A Blue Rose

Understanding

I don't know what bugged me more, our science project, or the blue roses. I felt anxious and just wanted someone to tell me who's behind this! I had to stay up really late last night to finish the first part of our project by myself, so I am really tired and cranky today. And I'm gonna have a little talk with Keith after he comes from basketball practice about what the heck happened last night! He came out of the gym smiling, but when he saw me, that smile ran away as quickly as it could. I gave him a deadly glare. I could tell he got nervous, and a bit embarrassed. "Where were you?"I asked. "I-I had basketball practice," quivered Keith. "Why didn't you tell me that before you agreed to come over?" I was starting to get a bit angry. "I didn't know the first time we agreed. Coach said we'd have practice later," replied Keith. "After I went home on Wednesday?" I wondered. "Not exactly," Keith murmured back. "Then when?" I exclaimed. "After you went home on Tuesday," confessed Keith. I was shocked. "Why didn't you tell me on Wednesday then?" I cried. "I forgot!" yelled Keith. There was an awkward silence. "But, why didn't you call or text me then, or even go to my house and tell me?" I asked. "I didn't think of that," remarked Keith. "I'm sorry. I couldn't miss practice, but while I was playing the only thing running through my mind was the project and you." I said,"I had to do the first part all by myself-" "Which is why I'm extremely sorry and it won't happen again. I promise," stated Keith. I could sense the honesty and regret in his voice. His eyes told the same story. I had to forgive him. "It's okay Keith, it's just a misunderstanding. I forgive you, no biggie," I replied. We smiled at each other, the way we did when we just started to become best friends. Just then, the school bell rang. After a few classes it was time for our lunch break. I ate lunch with Keith, as usual. I was already finishing up when I heard Allison's sweet voice calling out to people. "Spring Fling concert sign up! Go to the library now if you want to sign up for the Spring Fling concert!" she called. I quickly started to pack up my lunch. "Where are you going Declana?" asked Keith. "To sign up for the concert of course! Are you coming?" I answered. "Nah. Singing's not my thing and I have a bunch of practices for basketball anyway. Good luck!" he relied. But I was already close to gone. I dashed down the crowded halls trying to make my way through to the library. I was out of breath when I finally made it, and only to find myself at the end of an endless lineup. "Oh, hi," said the girl just in front of me. It felt so odd, like I know who she is but I haven't seen her for so long. It was none other than Paige.

Paige

Apart from Ernest's plan, I just wanted to have a normal conversation with Declana. And for the record, this has nothing to do with it. "Hi Paige, long time no see!" exclaimed Declana. "Are you signing up for the concert too?" "You know I wouldn't miss it for the world," I replied. "So, have you made any new friends? Who's your partner for the science project?" she asked. "Well, I was partnered up with Ernest, the only other person without a partner. New friends? Not so much," I stated. "That makes sense. Ernest doesn't have any friends either," remarked Declana. Either. That hit me like a bullet. "So, how are you with Keith?" I asked nervously. "Good," replied Declana. "Well, if you need someone else to talk to, just give me a call okay," I chuckled and turned away. Does this mean she's not my friend at all? Do I have any friends? This is more serious than I thought. And I'm not prepared to lose them now!