Kidnapped

Chapter 3: Madison

Madison kept poking me on the shoulder. Furious, I swerved my eyes to look at her. She wore a pink tank top with skinny jeans.

Her long hair rested against her neck. She wore red lipstick, tons of eyeshadow, and eyeliner.

"What?" I hissed.

"I saw you talking to Luke," she said.

"Just to let you know, you shouldn't be talking to him."

"Why?" I teased. "You like him?"

She blushed immensely then changed the subject.

"Do you want to hang out with me sometime?" she asked.

"I can help you get a makeover."

I thought about it for a moment.

"Thank you Madison," I said. "But I rather pick my own friends."

Madison clamped her mouth shut and faced the chalkboard.

Eventually, classes were a blur to me. From dissecting frogs to figuring out math problems, I took the time of writing my homework onto the lines of my agenda.

After math class, the kids grabbed their backpacks and headed to the cafeteria. I trailed after them while slipping my arm through my backpack straps.

I pushed the doors of the cafeteria then smelled the mouthwatering aroma of hamburgers.

Everyone was crowded into the cafeteria as if they were a package of hot dogs.

Kids are carrying yellow lunch trays filled with heaping plates of fresh french fries, sizzling fried chicken, and biscuits smothered in golden honey.

To my left is the long line of starving kids, holding their trays like beggars.

In the middle of the room, are the lunch tables.

Based on my observations and watching movies, every group has a lunch table: you have jocks, cheerleaders, Goths, eco-friendly helpers, nerds, and losers.

The popular sit on the left side and the losers sit on the right.

"Hey," someone cried. "Move it."

A boy with spiky red hair glared at me. I sheepishly took my tray, loaded it with food, and craned my neck at my options.

Originally, I thought about eating by myself.

But as I saw Luke, sitting in the right-hand corner of the table, I thought maybe Luke deserves a friend.

I took my tray to Luke's table then sat next to him.

His eyes widened when he saw me.

"Hi," he greeted uneasily.

"Hello," I greeted, dipping my fry in ketchup.

"Why are you-" Luke began.

"I've been there before," I interrupted. "And the last thing I want to do is ignore an outcast."

"Thanks," Luke said. "But I have never talked to anyone before, especially to a girl."

I rolled my eyes at this.

"Just pretend that I am Natalie Portman," I explained.

"Pretty, smart, and talented. Now she is interviewing you for a...stunt double position."

"A stunt double?" Luke repeated.

"Just stay focus," I insisted. "Anyway, she asks you questions. Like, what's your story?"