The Story of Us-Best Friends...and It's How It Will End

2010. SOME MONTH. SOME DAY. SOME TIME.

 Cherry, to be honest, I had no idea what to give you. Frankly, all these presents before this one were stupid and meaningless, because I had sillily scrambled, panicked, to conjure up something worth what you had given me—I'm being honest to God. So, instead of going out to buy a penguin, something or other that at least represented one of our millions of inside jokes, I've decided to write out our story. For you. I've called it "The Story of Us—Best Friends...and It's How It Will End." Long title, I know, but it captures the main points. If I've got something wrong, bite back the criticism, girl, because, oh dear me, forgive my memory. Once again, happy birthday, and most importantly, enjoy.

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2010. SOME MONTH. SOME DAY. SOME TIME.

I was left out, kicked out of the squad. Krsna had me humiliated publicly. Mabel had me in tears. Ashley had turned the cold-shoulder on me. Grace had me blacklisted. I was alone, rejected by those who I'd least thought would reject me. 

There goes the saying "Keep your friends close, your enemies closer." I guess I was lured into the trap. 

My mistake? Maybe. But worst of all, I didn't know what I had did to deserve this treatment. 

Not at all.

I debated my prospects. They weren't quite bright. Looking around the room, I saw everything through black and white. I sat, hunched, on a bench in corner. It had been days since the "break-up" of our friendship. They had pranked me several times before. Little did I know that they really meant it, and were only playing, scheming my downfall behind my back. They—my former squad, now led by Krsna, including Mabel, Ashley, Grace, Vicky, and Lily—were huddled on the bleachers near the boys, Alexis, Kevin, and what's-his-name, giggling, whispering, and sneaking stealthy glances in their way. You see, I used to be so caught up in my squad, that I never bothered to know about anyone outside my circle. I was beginning to regret that.

Krnsa shot me a smirk, and, seeing that I'd met her look, turned to smile sweetly at Alexis. My stomach tightened up. She knew I had a crush on him. She was the first to know. I saw that my world had shattered into pieces.

Looking away, I turned back to my options. 1) Attempt to talk to Krsna and beg forgiveness, whatever the cost, for something I didn't know I did, or 2) Make new friends. Weighing my choices, I understood that Krsna was never going to risk me getting back my power—yes, it previously was mine—or getting revenge, I was thinking another back-stabbing scene with me fixed in position may be ideal for the job. But getting back to my wretched situation, I figured Option 2 would be more practical, and not involve so much, uh, dreaming rather than action.

I scanned the room again, this time not to blink back tears at bittersweet memories of myself having the times of my life, as most everyone currently was, but to search for something I yearned for. Something hard to gain back, easy to lose (quite easy from my experience). Friendship. I missed the feeling. Truly. It was the feeling of no wrong: pure, exhilarating, warm, comforting. It was how I used to feel each and every day. But now it's gone from the people I've found it in. I guess I'll have to search for new souls with caring hearts.

In another corner of the room, the opposite one to mine, I saw two girls jump-roping as well as striking different actions. I squinted at them. They seemed to be having a great deal of fun. They weren't giggling, no, nor gossiping about boys, playdates, and secret crushes. Instead, they were laughing, loud, deep, heartfelt laughter. I was intrigued. I had never mingled with a group who didn't seem all secretive and sly. This one was open and free. Oh, I was fascinated alright.

Open and free. That fit the description of people who welcomed and accepted. The description of who I was looking for.

I slowly stood up, and stumbled over cautiously, step by step. I prayed that my former squad wouldn't turn and call me out by stupid names and endless, rhyming chants that they had miraculously come up with in just two days' time. Sudden spurts of inspiration? I don't think so. Probably months of betrayal.

I shielded my gaze, keeping it low, until I reached the corner I was going to. As I approached the two-membered squad, smiling, they stopped their play. But no, they didn't glare down at me condescending, nor give me that "What are you doing here in our corner?" look. They simply smiled back at me warmly. I rubbed my eyes and pinched my elbow to avoid confusing dreams with reality.

And they were still there, smiling just as widely, if not wider, but I don't think that was possible. I shyly spoke to them, and they spoke back. For once in a long time, I felt comfortable around these two—whose names I have learned to be Cherry and Jessie. 

Vivacious nods after enthusiastic chatter, our conversation topics never depleted, they finally beckoned for me to join their game of charades. I caught on easily, for that was what my former friends have been playing with me for a long, long time.

Walking out the room, hand in hand with my new best friends, I held my head up high, ignoring the shocked looks of loathing and—was it really?—disappointment Krsna's group gave me. Krsna's group? Yeah, now it was hers, no biggie, as if I wanted anything to do with it in the first place. I was happy now, happier than I had ever been in my life.