CHAPTER 8

KAHLAN AND THE GIRLS

Walking through the lunch room, I felt another panic attack coming on. The cafeteria was packed. Every circular and rectangular table had been taken. The lines to get your food were long and slow paced. I knew that it would be this way, no matter how much I tried to deny it. My fellow peers had already settled into their groups. I at least hoped there would be one empty table where I could sit alone. I was good at being antisocial. I practically perfected it over the last few months. As I scanned the lunchroom, there was a table that I didn't mind sitting at. There weren't any young men. And I knew two out of the three girls sitting. So I grabbed my lunch tray and went straight to Carly's table. As I sat, I felt a little tension, as all three girls' eyes were on me. Carly's blue eyes looked ice cold.

"Hi Kahlan," Ashley greeted, looking up at me, remembering me from his morning. She was the only one who made me feel welcomed.

"Hi." I still looked Carly in the fa