Page 17 of Drama Queens Don't Fall For Charming Boys

“Hey,” a few kids say as we leave the classroom together. “Want to go to lunch?”

“Sure.”

As we head for the cafeteria, some kids join the group. Again, some want selfies and others autographs. I spend a few minutes signing various parts of their bodies—arms, cheeks, hands—then we enter the cafeteria.

“Want me to get your lunch for you, Declan?” a girl asks me with wide, excited eyes.

I smile at her. “That’s okay, thanks. But I’d like some help choosing what’s good.”

With a squeal, she grabs my hand and pushes through others in line, pointing out the various food options. A few others surround us while some watch from a distance.

The lunch lady’s eyes widen as she takes me in. “Oh my. You’re Declan Hart. My daughters are obsessed with you!”

“I’m honored, thank you. Would you like to take a selfie with me? And I’d love to give your daughters autographs.”

Her eyes widen even more, as if she’s not used to anyone giving her the time of day. I wonder if she feels like these kids ignore her.

After the selfies and autographs are done, she places a heaping pile of food on my plate. I doubt I’ll eat all of it, but I thank her for her kindness.

A few girls offer to carry my tray for me, but I decline. I don’t want to be a celebrity here—not really—I just want to be treated like a normal kid. Though I know that’s pretty much impossible. Maybe once the excitement of my being here dies down, I’ll be just like a regular student.

Most of the tables are full, though there are a few that have empty seats. I spot a table in the corner of the room. Mia and a few others who must be her friends are seated there, chatting and laughing.

“Come sit with me and my friends, Declan,” a voice says. When I turn to my left, I spot a girl with blonde hair wearing a cheerleading uniform standing there. The girls standing next to her look at her like she’s their queen.

Her smile is bright. “I’m Tiffany Myers, head cheerleader for the Edenbury High Lions.” She flips her hair off her shoulders. “You probably heard about me.”

“Sorry, no.”

She frowns. “Oh. Anyway, I saved you a seat at my table.” She nods at the table in the center of the cafeteria, where a large group of kids are sitting. “My friends and I would love to have you.” She smiles again.

It warms my heart how welcoming everyone at this school is.

“Okay, sure. Thanks.”

I follow her to the table, where all the kids smile and greet me. From what I can tell, most of them are cheerleaders and jocks. Tiffany gestures to the chair next to hers. After placing my tray on the table, I drop down.

I can feel practically the entire cafeteria watching me. Tiffany leans in close, giggling as her shoulder brushes mine.

“We’re so excited that you’re here,” she gushes, her smile growing. “This town is so boring.”

“I think Edenbury is lovely from what I’ve seen so far. The people are great and so kind. And everyone here has been very welcoming.”

She beams and a few others sigh happily. “Of course,” Tiffany says. “You’re Declan Hart.”

Despite my smile, I wonder if anyone here will see me as more than just a celebrity. I mean, I love making my fans happy, but would they like me for me?

“It’s so cool that you’re doing the play,” she continues. “Everyone here loves the play. Like, it’s the highlight of the semester. You know last semester’s performance was amazing.”

That makes me even more excited. “Really? Cool. What was it about?”

Her smile wavers for a second. She plows her fingers through her hair. “You know…monsters and everything.”

My eyebrows furrow. “Monsters? What was it called?”

“Oh my gosh, you have to watch me practice after school.” She nods to her friends. “We’re all cheerleaders. Promise you’ll come and support us.”

“I would, but I have play rehearsal after school.”

---