After Wonder

Chapter 5/Is Jack becoming the old Julian?

After school I met Julian, Summer, and Charlotte by the school gates. 

"When will the cast list be sent out?" I asked them. 

"It should be out by Sunday night." Julian said, "I hate having to wait that long!" 

"That's theater for you. Last minute cast decisions are what directors love doing to get the cast on edge." Charlotte said, crossing her arms. 

"Yeah. Last summer, I did a summer camp that was doing Into The Woods. The cast director didn't cast us until Midnight." Summer said. "That was the worst wait ever, because I wanted to know if I got the role I wanted."

"You were an amazing Baker's wife." I said. "You'll all be amazing no matter what role you get."

"But still, it feels like multiple stab wounds, not getting the role that you want." Julian said. Theater kids. Sometimes you don't know how to handle them. 

"Auggie, can I talk to you?" I was pulled away from them by Jack. He gave me this look and crossed his arms,

"Hi Jack. How are you?" I asked him. 

"Why are you spending so much time with Julian?" He asked. 

"Because, he's really turned around. You haven't spoken to him in 5 years." I said. "I'm getting to know him because everyone deserves a second chance. I gave you one." 

"But what I said wasn't that bad compared to Julian!" Jack argued. 

"Saying you'd kill yourself if you looked like me? How is that nothing compared what Julian did?"

"I was ten!" 

"We were all ten. People mature and I believe Julian has." I said. "Not being able to let go of a grudge from 5 years ago is pathetic. That's a problem you need to work through, I don't know what me, Summer, Amos, Henry, or Miles can do to help you. This is between you and Julian." Then I walked back over to Summer, Julian, and Charlotte. I said goodbye to them and took the subway home. Bear didn't greet me at the door this time around,  I looked around calling for him. 

"Auggie!" Via came out of the kitchen. 

"You're back for the weekend?!" I shouted and ran to her. 

"I am. How was your first week?" Via asked me. 

"It was normal." I replied. "But I have friends, though none of them are new." 

"How's Jack?" I made a face and didn't answer the question. 

"So he's not good?" Via asked, reading my expression. "What's going on?"

"I'm starting to become friends with Julian and Jack doesn't like that." I said. "He's still holding a grudge, as if he hasn't seen Julian's Facebook!" 

"Julian Albans? The kid who almost bullied you into depression?" Via asked. 

 "Yes, that guy. But he's amazing, we've been having a lot of fun together." I said. "Jack can't handle it!" 

"Okay, calm down." Via said, holding my shoulders. "Do you know why Jack is overreacting?"

"Because he doesn't want to accept that I'm becoming friends with the same guy that tormented us all throughout fifth grade." I said. "I would understand if he didn't completely change."

"Are you sure?" Via asked. 

"Have you seen Julian's Facebook?" I asked pulling out my phone. "Last month he spent an entire day at an adoption event helping get dogs adopted. And in June right after school ended he led a rally supporting immigrants, then all throughout July was rescuing animals."