What's Done in the Dark, Comes Forth to the Light

Direction

*School bell rings* *Students leaving the classroom* 

 "Hey, Ashera! Ashera, wait!" 

As I heard someone yell my name from nearly the end of the hallway, I turned around with hostility. I looked around to see who it was until I saw this blonde girl waving vigorously in my face. 

"My name is Savannah, you know, from mathematics? I was wondering if you finished the homework from last night," said Savannah with a sharp, energetic tone. 

"Um, yes, do you need it?" I said. 

"Yes, I do! Can you send it to me on Instagram?" 

"Sorry, I don't have an Instagram," I replied.  

"Uh, well, send it to my number then; I have it written on a notecard," Savannah said. "You have your phone number written down on notecards?" I questioned. 

"Of course! For the boys who ask for it, you know?" said Savannah while laughing. 

"Hehe, no, I don't know, but I get it," I replied. 

"Yeah, so message me whenever you can," Savannah said. 

"Okay," I said. 

"Sweet! But hey, are you okay, though? You look upset," said Savannah. 

"Oh, yeah, I am fine," I told her. 

"Okay, just checking in; see you later!" Savannah shouted. 

"Wait, what is your name again so I can add you to my contacts?" I asked. 

"Savannah, but you can call me Van," she said. 

"Call you Van?" I questioned. 

"Yup, Van, but I got to get to class so that I will see you later!" Savannah said. 

"Oh, alright then," I said under my breath. 

 I was confused about why she would ask me for homework answers. Admittedly, I should be asking her for homework answers. Savannah is probably one of the smartest girls in the grade when it comes to science and math. After school got out, I forwarded the homework answers to her phone number as I said I would do. When she texted me back, I felt anxious for some reason. One reply turned into one conversation. I never really had a conversation with someone like that before besides my brothers, of course. I don't know, though. It just seems to feel different when Savannah texts me as if I mattered to her. After nearly an hour-long conversation, she asked me if I wanted to be friends with her. I got extremely excited because the last time I could remember having friends was when I was in 6th grade. A single tear fell from my eye as I smiled at the messages between us. As a teenage girl growing up in an Orthodox Christian family, I got on my knees and prayed. I prayed in thanksgiving to the LORD as I praised Him for giving me a friend that I never thought I would have. I had been praying for a good friend for a few years now. As I come before you, Father, I would like to thank you for bringing my request to pass. Although I doubted, lacked faith, and I haven't studied your word as I should've, you remained faithful to me even though I have not always been faithful to you at times. Therefore, forgive me of my sins as I rest in Christ Jesus, Amen. Three weeks later, Savannah had asked me if I wanted to come over for dinner with her family before we went to class. She, too, is a Christian, and so is her whole family. She told me that she has a large family so I think it would be interesting meeting them. After the bell rang for the next class, I walked out and made a stop by my locker to grab my other binder designated for the last three classes. Savannah quickly came over to me with another girl that I have not seen around the school before. I have been attending Jase North High for almost four years, and I have never seen her before.