What Lies Beneath Page #6

The undiscovered truth of Nicholas Anderson

• Fiction

								


POV Nicholas 

As I step into the inviting buffet area of the food court, I am enveloped by a delightful aroma that promises a delectable culinary experience. To my right, I notice a sandwich display, where dedicated women are attentively taking personalized orders. As I venture further, I am surprised to discover a diverse array of food displays on each side, showcasing an enticing selection of pizzas, cakes, vegetables, fruits, and sauces.

At the far end of the buffet area, I can glimpse the bustling kitchen at the back, which is separated from us by the four distinct food booths, resembling a sturdy fort-like structure. The first booth on the right specializes in vegetarian cuisine, while the two booths in the middle offer Mexican cuisine and fast food options. The final booth is dedicated to gluten-free alternatives. Each booth seems to present an array of mouthwatering dishes, yet I find myself lacking an appetite.

Standing amidst the white-tiled buffet area, surrounded by the tantalizing aromas of various cuisines, I am reminded of the fact that I have barely eaten. However, I am unable to muster the desire to do so. Nevertheless, anticipating potential questions from the others about my lack of appetite, I decide to grab a portion of fries and a fruit bowl before heading towards the cake display, where I find the three guys gathered.

As before, Rick and Emmett were engaged in a disagreement about a matter. This time, the subject of their dispute seemed to be the last piece of Black Forest chocolate cake. As I approached, Ray noticed me before the other two, who were engrossed in their confrontation. At that moment, I saw Ray discreetly indicating toward the coveted piece of cake, which remained on display and unclaimed. Subsequently, he gestured in the direction of the dining area, where many people were engaged in conversation and enjoying their meals.

Swiftly comprehending his intentions, I nevertheless conveyed a questioning expression before directing my attention toward the other two, who were still engaged in their argument. Ray responded with a knowing smirk, revealing his mischievous nature.

Given that the two men were preoccupied with their disagreement and oblivious to my presence, I swiftly retrieved the cake and turned to leave.

"Well, it seems like we're not getting anywhere with this argument, so I'm gonna head out." I overheard Ray remark with a hint of frustration, followed by the sound of his footsteps approaching me. Shortly thereafter, he positioned himself beside me and exclaimed, "Let's go," accompanied by a radiant smile.

We walked between the tables, careful not to bump into anyone. We finally reached a large round table overlooking the lower level of the canteen, where a guy and a girl were sitting. 

"Hey, Evan," Ray says as he sits down and hands one of the red food trays to the ginger-haired guy.

"Thanks, bro," he says, removing his arm from around the blonde's waist. "Who's this?" He asks, nodding in my direction.

Ray turns to me, "This is Nick," before turning back. "Nick, this is Evan," he says, completely ignoring the girl who looks like she's about to kill someone. 

"Hi," I say before sitting next to Ray.

"Seriously, don't you see me?" the blonde screams. I look at Ray, but he doesn't reply. Instead, he starts to eat. "Are you going to let him treat me like this?" She turns to Evan, staring him down with her blue-gray eyes. But he just shrugs in response, making her heavily made-up face contort in anger. "What a**holes" She says, getting up.

As she gets up, her mini black skin-tight dress that barely leaves much to the imagination rides up. But instead of pulling it down, she bends over and picks up her bag, which leads to her flashing us her red underwear. With that she storm is away to another table.

"That's Brianne, the new head cheerleader, and Evan's on-and-off-again girlfriend who wants to sleep with his friends," Ray says dryly. I didn't know what to say, so I just put my bag down and grabbed a fry.

"It's not that bad," Evan defense.

That when a reply comes form behind "she's a slut" The person who said that sits between Ray and Evan.

"Rick, please refrain from making disparaging remarks about Evan's significant other." Emmett states with a serious look as he sits next to me before he and Rick start laughing.

"Significant other. Yeah, right," Rick snorts. That's when his eyes land on my tray. "You?" He looks in shock at the cake and me before looking at Ray. "No, this was your doing."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Ray said with a smirk.

"You little sh-" Before he could finish, Emmett grabbed the cake and took a huge bite out of it. I couldn't believe my eyes as he stuffed his face with my cake.

Everyone at the table seems to be in agreement as Emmett pigs out on the cake. It's just not worth it.

"Do you still want that cake?" Evan teases.

"What a pig," Rick says, expressing what is on everyone's mind.

I look away, trying to suppress a smile that threatens to emerge as I meet those captivating, vibrant green eyes. For an instant, my heart's rhythm quickens. 

That's how the rest of the lunch break went.

***************************

As I sit down in one of the chairs in the classroom, more students start pouring in, filling up the open seats.

Most of them appear to be acquainted, as they engage in discussions about their summer break and their upcoming plans for the music program as juniors this year. As for myself, I find myself seated, quietly observing my surroundings. Seeing as all the other guys are in a sports program as their focus, including Evan, who is in baseball.

As I observe my surroundings, I notice a black grand piano on the right side of the classroom, a drum set on the left, and chairs facing us in the middle. Instead of tables, we have music sheet stands in front of us. At the back of the classroom, there is an electric piano and various instruments hanging on the wall, including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, violins, cellos, and others. The only instruments missing are trumpets and flutes, which are instruments most people wouldn't share.

As I face back toward the front, that's when a man with slightly gray hair walks in. He is elegantly attired in his navy blazer and black button-up shirt. "Hello, class," The teacher says as he sits down on the chair in front of us causing his dark blue jeans to wrinkle."I'm Mr. Everton, the one in charge of teaching the juniors in the music program. Of course, I'm not your only teacher. I'm just the main one who oversees your progress and helps you all the way. I know by now, as juniors, you already know what musical path you want to pursue. Be it a producer, solo musician, forming a band, or performing musicals, you know it. The music program works to improve your talent and guide you down your chosen path. Of course, there seem to be some who have doubts and even those that wish to change to something else, which is normal. But this is a performance-based program, so if you don't prove you belong, you will be cut by the end of the year. We nurture talent, not feed false hope." He looks at us with sharp gaze.

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