Chapter 24
Sadie's POV
The glass door of the cafeteria reflected everyone inside—students hunched over trays, couples leaning close, the usual Monday lunch crowd.
I was halfway through my salad when Brooklyn dropped her fork.
"Wait—" She sat up straight, squinting toward the entrance. "What's going on out there?"
A small crowd had gathered near the front door. People were pulling out their phones, some laughing, others frantically typing into Lion's Den.
I followed her gaze. There was a white notice taped to the bulletin board outside, bold letters visible even through the glass.
"What is that?" Maya frowned, leaning forward.
Brooklyn pressed her face closer to the window, eyes narrowed. Then she whipped back around, her expression caught between disbelief and amusement.
"You guys. That notice is asking Jake Montgomery not to come to the cafeteria anymore."
Silence.
Then Maya spoke first. "The cafeteria... issued a ban notice... for a single student? Is this the first time in Lincoln Heights High history?"
"Probably." Brooklyn covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Oh my god, he literally broke the cafeteria. How many people showed up last time—"
"Someone tracked it last week," Zoe said calmly, though her eyes sparkled. "When he's here, the lunch line is three times longer than normal peak hours. The two ladies serving food have been working overtime for days."
"So..." I couldn't help it. The corner of my mouth twitched upward. "They just... put up a notice telling him to stay away?"
"Yes." Maya pushed her glasses up, her tone deadpan but serious. "This is probably the most cost-effective and efficient solution available to management."
Brooklyn slapped the table, bending over with silent laughter. "I'm giving them full marks for that executive decision—"
Then the crowd outside shifted.
I glanced up just in time to see Jake, Liam, Cole, and Tyler appear at the entrance.
Liam spotted the notice first. He tilted his head back and laughed—loud, unrestrained, the kind of laugh that carried. He leaned into Jake, pointing at the sign, mouthing something I couldn't hear from inside.
Cole stood beside them, hand over his mouth, trying to hold it together.
Tyler just shook his head, expression flat.
And Jake?
Jake leaned against the wall near the entrance, flipping that silver Zippo open and shut. His face was unreadable. But the lighter clicked faster than usual.
---
Mr. Daniels, the cafeteria manager, rushed out when he heard the commotion. He had that panicked, caught-red-handed look on his face as he approached Jake.
He rubbed his hands together nervously. "Mr. Montgomery, I'm so sorry. This isn't personal at all—"
Jake glanced at him. "I know."
Mr. Daniels swallowed. "It's just—there have been so many students coming to the cafeteria lately. The line wraps all the way around to the gym. Three full circles. Our two lunch ladies have been working overtime for days now, and they both called in sick this week. We just can't keep up—"
"I get it." Jake's tone was calm, but it had that edge that meant the conversation was over. "I won't come."
Mr. Daniels blinked, then nodded frantically. "Thank you for understanding! Once things settle down, you're welcome anytime. I'll set up a special window just for you—"
"Don't."
Mr. Daniels opened his mouth, then closed it. He stepped back.
Liam elbowed Jake, grinning. "So, how does it feel to get kicked out of the cafeteria?"
"Shut up." Jake pocketed the Zippo and turned to leave. "Let's go eat somewhere else."
Cole tilted his head. "Wait. Why'd you even come here today? You haven't set foot in this place in a month."
Jake didn't answer.
---
They were about to leave when a girl stepped out from the crowd.
She walked straight toward Jake.
Red tank top. Black mini skirt. Heels. Heavy makeup. She clutched a pink envelope in one hand, her steps quick but deliberate.
The crowd that had started to disperse immediately regrouped. Someone nudged their friend. Phones turned toward the scene.
Inside the cafeteria, Brooklyn whipped around. "Someone's about to confess. Right to Jake's face."
Maya glanced outside. "That pink envelope... a love letter?"
Zoe frowned slightly but said nothing.
I watched the girl walk up to him. My fork hung in midair.
Outside, the girl stopped in front of Jake. Her voice was loud enough to carry, nervous but forced high-pitched.
"Welcome back, senior. This is my letter. I really like you. If you make me your girlfriend, you won't regret it. I'll listen to everything you say. I'll be even more obedient than a dog. You can tell me to do anything."
She held the envelope out toward him. "I know people say you have a girlfriend, but so what? If you really liked someone, she wouldn't just be a rumor. Can I at least try?"
A few people in the crowd snickered.
Inside, Brooklyn muttered, "Did she just say... 'more obedient than a dog'?"
"'You can tell me to do anything,'" Maya repeated flatly. "This is a common self-objectification tactic in confession strategies. The logic is fundamentally flawed—"
"Maya."
"—but I understand you don't need the analysis."
"Thank you." Zoe's voice was gentle.
I didn't join their conversation. I just stared at the girl through the glass. At the way she held out that envelope, eyes full of hope and desperation.
I wasn't laughing at her. I wasn't pitying her either.
I was just... annoyed.
Annoyed in a way I couldn't explain. Annoyed in a way that didn't even make sense.
He's not yours.
I looked down and stabbed my fork into the salad.