章 51: MORE ALI

"The pizza, sandwich, and fried fish sticks are solid, though. You’ll survive on that,” I added, trying to give him some sense of hope. He nodded again, but he seemed to be following me just fine.

As the line inched forward and we got our turn, I held out my plate and the lunch lady, Ms. Frida, dropped a lump of fried steak and some questionable-looking potato pudding on it. “Thanks,” I muttered, stepping aside to wait for Ali.

Ms. Frida was already smiling at him—like, really smiling. She didn’t usually crack a grin for anyone. “Oh, hello, love,” she greeted Ali in that overly friendly tone, her eyes locked on his face like she’d seen a celebrity. She scooped a ridiculous amount of steak onto his plate, way more than what she gave anyone else.

I stood there, just staring, wondering what kind of magic this guy had. First Lady Sueri, now the lunch lady. Everyone’s been nicer to him than they ever were to me. What is this? I'm handsome too aren't I?