Stella realized too late that she'd said something she shouldn't have.
Phoenix's words made her understand that she'd made the situation awkward for everyone.
Although she didn't show much expression on her face, she did look down and reply in a quieter voice.
"I spoke without thinking, and I understand what I said was unpleasant.
But I'm really not comfortable with having dinner.
Hannah blinked and gave a small smile, as if nothing had happened.
"I'm here to discuss something with Mr.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtCampbell, so it's not Like I'm here to bother you all.
Judy whispered in Hannah's ear, "I'm so sorry about Stella.
I know how she can be, but I still suggested we all eat together.
That was my mistake.
"It's okay," Hannah replied, her tone placating.
Stella heard what they both said, but she pretended she didn't.
Stella looked up at Hannah for a brief moment before quickly looking back down at her work.
"Lewis and I will join you once we're finished," Judy said.
She then turned to the other two students in the lab and asked, "Will you two cwith us?" The other two students really liked Hannah and were happy to hang out with her.
When Judy suggested getting food together, they nodded excitedly and said, "Okay, we'll go with you! But I'm not sure if Hannah has tto eat with us.
Hannah smiled and answered, "If I'm not too busy talking about work, I'll join you guys for dinner.
"1 Just then, someone walked into the lab.
It was none other than Lewis.
He stretched and announced, "I slept so well! I'm full of energy now! Ready to dive back into the experiment!" Phoenix looked up at Lewis and grinned.
"Mr.
Campbell cback earlier and didn't see you.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe asked for you to take care of yourself," he said, his tone playful.
Lewis chuckled.
"Oh, I see! Well, I'm in perfect health! Maybe I'll even Live for another 500 years! Who knows?" Judy burst into laughter “You'll be an old siren in 500 years! Maybe I'll study you then.
"If I becan old siren, you'll be the first person I eat, no doubt.
Lewis, now grinning ear to ear, turned to tease Judy, and then he spotted Hannah sitting next to her. He immediately walked over, his smile widening.
"Beautiful, what are you doing in our humble abode?" Judy bared her teeth in a forced grin, her eyes narrowed.
"You better watch your mouth, or I'll tell Mr.
Campbell what you said!"
Lewis chuckled and shook his head as he said, "Judy, you're an adult. You're still thinking about tattling like a kid?"