5: Lunch

                                    

                                          
Lunch time came quickly, and as I stand in the cafeteria line, I search the cafeteria for Adriana. It's hard, because there are so many colors that catch my eye. Like Carter's hair; it's actually a bright color, similar to the flowers painted on the wall. Lauren has dark black hair, which isn't what I pictured at all. The only colors I can pick out by name are white, grey, black, and silver. But there are so many more...so many that are so different. 
                          
I had looked at my reflection earlier; I'd done it a thousand times before, but this time it was different. I could see what I actually looked like. Dirty looking messy hair, blue eyes, and dark freckles sprinkled across my nose. I have a little scar, too, on the bridge of my nose. I don't really remember when I got it, because when I saw in black and white, I couldn't even see it. 
                          
I scoop some mashed potatoes onto my plate, and continue to move through the line. After I've gotten all my food, I search the room for Carter. He's sitting on the far wall, his arm around Lauren, laughing at something our friends said. 
                          
At the table behind him is Adriana, sitting alone. Again, I can't help but stare at her. She is truly the most beautiful person I've ever seen. She was beautiful before, in black and white, but now that I can see in color, she's even more stunning. 
                          
I walk towards her, my heart hammering in my chest. I sit in the seat opposite hers, and offer her a smile. 
                          
"Hi. My name is Dare Spencer," I say, smiling at her. 
                          
She looks confused as to why I sat with her, and mumbles, "I know that. I've been in your class since sixth grade." 
                          
That takes me by surprise. She knows who I am? Something about that makes me smile triumphantly. Before I can start up a conversation, Adriana asks, "What are you doing sitting here? Shouldn't you be sitting with your friends?" 
                          
"Who says you're not my friend?" I say teasingly. 
                          
She cocks an eyebrow, saying, "Don't tease me, Spencer. We've been in the same class since sixth grade, and never spoken. Why now? In our senior year, on a random Tuesday?" 
                          
Because I knocked you over in the hallway and realized you're my soulmate. 
                          
"Because we're both seniors, we're going to graduate in the spring, and we've never talked to each other?" I lie. "Shouldn't we at least know a little bit about each other before we graduate together?" 
                          
She still doesn't seem convinced, so she takes a bite of today's lunch: spaghetti. "Fine, I'll take your stupid excuse," she sighs. "But tell me one thing: why were you acting so weird in the hall earlier?" 
                          
Because I saw in color. Because of you. My soulmate. 
                          
"I thought I saw my cousin." 
                          
Oh good god, that sounded so stupid. Adriana snorts, "Are you high, Spencer?" 
                          
"Why do you call me Spencer? My name is Dare," I say, irritated and ready to change the subject. 
                          
"Does it bother you?" she asks. 
                          
I shrug, "Not really. I was just curious." 
                          
"Oh. Well that's a shame. I was hoping it would bug you," she says. My mouth falls open. She can't be serious. Seeing my expression, Adriana laughs, "I'm kidding." 
                          
"Good grief, don't do that to me. I thought you hated me there for a second," I say, chuckling. She laughs, and my heartbeat quickens. She has a very pretty laugh. 
                          
The school bell rings, so I look to her and ask, "What class have you got next?" 
                          
"English 101. You?" she asks. 
                          
"P.E.," I groan. 
                          
She smirks, and says, "Sorry, pal." She stands up, and pulls her backpack over her shoulder. Then she looks at me, grins, and says, "See you around, Dare." 
                          
And with that, Adriana walks out of he cafeteria, leaving me alone and aching for a longer lunch period.