Ash and Robin sat at there usually lunch table near the window. Robin prattled on about the latest celebrity gossip about the divorce of some Hollywood actors. Ash listened, nodding and chiming in when needed. It took a second for Ash to realize that Robin had stopped talking. She looked over and followed her line of sight. Jason was over by the vending machines not too far away. His head swiveling in all directions, searchingly. His eyes met Ashes, he smiled and began in their direction. Ash panicked. What in the world was this guy’s problem? What made him think he could sit with them?

He stood in front of their table. Jason was all smiles, dimples and all. He swiped the hair out of his face with his free hand.

“Is there a free spot here?” Jason asked looking at the open chair.

‘No-“Ash began.

‘Yea. Go right ahead’ Robin interrupted. She beamed at him, she was practically vibrating with energy.

“Thanks cutie’ Jason sat down and grabbed the ketchup, slathering it on his fries.

Ash stared at him in horror. She looked to Robin for help. Her on the other was practically fawning over him. She could practically see the drool coming from her mouth.

Ash cleared her throat and looked around. She could see some of the other students glancing at them and whispering. Ash began to feel sick. She hated attention and Jason seemed to be the attention-grabbing type. She kicked Robin under the table. Robin jolted and glanced at her.

“So. Your new, right? Where you come from?’ Robin chirped. Leaning in his direction

“Arizona. Moved her last week.” Jason said stuffing more fries into his mouth. The boy was a gluten.

“Nice. Hot there no? Why did you guys move here?’ Robin opened her fruit cup and swished it around.

Jason hand stopped short of his mouth. Ketchup dripping from his fry. He frowned.

“Change of pace.” He mumbled placing the fry back down.

Ash noticed the tightening of his other hand. He had balled it into a fist. Ash touched robins shoulder and shook her head. She nodded and they spent the rest of the lunch period in silence, Listening to the chatter around them. When the bell rang, Jason thanked them for the company and hurried away.

“Well that was refreshing.’ Robin said crumbling up her candy wrapper.

“Can we not do that again?’ Ash moaned. The tension finally relieved

“He was cute girl. If he wants to join us he can. Let’s just find other topics.’

“You know, if we don’t do it, those topics won’t come up again.’

“First day jitters. He was nervous. Not like your much of a talker anyway. Let’s go. I don’t want to hear Mr. Parks mouth.” Robin stood and grabbed her tray. Ash followed suit.

She didn’t care how cute the new kid was. He was sure to draw attention to them, to her. She also thought something was wrong with him. Not like she was one to talk but she didn’t need the drama. Robin and her antics where enough. She just wanted to get through high school so she could age out the system