Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 14

A face like that should have been famous in Eclara City by now. How had they never heard of her?

“I heard she only lasted a few days at Eclara High before getting expelled,” a dissenting voice cut through the murmurs of admiration.

“My cousin goes there. After I heard her name yesterday, I asked around.” The student continued, “Skipping class, fighting, bad grades, terrible attitude… let’s just say she’s got a reputation.”

“A problem student? For real?” one student asked, his mouth agape. “If that’s true, why would Salma put her in our class? What if she affects Queenie?”

Queenie was the first student in Aurora High’s history to rank in the top fifty in the entire state. If she could get into Eclara University, it would boost the school’s reputation and might even save it from being shut down.

At the mention of her name, Queenie, who had been focused on her work, glanced up at the new girl. She looked aloof, with a rebellious streak that suggested she wasn't to be trifled with. Her looks, her reputation, her past—none of it concerned Queenie. But if she caused trouble that brought shame to Aurora High or disrupted her studies, Queenie wouldn't hesitate to put her in her place.

“You’re tall. Is the back row okay for you?” the homeroom teacher asked softly, pointing to an empty seat.

“It’s fine.” Juniper glanced over and walked to the back, dropping her bag beside the empty desk.

“Hey, new girl.”

As soon as she sat down, Qadir crossed his arms and spoke with a hostile tone. “This is Aurora High. You need to keep your head down and not mess with our studies, got it?”

Juniper hadn’t even noticed someone was sitting there. She turned her head lazily and her eyes fell on his report card. Every subject marked with a 'F'!

She was speechless. With scores like that, was there even room to get any worse?

“What are you looking at?” Qadir’s heart skipped a beat when he saw her staring. He quickly shoved the report card into his desk, his cheeks flushing. “Just remember, if you cause any trouble and distract Queenie from bringing honor to our school, I’ll…”

So noisy. Juniper couldn't be bothered. She stood up to throw something away, nudging her chair slightly as she did.

“Whoa!” Caught off guard, Qadir tumbled to the floor with a loud thud.

“Thanks, Dolce.” Juniper took the card politely and made a beeline for the food counter. “This, this, this… and that, that, and that… I’ll have them all!”

Soon, a tray loaded with a large chicken leg, spicy beef, a bowl of egg soup, a side of eggplant, and three packed bowls of rice was sitting on the table.

Dolce’s expression froze. “Juniper,” she whispered, “we can’t possibly eat all of this.”

The cafeteria staff here were notoriously generous with their portions.

“We?” Juniper held her knife and fork, replying casually, “Dolce, this is my lunch. Do you need me to get yours too?”

Honestly, her normal portion was even bigger, but the cafeteria staff, fearing she would waste food, had refused to give her any more.

She’s going to eat a meal for four all by herself? Dolce’s jaw dropped. She was pretty sure she had misheard.