The girl set her tray down and slid into the chair, her movements quick and confident. She unwrapped a sandwich and took a bite, chewing thoughtfully before glancing up at Emmie. "I'm Tessa, by the way."
"Emmie," she replied, her fingers gripping the edges of her tray. She wasn't sure what else to say, so she kept her focus on her food, hoping Tessa wouldn't press for more.
"Nice to meet you, Emmie." Tessa's tone was light, casual, as if they had known each other for years. She didn't seem fazed by Emmie's reluctance to talk. Instead, she started chatting about her day—a lecture that had run too long, a professor who had spilled coffee all over his notes, the latest drama in her dorm.
At first, Emmie only half-listened, nodding occasionally as she twirled her fork through her pasta. But as Tessa continued, her stories punctuated by quick smiles and exaggerated gestures, Emmie found herself relaxing. There was something infectious about Tessa's energy, something that made the noise of the cafeteria fade into the background.
"What about you?" Tessa asked suddenly, catching Emmie off guard. "What's your major?"
"Biology," Emmie said after a brief pause. "I'm a freshman."
"Same here," Tessa said, her grin widening. "I'm in sociology, though. Completely different vibe, but I love it. Do you like it so far?"
Emmie hesitated. "It's... challenging. But I think I'll like it once I settle in."
"That's fair. The first week's always rough," Tessa said, waving her hand dismissively. "You'll get the hang of it. And hey, if you ever need a break from studying, I'm your girl. I know all the best spots on campus to just chill."
Emmie managed a small smile. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
They continued eating their meals in companionable silence, and for the first time since she'd arrived at Campston, Emmie didn't feel completely alone. Tessa didn't push, didn't pry, and somehow that made her presence easier to accept.
Emmie and Tessa sat , as the observed their environment keenly their trays almost empty and the remnants of laughter from a joke Tessa had just told. For the first time in weeks, Emmie felt like she was starting to enjoy the small moments. Tessa had a way of making everything seem lighter, like life wasn't as complicated as Emmie had always known it to be.
"So, I told her, 'If you're going to bring the cat, at least warn me so I don't show up in black jeans!'" Tessa said, laughing at her own story as she popped a fry into her mouth. Emmie chuckled, shaking her head at the absurdity of it all.
Their laughter, however, was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a group of students who walked into the cafeteria like they owned the place. The energy in the room shifted as conversations lowered and eyes turned to them. Emmie followed the collective gaze, her fork pausing mid-air.
Leading the group was a tall, broad-shouldered guy with dark, messy hair and an easy confidence that seemed almost magnetic. He wore a letterman jacket, his grin effortlessly charming as he bantered with his friends. Something about him made Emmie's heart skip a beat. She couldn't look away.
Tessa noticed the direction of Emmie's gaze and sighed dramatically, setting her drink down with a thud. "Oh no. Don't even think about it," she said, her tone dripping with warning.
"What?" Emmie asked, startled out of her thoughts but unable to hide the faint blush creeping up her neck.
Tessa leaned closer, her voice low but firm. "That's James. James Kamau. He's the school's star football player, which means he thinks he's God's gift to Campston." She rolled her eyes. "And trust me, he's bad news. The whole group is."
"Bad news?" Emmie repeated, glancing at James again. He was laughing at something one of his friends said, his smile lighting up his face in a way that made it hard to believe he could be trouble.
"You see that guy next to him?" Tessa pointed subtly to a lanky boy with an arrogant smirk. "That's Zade. He's been suspended twice already this semester for pranks that went way too far. and the guy to his right is called Kyro. He seems to be the only sober one of them all. And the girls? Micha and Alison? They are queens at being mean, especially Micha. If she so much as looks at you, it's probably to figure out how to ruin your life."
"And James?" Emmie asked, her voice quieter now.
Tessa sighed again, softer this time. "James is… complicated. He's charming, sure. Plays football like a pro. But he's got a reputation for breaking hearts and leaving messes behind. He's the kind of guy who can make you feel like you're the only person in the world one minute and then forget your name the next."
Emmie's brow furrowed as she looked down at her tray, her appetite suddenly fading. "He doesn't seem that bad," she murmured, more to herself than to Tessa.
"That's exactly how he gets you," Tessa said, her tone serious. "Look, Emmie, you've got a fresh start here. Don't waste it getting tangled up with people like them. They're not worth it."
Emmie nodded, though she wasn't entirely sure she believed Tessa. There was something about James that intrigued her, something she couldn't quite put into words. But she trusted Tessa, and if her new friend was warning her to stay away, maybe it was for the best.
Still, as they finished their lunch and left the cafeteria, Emmie couldn't shake the image of James's smile from her mind.