Even though the debate team got me to meet a lot of great people, I still longed for a close friend. Marcus seemed like a good candidate but he probably was too busy to hang out. So I set my sights on his younger sister, Skye.I hated to admit it, but she was an outsider in this school. I almost felt obligated to become friends with this girl, yet some of her characteristics repelled me.
During lunch I watched her sitting by herself. I tried not to look, but I couldn't just overlook that. She hardly touched her food and her eyes were planted in her book. The book was giving her nutrition for the day.
"Skye, top of the class again, " Ms.Olive, said the other day in English class, handing Skye her essay. It wore it's badge of honor; a big, fat, red A+.
Skye simply took the paper, nodded in what could be satisfaction, and shoved it in her backpack. It was probably sharing that bag with a lot of other successes. Academically, especially in my favorite class, I envied that girl. She had to have some type of talent, but she was modest....or scared. No one likes an arrogant genius but she hardly acknowledges her success. I could possibly get her out of her shell but Skye was cold when it came to opening up to people.
We also had art together and we were suppose to work on a sculpture together. The project took a week to construct and we didn't talk the whole entire time. I would always try to get a word out of her, but I only got nods or a shake of the head, and when she did open her mouth, her tone was so nonchalant it annoyed the crap out of me. What I did to this girl....I don't know.
I felt like leaving her alone but even through her silence and 'f-the world' attitude, I knew she was longing for a friend deep down inside. Very deep down inside.
"Have you gotten to know my sister?" Marcus asked, sitting next to me. I've been having lunch with a few members of the debate team lately .
I frowned and shook my head. "Not. At. All . She's not so......what's the word.....open"
"She likes to keep to herself a lot...she wasn't always like this," he explained " She was such a happy girl back then. Did you know she was a blonde?"
I lifted my eyebrow in interest and then he started to laugh " What?"
"That was a lie....didn't know you would fall for that"
I laughed and then punched him in the arm. "Ok...what happened?"
"Well I don't know. She was a brunette by the way, " He looked serious about that part " She had a lot of friends, captain of the freshman soccer team, straight a's-which I'm glad hasn't changed at all-no love life-I'm also a little glad about that" I chuckled at this " but something happened and my sister goes completely dark and she shuts everyone out. We're still close but she never told me what ever happened. I try not to bring it up so much"
I looked at his sister another time. I remember that time in the bathroom when she warned me about my confrontation to Kathleen. Her eyes showed so much sorrow it almost made me cry.
"What are you doing?" Marcus asked, when he noticed that I was gathering my stuff and standing up.
I gestured at the table Skye was sitting at "Paying a visit, "
"Wait...." he said, grabbing my wrist " You won't survive a second. She has sharp utensils next to her"
I was a little freaked out, but I stood my ground. "I'm not going to ask her anything. Just going to say hi "
He let go of my wrist and stood up also. "I'm coming with you"
We walked over to Skye's table and without lifting her eyes from her book, she asked "What are you guys doing here?"
"Just wanted to say hi, " I said,
"Hi " That voice of hers could break ice
"So how was your-"
"What do you guys want?" I bet her middle name is blunt. She looked at me directly, successfully capturing me so I won't look away "I thought I told you last time would be the last time we would ever talk"
An ache grew in my throat. What did I ever do to her. "And why would it be like that?"
She instantly looked at her brother indicating that he had to leave.
"Okay, you guys have your girl talk, " he said , taking the hint, leaving thee table.
"You're very pretty, to start off" I sorta blushed when she said that " Any girl would want you to be their friend. You're also talented....I've seen you in art and if it wasn't for you, we would've got less than an A on that sculpture project. And I like A's." This made me smile. "You're also new here. You're fresh. You're not walking around, stinking up the place with the filth of your mistakes. You have a clean slate here. You can start a new life. I used to be that girl and here I am. Dirty as ever." She looked close to tears "If you hang with me, you're going to be filthy too and I don't want someone to go through that"
"Well I want to be friends....want to come over tonight?" This made her smile and after a moment of hesitation, she finally nodded her head. I winked "Plus....I kinda feel like playing dirty"
She kept on smiling which actually made my day. I felt like this was going to be the start of a beautiful friendship.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
My mom was an excellent host when Skye entered our home, but she was a little too happy about her presence.
"Skye would you like anything? A drink....a snack. I could give you guys some stuff to play with or some tickets to the movies or-"
"Mom....we have enough entertainment in my room" I assured her.
It was not until yesterday I saw the parenting book. "How to Raise your Teenage Daughter that You Just Met". They had a book for everything lately.
"You have an awesome house," Skye complimented, after we managed to sneak into my room
"Thanks"
For the rest of the night we watched movies, ate like there was no tomorrow, did each other's nails, etc. Then something inside of me told me to ask her about her social status in the school.....even though it looked like she didn't have one.
"Can I ask you a question?" I asked in a serious tone.
The tone of my voice probably stirred her because she suddenly got tense.
"What is it?" She got off my bed to sit on the chair near my desk
I didn't know if I should ask her this question. I mean, she just got to know me. "How come....everyone....at school-I don't know-like they treat you-"
"Like an outsider?" I nodded my head "I would like to explain it but it's not a story I want to share with you...not now"
"Oh"
Silence filled the room as we sat on opposite sides of the room, avoiding eye contact.
"I better go" she whispered
I wanted her to stay but I knew that it was probably for the best if she left.
I suddenly got concerned. It was dark outside. "How are you getting home?"
"I was thinking of walking home..." she replied
A pit grew in my stomach. She couldn't go out because the last thing I wanted was for her to run through the same situation she got caught in last time. Except this time, I won't be there to save her. She noticed my reaction immediately and gave me a sheepish grin.
"Don't worry Jay....I'll be fine" she insisted
I didn't believe her at all " Maxwell can drive you...my mom could give you a ride. I will even walk with you'
"But won't you be walking home by yourself?"
"Why don't you have any of your family members come get you"
"Parents are.....out. And Marcus hasn't gotten his car fixed. Jay don't worry. I can take care of myself"
Before I could argue anymore she was out of my room and then out of the house. I didn't know what came over me but my first instinct was to pray for Skye and that's what I did. I was so scared. I had to call her to see if she was OK. After some good several minutes, I finally called her house but it went straight through voice mail. That pit in my stomach grew even deeper. I hope she's ok.
