I knew That Girl

Chapter One

When I was seven,  I didn't have any friends. Not even one. As I said, I'm extremely shy.

I hated the first grade. I hated school in general, actually. Not for the reasons most kids did, but because there were people there. So many people. Especially during recess. It was the most terrifying thing in the world.

So every day, while the other kids were running and playing with their friends, I sat alone, in the back corner of the playground, were there were a few trees to shade me and make shadows to hide in. And I watched them. All the other kids, and how they interacted with eachother.

I looked around for her, but day after day, I didn't see her. She was never playing with anyone, or even just sitting like I had, And I never saw her afterwards, at lunch either. She only appeared when class had begun again. It was so strange to me. I wanted to find her.

One day, before we left the classroom, I watched her. I kept my eyes on her, and got right behind her in the line to leave the room. You know, first grade, single file, hands at you sides, no cuts no buts no coconuts.

As soon as we got out the door, she ran. I stayed just far enough behind so she wouldn't notice me, but I could still see her.

She ran until she got to that place with the trees, where I usually sat. She used the trees to climb up and jump over the fence. I hesitated. That was leaving school grounds. I would get in big trouble if I got caught.

But, my curiosity got the best of me, and so I quickly followed. I wasn't as graceful, climbing up those trees. She'd probably had a lot of practice, I guessed.

I jumped the fence and we were in someone's backyard. This felt weird. I didn't think the people who lived there would aprreciate some elementary kids cutting school through their yard.

I kept going anyways. I ran around the side of the house, but she was gone. Where did she go? What was I supposed to do now?

"You know, it's quite rude to follow people without them knowing."

I spun around when I heard the voice, and she was looking down at me through a window. How did she get into these peoples' house?!

"Wha..? Oh! Uh.. s-sorry.." I sputtered.

"That's okay. You didn't have to try to hide from me, you know. I would've let you come. I don't mind." she said.

"Oh.. I, er.. I just wanted to know where you were going.." I replied. I could feel my face burning already.

"Hmm.." she said, and jumped down through the window. She held her hand out to me. "My name's Jessa. And you're E-L-E-M, right?"

"I-it's Ieliem.. yeah..." I replied and shook her hand nervously.

"Well it's nice to meet you then, Ieliem. I think I've seen you before. Outside of school, I mean."

"Umm.. yeah. I, uh, I live next door.. to you.." I answered.

"Oh, you mean at my parents' house?" I nod. "Yeah, I live there, but only kinda. This is where I spend most of my time." she explained, tossing her hand behind her and pointing with a thumb to the house.

"Oh.." I said. "Who's house is this..?"

She just kinda shrugged "No one's. At least, I don't think so. I've never seen anyone go in there. And the water and lights and thiings don't work. That's how come I go home sometimes."

"Oh.."

"You wanna come see?" she asked.

"Umm.. sure.." I replied hesitantly.

"Okay." We heard the school bell ring. "Oh, I'll have to show you later. Can you come after school?"

"Umm.. I'll ask.."

She smiled huge and then we headed back into the school.