Alorah Reagen

"Alorah, did something happen between you and Julian?"

"What do you mean?" I questioned, taking a bite of my pork cutlet. I think this has been the fifth time they have asked me since the last two periods of classes we had a while ago.

They both held a concerned look, which worried me a lot. Nothing happened between Julian and me after he poured his drink and apologized to me in private. Afterward, we didn't talk to each other anymore since our seats were far apart.

"Are you sure nothing happened? You guys haven't bumped into each other since you went to the bathroom to clean yourself up?" Layla stared at me intently, which made me look away since it was uncomfortable.

From the time I went to the bathroom, I can't say nothing has happened since Julian...

He did tie my hair...oh god, I could still feel the goosebumps on my neck.

"Um...I can't say nothing happened between the two of us," I answered vaguely, and I swear I saw both of their eyes pop out of their socket. Now, my pork cutlet does not look too appetizing.

"HUH?! WHAT DID YOU MEAN BY THAT?!" Layla shocked us by standing up and yelling at me. I frantically placed my forefinger on my lips to quiet her down. I knew It was too late since I saw a few students near our table, puzzled by the situation. I gave them an awkward smile as a response and mouthed an apology.

"Sit down! Alorah doesn't like attention," Amelia hissed at her, and Layla shot me an apologetic look before sitting back down. We resumed our lunch, but I couldn't get the nagging feeling out of my head. Why were they so curious about Julian and me?

It seemed like he regretted what he did, and I won't hold it against him as I wouldn't say I liked to make a fuss about things. But Amelia and Layla had no knowledge that Julian apologized to me...

"Can I ask why you guys are asking me about Julian? Is it because of the soda incident? You don't have to worry about that since he apologized to me when I left to change my clothes, and I'm not mad at him," I reassured.

Sometimes, Layla and Amelia give off an older sister vibe, making me feel safe. I'm an only child, so I didn't know what it felt like to have a sibling. These two are the closest people to a sister for me.

"It's just...you know how overprotective we are towards you. Both of us see you like our younger sister, and ever since Mrs. Reagan asked us to protect you in her place, we got a bit riled up. I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable, Bestie," Layla said in a gentle tone, and how her eyes softened as she said each word made me want to...

"We love you a lot, Alorah. It's because we care about you, which is why we plan to uphold our promise with Mrs. Reagan," Amelia added, placing her hand on mine and Layla's.

"Thank you. I love you guys, too." I stared at our hands as something hot formed in my eyes. I brushed my fingers to wipe the tears away and cupped their hands. I'm so glad to have such wonderful friends, and I'm happy to hear how much Mom loves me even though we're not always together.

As we pulled our hands away, my eyes unconsciously landed on my unfinished meal. Dad's stern voice invaded my mind, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Honey. Having three meals a day is important for a person. Don't think you can lose weight more healthily if you restrict your food intake. Promise me you will clean your plate."

"Alright, Dad! I promise. In return, promise me you won't keep repeating your words every day."

"I tell you this every day because I love you. So, I will have to decline that promise."

"Dad!"

"Why are you staring at her like that?" I snapped out of my memory lane when I heard Amelia's voice. I turned my attention to Layla, who seemed to be restraining herself, particularly her mouth, since it looked like she was trying to stop herself from saying something.

"Is everything alright, Layla?" I asked worriedly.

She stared at me, biting her upper lip with hesitation. Something shifted below, and I saw her hands forming a fist.

What is she not telling me?

"Oh, I can't take it anymore! Alorah, I think you should distance yourself from Julian. Don't let him slither into your life, specifically your heart." She lets out a breath before taking a big gulp of air.

I was taken aback by her words. Before I could ask her to specify, I heard numerous shuffling behind me.

Students were heading out of the cafeteria, and judging by the time, we had 5 minutes left before the next class started.

"Let's continue this later. For now, we have to head to our next class quickly." Amelia ended our conversation here. We grabbed our trays and placed them on the trolley.

As we walked out of the cafeteria, I couldn't help but glance at Layla. Why is she telling me to distance myself from him?