Young Forever

Chapter 14

Aaliyah went home in a depressive mood. She put all her stuff on her bed and got changed. She sat on her bed and thought about what Monica said. Its true, she had fallen for Angela and didn't want to cut ties with her. Angela had brought out the best in her. But Monica was her oldest friend. She helped her when she was feeling down. Aaliyah sighed. She didn't know what to do. Should she cut ties with the girl who made her feel like her interests and opinions mattered? Or should she lose her best and oldest friend?

Rosalia appeared before her just then.

"What's wrong?" she asked. "You look tensed."

"I.... I have to make a choice and I don't like the outcome of either of them" Aaliyah replied.

She told Rosalia about what Monica had said to her.

"Oh.... that's a tough one" said Rosalia.

"I don't know what to do. Angela's made me feel valid in my interests but Monica's my best friend. I don't want to lose either of them. And now Monica's making me choose."

"I see. It seems like a tough choice. But tell me, is a friend who makes you choose between herself and someone else really a true friend?"

"I-"

"As far as I know, a real friend respects you. They respect your interests. They lift you up, not bring you down. I suggest you look back at all your interactions with Monica and see what you really want."

With that, Rosalia disappeared.

Aaliyah thought back to all her interactions with Monica. From the day they first met, to right now.

***

Aaliyah was 10 years old. At this point in time, no one really notices her. No one even remembered her name. She wished she could be a popular girl - like Monica. Everyone knew her and loved her. She was the type of person everyone would want to be friends with - pretty, popular, cool.

One day, as usual, Aaliyah was sitting alone at lunch. She was reminiscing over the next book she should read, when she heard a voice.

"Hey, can I sit here?"

Aaliyah looked up. It was Monica and her best friend Hannah. She couldn't believe it.

"Uh, sure" she said.

Monica sat next to her.

"My name is Monica Davis and this is my best friend, Hannah Brown" said Monica. "What's your name?"

"I'm.... I'm Aaliyah Taylor" said Aaliyah.

"That's a nice name," said Hannah.

"Thanks," said Aaliyah.

"I came here to ask you, do you wanna be friends from now on?" asked Monica.

"Really?"

"Yeah. We noticed how you always got the best grades in class and we could use that help. Especially Hannah here. Sooo...."

"YES! YES of course I'll be your friend!"

"Great. Now we're officially besties!!"

***

That was how they'd met. Ever since then, they'd been inseparable. Aaliyah quickly replaced Monica as the most popular girl. Now that she thought about it, it probably made Monica jealous. Aaliyah was smart, got good grades, and she had good fashion sense. But in her eyes, Monica was the one that made her popular. Is that why she was always putting her down?

Aaliyah decided to make a call.

She called Hannah.

"Hi Hannah" she said.

"Oh, hi Aali" said Hannah. "What's up?"

"Hannah, I wanted to ask you something. It may sound strange but, its important."

"Sure, ask away."

"Why.... did you guys become my friends. I mean, I was pretty much a nobody back in elementary school."

"Oh, it was mostly because of your good grades. We needed that" said Hannah. "And also because Monica felt sorry for you."

"Felt.... sorry for me?"

"Yeah. I remember her saying 'look at that poor girl. She has no one to sit with. But she gets good grades. We should be her friend just for that.' She thought you were pathetic but she still wanted to be friends."

"I..... had no idea."

"Yeah. But hey it was worth it. Our grades have improved since you became our friend. Monica says that most of what you do is stupid but she keeps you around just for your grades."

"I see. Thanks Hannah."

"You're welcome."

Aaliyah put down the phone. She couldn't believe it. This is what her best friend really thought of her? Were her grades all she was good for? Was there nothing else to her? She had to thank Hannah for being so honest with her because she made her decision easier.

Aaliyah now knew what she must do.