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Lunch Break
by Stephen Williams I’d already started eating my fried dough when Zoe Troy came into the cafeteria. She carried her lunch in a new paper bag, the kind some people use every day. And, as she walked, her red bangs swayed with each step caressing her cheeks and neck. She looked around the lunch room, at ease with all the unfamiliar faces, until Lunch Lady Watson showed her to one of the sixth graders tables. I sat at another table, one used by seventh graders. It was a safe place where other kids could pretend I didn’t exist. One of the seventh graders said, “I heard she’s from Kalamazoo and completely stuck up.” That morning, our teacher had announced we’d have a new student after lunch, but I hadn’t pictured anyone like Zoe. Her dress and shoes looked store bought new, not thrift shop hand downs and her hair was perfectly combed. Later, I tried a hundred times to imagine her brushing her red hair but couldn’t. After lunch, teacher said, “Her name is Zoe Troy and ….” But, I didn’t hear another word as I tried to guess at the mystery that brought her into my life. Did she walk to school or did her mother drive her every day? Which empty desk would teacher assign? And, what would I say to her if I ever got the chance? How could I be so unprepared? Would I be able to say anything? Then, almost as a sacred sign, teacher pointed at the empty desk next to mine. After she put her books in the desk, she turned to me. My mouth dropped open like a coon hound on point when she tilted her head and smiled at me. She smiled. Once I saw that faint hint of a smile, the rest of the classroom was less than the buzzing of a fly. She smiled. Her constant little smile never faltered. I don’t know how long we looked into each other's eyes, but before she turned away she nodded her head and whispered, “I’m Zoe. What’s your name?” She touched her lips as she spoke as if sanctifying her own words. It took a while, but whatever I answered must have pleased her because her eyes brightened. I had a lot to do and very little time, because when she turned to me, she smiled. |
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