When We Meet Again

First Encounter (age 8)

Rihanna POV

My name is Rihanna Fenty. But I never tell them it is. To all, it's just Rihanna. I mean nowadays, who needs to know everyone's a last name? That's what my mommy told me. That it's okay to be different and keep things to myself.

"Hey girls, isn't her name stupid?" They all started to laugh at me. "I mean who doesn't have a last name and then your first name is that bad!"

They don't understand. Those words pierced through my heart and hurt so bad. I couldn't even speak up for myself.

Those girls. Those wicked, wicked girls. "They make fun of me everyday. They did it to me yesterday, today, and they'll do it again tomorrow, Mommy."

"It's okay sweetie, as long as you love who you are, you don't have anything to be sad about."

That night, I slept thinking about mommy's words. I loved her so much and I was lucky enough to have her with me. My daddy left a long time ago, so all I have is mommy.

I went up the stairs and into the school bus the next day. I saw Joey, Mina, Chris, Saffie. I didn't say anything and kept walking down the aisle.

"Hey girls, look who it is. Little Miss Rihanna. Do you want me to find your daddy for you?"

I hated that girl, Syndra. She never considers my feelings and goes around blabbering her nonsense.

"SHUT UP!" I screamed. I wasn't just mad, I was enraged. I couldn't stand that girl.

At this point, all eyes were on me. Everyone's, but Chris'. I wondered why he wouldn't look at me. I got curious, just how pitiful was I that he wouldn't even dare to look at me.

I fell into the seat near me and got pushed down to the floor. I was wearing white leggings and now my knees were all dirty. Mommy had just washed these. She always looks tired, so I know she works hard. But to see her hard work disrespected and pushed aside, I was sad, angry, and I just didn't know what I'd do next.

Mindlessly, I got off the floor and stormed to Syndra. "Ahhh!! I'm sick and tired of you! You treat me like garbage and display me like a dirty rag!"

I had raised my hand to start hitting her, but someone came and hugged me from behind. I immediately stopped any form of movement. I think my heart stopped beating too. No. I think... it was beating faster. In that moment, I thought my mommy was behind me.

It was Chris. "Please don't do it." He pleaded. Did he want me to not hit her because he likes her?

I pushed him off of me, turned around and couldn't help but fall crying into his arms. I didn't like this. I hated Chris. I hated him. But why was his embrace so warm?

I forced myself to block out all outside noises. But I could tell that he fighting for me. He was protecting me, and I allowed him to. I guess it's possible that he actually didn't like Syndra.

We got off the bus holding hands. He made me feel safe.

Ever since that day, we held hands and became one. The other kids laughed and teased us. But I felt that if we stayed together, I would feel safe. He was like my second mommy. I mean. I love my mommy. Its okay to love Chris too, right. He's like my mommy.