Green Between My Teeth

The cafeteria smelled like disappointment and overcooked everything. I sat across from Jordan, trying to look cool while casually hiding behind my lunch tray. My mom had packed spinach again – she'd gotten into this 'brain food' phase, which honestly felt like targeted harassment against my social life.

'You're staring,' Jordan said, grinning that grin that made my stomach do unnecessary gymnastics. They were on the track team, all effortless confidence and runner's legs. I was just... there. Existing awkwardly in their proximity.

'I'm not staring. I'm observing,' I said, which was definitely worse. 'It's for science.'

They laughed, and I felt that weird flush spread up my neck. Before I could say something even more embarrassing, Riley appeared behind Jordan like a storm cloud. The school bully, professional-grade jerk, currently targeting me for reasons I still didn't understand.

'Nice lunch, loser,' Riley said, knocking my tray. The spinach container tipped, spilling green leaves everywhere like some kind of vegetable tragedy.

Something in me snapped. Maybe it was months of this. Maybe it was Jordan watching. Maybe I was just done.

I stood up. 'You done?'

The whole table went quiet. Riley actually looked surprised. 'What-'

'I said, are you done?' I stepped closer. 'Because this got old in October. It's May, Riley. Find a new bit.'

Jordan started laughing. Riley's face turned red. Then – because the universe apparently had it out for me – Jordan pointed at my teeth.

'You, uh, got a little...' They gestured at their own smile.

I ran to the bathroom, spinach in my teeth, dignity absolutely gone. But when I looked in the mirror, I caught myself smiling. Riley had walked away. Jordan thought it was hilarious. And somehow, incredibly, I'd found my voice.

The next day, Jordan sat with me at lunch. I still ate the spinach. Some things don't change. But I was done running from things that scared me.