Paths The Middle School Years

Chapter Thirteen~Negativity

"Thank you, Kanoa, but can I forget?" Lala said with a smile.

I stand there puzzled and stunned. "Forget? Forget about what?" I ask. My voice was shaking and ready to cry. I'm scared, knowing that she may diss me or maybe even hurt me.

"Can... Can I forget how much I hurt you? How much have I done to you to get you to this way you are? Kanoa, do you hate me?" Lala asked in a shattered voice, still standing there with her smile and tears. dripping down her face. "Do you hate me, Kanoa?"

My heart began to beat. Beat faster and faster. "Lala. Calm down. This was not your fault. I did this to myself. I know. It's much, but I don't hate you. Here." I tell Lala as I grab my bag. I reach in and grab out my binder. Inside was drawings, and I gave her the one with the wolf. The drawing was the best I could do, but my handwriting at the bottom saying, "You have a spirit of a wolf. Lead the pack and stay strong."

"This picture kinda is what made me decide to stay strong even when things are tough. I'll give you this. Hopefully, it'll give you a second thought about what you are saying. It's kind of been with me since Elementary, and it won't the 3rd place for being a masterpiece of realisticness, but it was 4th because it had some areas resembling a cartoon. I'm kinda trying my best to draw a new one that looks realistic, and I hope this can give me a chance to show me a different perspective," I say to Lala as I hand her the paper.

Lala reaches the drawing and takes a look at it. I put my binder back in my bag, but Lala began talking. "The spirit of the wolf. Strong, a leader, wise. Hehe. My favorite animal as well. I'll hold onto this. Thanks."

"You're welcome. Now, ONWARD!!!" I yell as I point my arm out to the next room.

Lala was really quiet as we walk. She refused to say a word, but I heard giggles going on when I said something funny.

*Ring*Ring*Ring*

"Looks like it is homeroom. I'll drop you off, okay?" Lala said to me in a very monotone voice.

"Lala. I refuse to go to homeroom until I know you are okay. If you refuse to talk to me, I'll find a way to get the words out of you," I said in a somber tone as I grab her hand.

Lala's POV~

I stand there as Kanoa holds my hand. The words, "If you refuse to talk to me, I'll find a way to get the words out of you," repeat in my head.

I shake my head. I stay silent, but the words echo in my head like it's a part of me.

"Lala. Listen to me. Are you okay?" Kanoa tells me in a serious tone.

Kanoa's POV

The silence is real between us. We hear nothing but the walking of people heading to class.

"No. I'm not okay. I hurt you. I made you get to the place you are at right now. Why can't I die right here? Right now. I made all this happen to you," Lala said to me as tears begin to fall from her eyes.

I hold both of Lala's hands and place them on my blanket on my lap. I asked, "Then can you explain why you changed your mood when you saw a kid pass the hall. Please?"

"His name is Peter. I used to have a crush on him until I met you, but what now? I should have just been angry at everyone and be the old way I used to be. I'm sorry, Kanoa. I'm sorry I brought this upon you. I should not have done what I have done, but I did," Lala said as tears began to fall from her face. Her voice is shaky, and she is ready to lock up into silence.