Me and my Yapa (on hold)

Chapter 3 - Charlie

Jasmine was going to make her choice today. I had no idea who she would chose. She had hung out with the populars and the drama queens, but she didn't seem like one of them. She was funny and kind, her smiles showed that. But when it came down to her reputation I wasn't sure what she would do.

Before school, I saw Jasmine whispering with Melanie about something. That meant that she was probably choosing the populars. Strangly, I felt disappointed. I don't know what I was thinking, but I had been hoping that she wouldn't choose the populars.

At recess, when Jasmine walked out of the class, everyone was watching her. But she didn't walk to where the populars sat or towards the drama queens. She walked straight towards me. I was shocked. Surely this was some practical joke. But no, she came over introduced herself and sat down. I couldn't concentrate on what she was saying. She chose me. I answered her questions quietly. Until her last question.
"So where are you from and why did you come here?" She looked at me curiously. I instantly thought of my grandmother and felt tears come to my eyes. As soon as Jasmine realised she moved over and put her arms around me. She apologised and just held me, comforted me until the bell went.
"You ok?" She asked as we walked back to class. I nodded.

That afternoon, when Mrs Lee asked about my day, I broke my silence.
"I made a friend." I said quietly. Mrs Lee stared at me for a minute before a big smile broke out on her face.
"Oh that's wonderful Charlie. Who is it?" Mrs Lee was so enthusiastic, it was funny.
"The new girl," I muttered, "Jasmine." Mrs Lee came over and gave me a hug. I stiffened at the touch. The only person who had hugged me (apart from Jasmine) was my family. But Mrs Lee didn't notice my hesitation. Soon after I excused myself and went to my room.

'Why did she choose me?' I thought. I was glad she had. It would be nice having someone to talk to, to tell memories and secrets to. I hadn't realised how much I had missed being part of a community until now. I decided that I would tell Jasmine things about my family, not about when I was taken, but the good times. It would be good to share something with her in return for her friendship.

For the first time in weeks, I slept well that night. After having a good dinner with me actually making some conversation, I came up to my room and watched the local hangout. Jasmine was there, but because she had chosen me, she was an outcast. After about ten minutes of being ignored, she started walking away. I knew how she felt, after all I had been and outcast for three years. I felt sorry for her, so I opened my window and called out.
"Jasmine, hey, up here." I waved and finally she noticed me. There was a large tree right outside my window and, surprisingly, Jasmine scaled it quickly and soon was level with my window.
"Hey, I didn't know you lived here." She said, looking around my room and nodding appreciatingly. I smiled.
"I am sorry I made you an outcast." I said.
"It was I who made the choice. Anyway, I have you." She gave me a big smile. I giggled quietly.
"Why did you choose me?" I asked suddenly. Jasmine thought for a minute before answering.
" 1. You looked lonely. 2. I was curious about you and 3. The other groups were boring." I laughed at the last one. She gave a cheeky smile, before saying goodbye, jumping out of the tree and walking home.
I thought about what she had said for a long time that night. Why was she curious about me? Was it because I was black? I didn't want to have her always asking questions. Maybe I would tell her my story. No one, not even the Lees knew the whole story. Maybe after three years I would be ready to let someone in and share my story.