Empty Hallway

My mom named me after her closest friends because she had no sisters, Natalie. I was on my way to the location where we were supposed to volunteer. I had two of my closest friends, Kelly and Joseph. They were both looking at each other as if the presence on one another repelled them. I was talking to the driver as we were approaching the location. Kelly and Joseph weren't talking to each other and just looked outside the window. I then turned around all excited to say, "Alright we are all here! and its time to get our groove on!" they looked at me with a smile and completely ignored each other. I pulled them out of the jeep and tugged them to the crowed.

The lady was announcing the Team leaders as we found a seat. "Sam Linning, Arthur parks, Natalie Brain and Tina stanner. Now each one of our team leaders has a duty to do and can choose a junior leader to help delegate the tasks at the end of the day. Junior leaders will be offered a team leader position next event as long as they do an extraordinary job. Team leaders, you have ten minutes to make your decision which one from your team will be that junior leader. Now choose your teams." As soon as the lady finished her sentence Kelly jumped up to the stage and grabbed the microphone. " I just want to thank everyone for being here and that I really appreciate the opportunity in being here. It's a great pleasure to help and be here. I look forward for next year," said Kelly with a grin in her face. Joseph rolled his eyes and grabbed me by the arm and looked at me straight in the eyes. " You know she's not here because she really thought of it herself. That girl isn't your friend, she's always trying to show you up and always tries to steal your light." I shake my head, "no she is just looking for guidance and someone to help her." Joseph answered. "Yeah, she's just trying to help herself and not help anyone else. She only calls when she needs you," Joseph added as he pointed with his chin toward her. In that same moment, Kelly added to her speech, " I know people have more interesting conversations than to hear me praise everyone for their hard work. So I will just end it. Thank you all." The entire audience was staring at Joseph and I. I felt embarrassed and Joseph looked even more pist off.

Our team was with Arthur who was in charge of meal packaging for the children and volunteers. Just as we were ready to walk over to the kitchen, Kelly ran up to us and said, " you guys have space for one more?" Arthur looked over at her and smiled while answering, "Sure, but I thought you were in Sam's team who is in charge of propaganda and announcements. You have a true knack for it." Kelly smiled and said, "Well I wanted to challenge myself with something else. I know the kitchen can always use an extra pair of hands." "Okay, that sounds great. welcome to the team," said Arthur.

Arthur began with a tour of the school and some background information.

"The school has been here for years. It was restored to allow low income kids to have an education. The east and west wings and completely new, but the south wing is under construction. The place is huge to be honest. I wouldn't go in without a map to get back out. I believe only one or two people went missing in there. Its not for certain though, they could have gone home and just decided to not come back to volunteer. Its not uncommon for people to go M.I.A here. Well any way, the children are allowed only on the west wing because when they pass the hallway that goes toward the south wing, some of them have potty accidents. I don't want to scare you guys or anything. Its an old building, stories will always come with it. Now, after we finish preparing the meals, we will need a delivery crew for the west wing and the east wing."

Joseph grabbed my hand and raised it as he shouted out, "we can do the west wing." I looked at Joseph a little scared, but once he placed his hand on my shoulder, I relaxed again. " I will also deliver to the west wing too!" added Kelly. Arthur nodded and smiled.

We finished making the sandwiches and began to place the bags on a roller. Kelly was grabbing the last box for room E17 when Joseph leaned in to talk to me. "I really don't trust her. Did you see how she tried to embarrass you in front of everyone. She's only here because she wants something." I looked at Joseph and shook my head, "I think she just wants to be recognized is all."