First Time

Meet My Friends

"Slow down." I said trying to finish scribbling down her little sister's birthday. Emily sure could talk fast and I was trying to get everything she said. So far, she had told me about her older sister, Tiffany, who was at college and was moving on to her little sister, Caroline.

"Okay what was the last thing you got." Emily said, just as the bell rang to dismiss class. We stood up and both started walking to the door. "Hey, do you want to eat lunch with me and my friends?" she asked, as we walked out the door. I was a little surprised, but I was happy she asked because I didn't have many friends here yet. "Sure, where should I meet you." I said happily.

"We meet at the oak tree furthest from the door." she said looking at her watch. "I've got to run. Math with Ms. Solomon, daily torture. See ya!" she yelled the last words over her shoulder, as she jogged down the hall. I walked to science in a happy bubble. I didn't have to wait for someone to invite me to their table, I had my own place to go. I know it doesn't seem like much, but it was a lot to me.

* * *

Kim, Hannah, Chris, James, Kevin, Kevin's newest girlfriend, Hollie, and I were sitting under our favorite tree, eating and talking. I've missed this. I thought, as I took a bite of my sandwich. I was about to ask Hollie where she got her shoes, when I heard someone say a small, "Hi."

Everyone looked up at Sam. She was standing awkwardly with her tray in her hand and she was biting her lip. "Sit." I said, smiling to reassure her,"Everyone, this is Sam. Sam this is Kim, Hannah, Chris, James, Kevin, and Hollie." I pointed to each person as I said their name, and everyone waved. Sam still looked a little awkward, but by the end of lunch she seemed more relaxed.

"Want to join us tomorrow?" said Kevin, showing his best smile. Sam returned the smile and said,"Sure, that would be great." I was glad she was happy, but I was feeling something in the back of my mind that I couldn't put my finger on. I just ignored it and smiled.

"I'm home!" I shouted as I came through the door. Caroline was at the kitchen table doing homework, but when I came in she looked up and smiled. "Need any help?" I asked as I sat down at the table.

"No, but their's a message from Mom. It's for you." she said, without looking up. I smiled at her, then went to the phone. I pressed the messages button and waited. "Hi Em, it's me. I need you to make dinner. I'll be home at six or seven tonight. Do your homework, and make sure Caroline does hers. Love you, bye!" The beep signaled the end of the message and I deleted it with a sigh. She was always working late, but I knew it wasn't her fault. My dad left when Caroline was born, and he never came back. Now, my mom,Denise Nelson, works as a lawyer's assistant, so she works late a lot. I hung up the phone and started my homework.