The Girl Within: Rebuilding the Friendship

“Kate, someone is here to see you” My mom said abruptly interrupting my thoughts of hatred of unpacking boxes.

“Who is it?” I got up from the floor.

Mom whispered “It’s a surprise.” Being alive for seventeen years, you would think your own mother would know that you do not like surprises.

“Mom, you know I don’t like surprises.”

She smiled “Honey, I promise it’s a good surprise.” At this very moment I have two choices either stay in my room or go see the surprise visitor in the living room. I decide to give my mother the benefit of the doubt hoping that she is right about the visitor.

I should have stayed in my room. I got to the bottom of the stairs and saw a glimpse of red hair. No, just no. I walked to the kitchen to see mom sipping on coffee. “Mom, why is he here?”

“I have no idea who you are talking about.” Mom went about sipping her coffee.

“Why is Remy here?” I sat down across from her.

“He is here to talk to you.”

“Mom, Remy and I aren’t friends.”

“You don’t just throw away a nine year old friendship away because of one little fight.”

I was about to say something else when mom said “He has been trying to talk to you for a long time, the least you could do is give him thirty minutes.” I really hate when mom is right.

“Fine, thirty tops.” I got up from the table.

Fifteen minutes ago, when I entered the living room, I thought Remy was going to say something. Nope, instead I see for the first time in my life a nervous, quiet Remy. Those are two words I never thought I would ever use to describe him. I have had enough of this awkwardness and putting my hands on my knees to rise when he says “Kate, don’t leave, we still have to talk.”

“You’ve been quiet the entire time!” I was in the process of leaving the room but Remy decided to grab my wrist. I remember the good ole days when he and I were the same height, I didn’t have to strain to see his face. Now I feel like I’m looking up at a skyscraper.

“Could you just listen?.”

I looked at his face and said “I will try my best.” I sat down on the couch and He just stood there awkwardly for a few seconds before deciding to sit beside me.

“I don’t know where to start,” He was running his hands through his hair. I was right there with him, not knowing where to start the discussion with our broken friendship.

“Let’s talk about something else.” I suggested.

“Do you play sports now?”

“I run in circles for a sport.”

He laughed and that’s when I noticed his shorts.

“Do you still play basketball for travel and school?”

“Yeah, my life is centered around basketball.”

“Planning on playing in college?”

“Definitely, I have several offers.”

“That’s good.”

“Thanks, are you planning on running in circles in college?”

“Probably, there are a few schools I would like to run in circles for.”

“Cool.” He and I continued to talk about what happened over the last few years, current things going on, and comic books.

Mom stuck her head in the door, interrupting our conversation about who would win in a fight between Iron Man or Batman.

“Hey guys, I made some cookies, have some.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Owens” Remy got up and headed toward the kitchen. Mom gave me a thumbs up when he passed her. I swear she is something else.

“Excited about Junior year?” Remy managed to get out while eating his chocolate chip cookie.

I looked at him and he picked up on my answer without me having to say it.

“I’m not looking forward to it either.”“Why?”

“It makes me feel old.”

“That is the dumbest answer I’ve ever heard.”“Made you laugh.”

“Yeah it did.”

“This feels like old times.”

“Look Remy…”

“Kate, You and I will be friends again.”

“Why don’t you give up on this Remy? You sent me hundred of emails, messages on facebook, letters, and not one single time did I answer. Isn’t obvious I don’t want to be your friend?”

“You know me, I love challenges.”

“Remy, I’m being serious.”

“I know you are and so am I.”

“It’s not going to happen.”

“You sure about that?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Huh, because I am pretty sure I overheard you tell your mom you would give me thirty minutes and you have given me four hours.”

Remington Andrews managed to do the impossible, render me speechless.

“Four hours had passed, huh?,” I finally broke the silence.

“Yep, you were too busy trying to convince me cold Pop-Tarts are better than hot ones.”

“They are.”

“I don’t think so.”

“S’mores are the best flavor.”

“No, Cookies & Cream is.” Remy and I talked for another hour until his brother texted him to come home.

“See ya later K.”

“Bye Redhead.”

I went upstairs to mom’s room to see her fake pretending to read a magazine knowing she had been spying on us the entire time.

“How did it go?”“When did you two plan this?”

“Few hours ago, again did it go well?”“I’m going to try Cookies & Cream Pop-Tarts tomorrow to answer your question.” I said leaving the room leaving her completely clueless.