Chapter 5 A New Rhythm

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Walking into the cafeteria for lunch break, Layla had the same demeanor she had when she sat in class in the morning.

For the first time in years,she wasn't mocked. She was only being stared at.

Realising it was this easy to have brought an end to the mockery that went on for years almost brought tears to her eyes.

She had allowed it go on and on,she had allowed it break her,it almost marred her and then with just few words and action..she was free.

She had thought it was going to take more than that,she never thought being free of the mockery and hatred only required standing up for herself.

If it hadn't been for...what happened, would she have made the decision to stand up for herself or would she have even thought of it..?

She knew the answer and it sadden her.

Perhaps,she was being punished for not standing up for herself all these years.

Maybe God knew what happened would make her stand up for herself and then..

Stop Layla..she scolded herself.

She walked to the counter to get her lunch and then walked to a table with a tray of meal in hand.

She sat and expected the girls to stand up and move to another table like they've always done but she was surprised when they remained seated, eating their meal.

She was stunned for a while, knowing the students never ate with her,they do move to another table.

Except a girl who always sat with her.

Only the girl did not avoid her.

She eats with her all the time, though the girl is in a junior class.

Layla looked around and wondered where the girl was,she couldn't find her.

"You should eat up,lunch break will be over soon" One of the girls said to Layla, stunning her yet again.

"Hu..h? Okay" She said and started eating.

Chloe saw what was happening and knew Layla is starting to win over the students heart.

"I can't believe those girls sat with her!" Christy,one of Chloe's friend said.

"What am i gonna do?" Chloe sighed worriedly.

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Lunch break was over and everyone started moving to their classes.

"I think...your hair looks nice on you" Layla heard.

The voice sounds familiar but it can't possibly be the person she's thinking right?

No...or she's going to faint.

She turned slowly, earnestly hoping he was the one.

It was Dylan.

He smiled at her before walking away.

She managed to stop herself from screaming but she couldn't stop herself from dancing.

She broke into a dance, shaking each part of her body, humming incoherent rhythm to compliment her dance.

She cared less about the students who laughed at her funny steps.

She looked like the happiest person on Earth at the moment.

"No one told me Michael Jackson's daughter attends this school.." One of the students said as they walked past her and the rest laughed.

"Wow, great dancing skills.. wouldn't you like to showcase it to the class? Come with me" Miss Moore said and Layla stopped dancing.

"Miss Moore, no..i i"

"C'mon, great steps you have there, you'll need to come show it to the class" Miss Moore smiled.

"No..i..i was only dancing because I'm excited, i know my dance skills is worst than a jelly's, please don't make me showcase it in front of the class" Layla said and Miss Moore held her laughter.

"You only think so, you're still the best dancer I've ever seen. The world needs to know of your talent but let's start from your class" Miss Moore said, laughing hard as she dragged Layla along.

"Miss Moore.. noooo,i dance like a crab, pleaseeeeee" Layla pleaded as she was being pulled to her class.