In Your Time novel Chapter 7

"Never seen a cafeteria before?" A voice asked. I looked over to see Braden. I shook my head slowly.

"Not like this. What do I do?" I asked, as I started to panic slightly.

"Go get in line for food," he said like it was the most obvious answer in the world. He saw the panic in my eyes and sighed.

"Just follow me and do what I do," he finally gave in. I did exactly that. I even ordered the same food as him. At the end of the line, he looked at me and sighed before paying for my meal too. I held my tray as I followed him through the seating area.

"I doubt my mom remembered to give you money for lunch," he explained. I only nodded. He was right; I didn't have money. He sat at a table and I put my tray down next to him.

"Braden... someone followed you back to the table," a girl said as she eyed me in irritation. Braden must've been popular in school. The girl was pretty. She had skin that was perfectly tan, brown eyes and long brown hair. Her features were those of a model.

"I know. I invited her. Today is her first day here. Say hi to Phoenix," he introduced me. And here I thought he would pretend he didn't know me.

"Hi," I waved shyly. The girl who eyed me suddenly smiled a huge fake smile.

"What an unusual name. I'm Nevaeh," she said as she flipped her hair over her shoulder. I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped me. She said my name was unusual but at least it wasn't a failed attempt at trying to be 'unique'.

"I'm Bryce," a guy said quickly as Naveah opened her mouth to speak again.