What A Dream Wants

He sat down on an unoccupied bench. The chatter of the lunchroom increased as everyone settled in.

A few minutes later, the late bell rung and a few stragglers walked in.

A microphone screech echoed through the entire cafeteria. A brown haired lady, kindly aged, was holding the microphone.

"Hello, I am Mrs. Watson." She bellowed once everyone settled down. "I am the Head Cafeteria Chef at this school. Since it is the first day for some of you, I will be laying down the ground rules at this cafeteria.

Number 1: Line up quickly and quietly. Those who cut the line or cause commotion, especially repeat offenders, not only will they be the last to get lunch, but also will be assigned cleaning duty.

Number 2: Do not cause a commotion in the cafeteria or recess. There will be disciplinary measures, especially for bullying and other petty acts."

Number 3: Clean up after yourselves. Remember, this is where you eat. If you want to eat in a dirty place, fine. We have pig pens for that. However, this is where you and your fellow classmates eat. Do note some common courtesy to uphold your own dignity.

Number 4: Pay for your food with your School ID Card. It is basically like a credit card, you can deposit or withdraw money from it. School lunch will mostly be provided by the government, however, there are some specials that will not be free.

Additionally, minor and major infractions will be accounted to your grade. Yes, there is a number grade for the Cafeteria. It is combined with your Home Ed grade. Oh and Rule Number 5 is don't ask stupid questions, you have your parents for that. Any questions? No? Okay, good."

"Now," Mrs. Watson said, "I will call your tables up to lunch. Table #1, you're first for today. Line up quickly and quietly please."

'Hungry...' Steven thought, clutching his stomach at the thought of the pleasant smell permeating from the cafeteria kitchen.

"Table #6, Line up quickly and quietly please." The lunch lady called out.

Finally, his table was called, with happy tears in his sparkling eyes, he cheerfully danced towards the shining counters and gracefully received his lunch, all while thanking everyone and anyone for everything and anything they ever did for him…

The next section table in the protein section was filled with different types of meats.

'Food tastes so good' he munched happily.

...

"Table #9, please line up quickly and quietly please." The lunch lady shouted out. Then her face paled. "I'm going to use the bathroom for a second, no funny business while I'm gone."

"Must have been the burritos..." She muttered.

The students from that table lined up.

But then, a loud crash sounded. Someone was sprawled on a broken lunch table.

'It's that guy from the morning. What was his name again? Nobody? One? Who knows? He's laying on the floor, and I definitely care a lot but my food will get cold.'

"Ow, that hurt." Zero groaned. "It really did," Zero said, sprawled on the floor. He dusted himself off and stood up.

"Shut up. Don't disrespect me, punk." The taller guy gruffly said.

"Nice to meet you, too. My name's Zero. What's your name?"

"Bull E. Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Nobody. Get it? Cause you're of zero importance!" Bull E. started laughing to himself, clearly pleased with the prospect of being able to make jokes only he would laugh at.

"Is your name really Bull E.? It's a pleasure to meet you. Zero said softly.

"Is your name Zero?" Bull E. asked.

"Yes," Zero said straightforwardly.

"Oh." Bull E. blinked. "My name is actually Bully E."

"That's cool. Anyways... can you get off the line?" Zero asked.

"Huh?" Bull E. asked, confused.

"You don't sit at Table 9. So you have to wait." Zero responded.

"But... But... I'm hungry..." Bull E. pouted. Then clarified, "Wait, I mean- Hey! How dare you question what I do. Now you will face my wrath. Let's see how you survive my almighty attack 'Bulls Hit Stampede'!"

As Bull E. charged at Zero, the lunch lady walked in.

Bull E. stopped in his tracks.

Mrs. Watson looked at the broken table, then looked at Bull E. and then looked at the broken table.

"What is all this commotion? I was only gone for a few minutes." Mrs. Watson said, glaring at Bull E.

"Uh..." Bull E. was at a loss for words.

"I. Do. Not. Have. All. Day." Mrs. Watson said, enunciating every word.

"I might... have pushed this kid into the table after daring to question the fact that I may have cut in line because I was hungry." Bull E. softly said, twiddling his fingers, trying to put on the most innocent face and tone he could muster.

"Enough! Young man, you're already a sophomore. Can't you at least behave? It's only the first day, too." The lunch lady yelled.

"What." Bull E. meekly replied.

"What???" She then proceeded to grab Bull E. by the ear and dragged him out of the cafeteria.

"You'll pay for this." Bull E. said staggering behind the lunch lady. "A-a-ah, don't pull so hard."

"And you'll pay for that." The lunch lady pointed to the broken table. "You shouldn't have pushed someone so hard. Hey! Anna?"

"Yeah?"

"Cover for me while I'm gone. I'll be back." She said, pulling Bull E. out of the cafeteria.

...

'Munch, munch, munch.' Steven thought while eating his food.

Editor's Note: The school lunch here is delectable and savory because the school setting is imaginary.