R-r-r-r-ring!!! As the lunch bell rang, everyone grabbed their bags and made a mad scramble for the door. Pushing and shoving, everyone was determined to get out first. Ahead of the front of the crowd, Kaytlin slipped out the door and rushed for the cafeteria. Keeping her head up to avoid any confusion like yesterday, she rushed down the halls just ahead of the crowd. Reaching the cafeteria line, Kaytlin grabbed a tray, and proceeded down the line. As she reached for a spoon, she looked to the left, and immediately turned red. The girl behind her was the one she had crashed into the day before.

Quickly glancing away, Kaytlin could feel her cheeks growing very warm. She could tell that the girl was staring at her. Ignoring her completely, Kaytlin concentrated on the cafeteria ladies who were dumped unidentifiable (and hopefully edible) food on her plate. As soon as she finished, Kaytlin rushed to find herself a seat – alone. She got an empty table and, sitting down, opened up her History book and began to study.

“Is anyone sitting here?” Looking up, Kaytlin saw with horror that it was the same girl that was asking. She was standing with her tray, waiting.

“Uh, well, no, not really…well, you see, I was waiting for…well…” Looking around, Kaytlin tried to invent the person that she was saving the seat for, but came up with nothing. Finally, closing her History book, she said, “…Well, no. Go ahead.”

The girl smiled softly, and sat down, clunking her tray down on the table.. Looking ruefully at the disgusting cafeteria food, she hesitated over which utensil to use, as she couldn’t really identify the food.

“This Mac-n-cheese looks gross!” the girl said, picking at it with her fork.

“This is Mac-n-cheese?” Kaytlin said in surprise, “I thought it was pudding!”

Suddenly they both laughed. Eyes shining, the girl said, “I’m Maddie, by the way.”

“I’m Kaytlin.” Kaytlin said smiling.. “Uh, about yesterday…”

Maddie laughed again, and said, “Oh, don’t worry about it. It was my fault. I’m pretty much the mayor of Klutzville! The other day, I spilled our science lab all over my partner. He had to go to the office to get some dry pants!” Eyes watering with laughter again she took a bite of her food.

“Nice of you to come and sit with me, by the way. It’s nice to have someone to talk to for a change.” Kaytlin said in appreciation.

“No prob! I’m sure all my popular friends won’t mind!” Maddie said, winking at her. “Just kidding, all my old friends are in North Carolina ..”

“You moved? Wow. And I thought changing schools was bad!” Kaylin said.

“Yep.” Maddie said nodding, “You’re the first friend I’ve made at Millstone High. Congrats!”

“Oh boy!” Kaytlin said, grinning. She liked this new girl, she decided. The twinkly eyes, bubbly laugh, and a clumsiness not unlike her own. Her outgoing personality reminded Kaytlin of what her’s used to be – before high school. Hearing the bell ring again, Kaytlin and Maddie began to clear up their mess.

“So, what are you doing after school?” Maddie’s question surprised Kaytlin.

“Uh, after school? Nothing, I guess…”

“Wanna come over to my house? Just hang out? It’s OK if you don’t, I just thought I’d ask…”

“Yeah!” Kaytlin’s answer came fast and eager. Turning red again, she said, “Sorry, it’s just, I haven’t really had anyone ask me that in a long time.”

Laughing again, Maddie said, “Alright then! Better call your mom, and we can drive you home.”

“Right, got it! See you later!” Grabbing her backpack, Kaytlin rushed off to history class with a lighter heart. All the stress of life seemed to melt in an instant, and it was all Kaytlin could do to keep from skipping for joy. Maybe life would get better after all…