Loving Charlie

Age 6 & 7

I wanted to make friends. So I thought of an idea.

What's the best way to someone's heart?

Their stomach.

As a second grader, I knew what the most popular snack was. So I decided that if I wanted friends I had to start bringing it.

Hot Cheetos.

I was a fan, they were flavorful and fun to eat. Except for the Cheeto fingers.

To prove my theory I had brought a bag to school. I remember buying it as soon as spring break started. When I got home I put the bag in my backpack and pictured the attention it would bring once school started again.

The day finally came and I found myself telling almost every kid in my class the snack that was in my backpack.

A lot of kids were impressed and jealous.

Charlie didn't seem to care that much though.

But, Betty did. She and her small group of friends had decided to invite me to hang out with them during recess.

Excited, once recess started I raced to my backpack and pulled out the rather large bag.

Once I had it. I made my way to Betty. I noticed a honey-colored girl standing with her. She looked at me curiously and smiled at what I held in my hands.

"Hi! I'm Lizzy. Can I have some of your hot Cheetos?"

Surprised with her friendliness I nodded. I reached my hand out and gave her the bag. It felt rude to open the bag and grab chips first, so I let them.

As Lizzy took a bite of the Cheeto she quickly spat it out.

"These are expired! Ewwww!"

I frowned reaching for the bag but she gave it to Betty. "We have to throw these away. They'll make you sick." Her tongue stuck out and she pulled on her tight curls.

"They're new? I didn't open them." I was confused I didn't know chips expired.

The bell rung and most of the girls scattered. Betty handed the bag back to Lizzy and they turned to look at me. I didn't even get a chance to check the expiration date.

"Just go back to class with Betty, I'll throw this away on my way to class."

Betty linked her arms with mine and I smiled nodding. Who would have thought they would be so thoughtful?

"Are we going to hang out at lunch?"

Betty bit her lip and nodded. "Meet us by the tire swings."

I smiled excitedly and walked to my desk.

Charlie frowned at me and nodded his head towards Betty.

"She's not nice." As he stated that his nose scrunched as of in disgust.

I stared at him confused. Why would he say that? Betty was really nice to me now.

"She's my friend." My voice was louder than I wanted it to be and Charlie huffed.

"She's Lizzy's friend. You shouldn't believe them. Last year they were mean to you remember?"

I shrugged remembering faintly.

As class started I would sneak glances at Betty. She didn't look mean. She looked like one of the barbies I had.

She had light hair, light skin, blue eyes, and she was skinny.

I wanted to look like her.

—————

I waited for them by the tire swings a long time. Other kids started playing, and I started to give up on them showing up.