hard to tell.

two

The flight was long.

Scott cried when I left. He had come with us to the airport. He even bought me Starbucks.

There was absolutely no way that I could make any friends in New York. I've already drained myself completely empty from expressing every emotion possible to Scott- I don't have any energy left to redo this life I've been living.

Before my flight I had to call a, if you will, teacher of mine. I had gotten accepted into this amazing theatre with an amazing reputation. The man in charge of the business told me that I was a phenomenal singer. That I could act very well and, if I followed my dreams, I could even be on Broadway someday.

It could have been 'sappy talk' but oh well. This theatre, called Arlington Acts, had ties with Broadway. Funny, right? How can a small town like Arlington, Texas have any type of correlation with Broadway?

Apparently, the musical called Hamilton had a member or two who practiced at Arlington Acts. It was outstanding- how someone from the middle of nowhere could make it big time! That was my dream. To identify and use my talent to inspire other people. 'As if-' I always told myself. But now, since I'm moving away from this beloved town, all my hopes and dreams are being thrown in the trash.

I always get my hopes up. I'll be really excited for something and boom. My excitement decreases and my week is ruined. One day, at my friend, Carlys', birthday party, I had gotten her an American Girl Doll. I was 9 or 10- and I was delighted. This American Girl Doll had every feature that Carly had. Long, curly black hair. Light freckles. Green eyes. Even a purple dress- Carly's favorite color!

I always gave my present last at birthday parties- it's just what I do. I hate rushing myself or my gift into someone's hands- I like to keep my excitement for the end.

A girl named Clara gave her gift to Carly right before I had. Carly ripped it open to find an American Girl Doll! Carly screamed with joy as she tore open the prepackaged doll.

The Doll had similar features to Carly. Long, curly black hair. A purple dress.

"Carly! Clara! Look over here for a picture!" Carly's Mom had said. They both had turned over to where Carly's Mom was standing with a camera. Carly flipped the doll around and hugged it with all of her might. She certainly was excited! Clara hugged Carly to the side.

The camera flashed in what seemed like slow motion. I didn't watch the girls pose, I watched the doll. I focused my eyes on her face and gasped when I realized what I saw. Light freckles. Green eyes.

I was a scared child. I didn't know what to do. My turn was up next and there was only one thing this situation could end in; humiliation.

Carly set the doll in her lap as Clara got up to leave the 'Present-Giver' spot. Carly softly changed to herself, "Who's next? Who's next?" Until her eyes landed on me.

"Kristy!!! You!" She used her pointer finger to direct everybody's attention to me. I gulped and stood up from my seat, a big ol' box all wrapped in red and green in my hands. My Mom only owned Christmas wrapping paper, for she didn't care to buy Birthday wrapping paper or any other theme or color.

I don't like embarrassment. Not when it happens to me. Not when it happens to others.

"Come on, Kristy! You're taking forever!!" Carly hunched down in her seat until I sat down. I looked at her and gave her a very forced smile while handing her the box.

She let out an enthusiastic laugh as she ripped open the paper. Her smile faded when she saw what the gift turned out to be. She wrinkled her eyebrows and put a frown on her face. She looked up at me with harsh eyes and asked, "Did you copy Clara?"

I shook my head, no.

Carly's Mom busted into the scene when she asked, "Well, Carly? What did Kristen give you?"

Carly took the American Girl Doll box and smashed it onto the ground. Hard.

"I don't want it! You copier!" She mocked me.

"What?" I replied quickly. "I- I didn't know Clara got you the same thing!"

"Of co-" Carly started.

"Liar!" Clara called out. Carly's Mom stood watching. What a responsible parent? Clara continued, "I saw Kristy at the American Girl Doll place! She TOTALLY copied me! She's fake! She just wants you to like her." Clara crossed her arms.

I felt tears form in my eyes and fall down my cheek. It wasn't true. I didn't go to the store the same day as Clara, at least I don't think so. I was sad, I was embarrassed, and I was stuck in that position until Carly urged me off of the 'Present-Giver' spot.

I remember getting picked up by my Mom and crying on the way home.

Everyday after that I got bullied by Clara and Carly. Because apparently I'm a 'Phony'. That I'm 'Not Important.'

I do think that I'm important. It's my Senior year now, and I haven't talked to either of those girls in over seven years.

And I'm glad that they're out of my life.

Since then, I've replaced my fake friends with real friends. I'd much rather have a small group of trustworthy friends than a large group of friends who didn't care too much about your well being.

Scott was a true friend. Kevin, my neighbor, he was a close friend, too. I don't trust girls as friends anymore. Perhaps the drama rate is high?

The news my mom shared with me when I got home from Scotts was nothing important. She said that there was a theatre program nearby our apartment-house thing. She wanted me to join it.

Maybe.