Novel & Cerita I Was Sitting In The Corner

••••••• Stepping into the cafeteria, Leah and I scanned the area for a proper seat. "How 'bout over there?" I asked her, pointing towards the seat at the corner of the cafeteria. "Nah..." she mumbled. "I feel itchy when I sit there," "You what!?" I asked in disbelief. "Nothing, never mind, just- just not there," she said quickly. I sighed. "How about that one?" I pointed at the table near the vending machine. "Too loud..." "Ugh! Shut up," I snapped, dragging her towards the corner of the area.

Abby POV I sat alone in the corner of the cafeteria, my tray of soggy fries and a half-eaten sandwich pushed to the side. The hum of chatter and clinking cutlery filled the air, but it all felt distant, like I was watching the world through a foggy window. I kept my head down, staring at the scratches on the table, trying my hardest not to glance at Annie’s table.

So, I ordered food, avoiding anything quick, to bring back up and looked for a place to just sit and regroup. There was a small dining room right off the cafeteria for ranking members only. I tucked my head in and saw Jaden and two other men at a far table. I didn’t feel like dealing with them, so I opted for a small table in a far corner. Sitting my back to the wall, I swiped at the single tear that managed to fall and laid my head down on my arms. I must have dozed off because I suddenly jerked up when I registered someone calling my name.

He hung up and was already dialling again before the phone had fully left his ear. I moved to the small couch in the corner of his office. The one that had always been there, pushed against the wall under a row of shelves, the kind of couch that was not really for sitting on so much as for the option of sitting on. I sat on it anyway. Pulled my knees up. Wrapped both arms around them. I did not have anywhere else I wanted to be right now.

The back corner table, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, was my sanctuary. Close to the window, it offered a panoramic view of the school grounds, a silent observer of the drama unfolding below. A convenient lie, a flimsy excuse to mask my desire for solitude. "I just love the seat because it's close to the window and I could see everything going on from there," I said, forcing a casual tone.

I held my anger in and just gave him an icy glare instead. Five minutes later, the master of the ceremony invited everyone to take a seat and I chose to sit at a table at the back corner of the hall. I barely know anyone at this event, so I rathered chose to just be alone instead of socializing. Besides, Dome and Marco were just nearby to keep me company.

the list went on. I shoved open the doors to my classroom and found the same atmosphere waiting. No one said anything to my face, but their stares were louder than words. Normally I would’ve dropped my bag and taken a seat in the corner, letting the day slip by in the haze of routine. But today wasn’t normal. I could feel the invisible line that had been drawn between me and the rest of them. So I made the safe choice. I sat in the last row in a corner away from their prying eyes.

I grabbed my tray and followed the others to the tables. The room was noisy and the sound of metal trays clattered and voices echoed off the walls. I found a spot in the corner away from the bigger groups. It was safe that way because it gave less chance of getting into any trouble, especially with any gang around here. I sat down and started eating, not really tasting the food but rather just shovelling it in to get it over with. That was the moment it happened, and it came out of nowhere so I did not have the time to plan.

Not when some of us didn’t even get three meals a day outside this place. I grabbed my tray—some kind of grayish meat, mashed potatoes that tasted like chalk, and overcooked vegetables—and made my way to my usual spot in the corner. Same table every day. Same seat. Tucked against the wall, facing the door, where I could keep an eye on everyone and no one had to see me unless they tried. I sat down quietly, focused on eating fast and invisible. But today, something changed. A girl slid into the seat across from me.

She seemed small, but I didn't care so I turned and found a corner booth to sit and enjoy myself. Just as my drink was delivered, she slid into the seat across from me.