American Asia

New Kid

Juarez

The new kid stepped into the building looking like he thought someone was going to jump him. I was assigned to be his helper for the day. Funny. He’s in only one of my classes, so I asked my ‘sister’, Asia.

“Hey Asia!” I yelled across the lunchroom. She turned around with an annoyed look on her face. She glanced at Will at my side and raised an eyebrow. I shrugged an apology.

“Asia, this is Will. He’s new and he’s in all of your classes and one of mine, so I need you to show him around.” I explained.

“But I’m a girl.” she said, as if that covered everything, and turned back around, ponytail bouncing. He followed her around anyway.

“So, do you two have something going or something?” he asked carefully as we ate lunch. I looked at Asia and started laughing. She laughed with me. I can see why he would say that. We look so different, but I hang out with her so much, you’d almost already suspect we were siblings. We laughed for quite a long time. We haven’t gotten that question since sixth grade.

“We’re siblings by adoption.” Asia explained, still chuckling.

“Oh.” Will blushed maroon. Asia giggled suddenly. I glanced up. Zachary, her boyfriend, had come up behind her and tickled her side. He set his tray down next to her.

“So. You’re the new you, I hear. Play football?” he asked. I frowned. Since when was he so nice to other boys who sit with Asia? Uh, never. Asia was apparently thinking the same thing.

“Yeah, in jr. high and freshman year back in San Diego.” Will answered. I nodded. Zach looked impressed. He was a junior and the captain of the football team.

“So, why is your name Asia?” Will asked interestedly. Zack narrowed his eyes at Will, daring him to make a move.

“Because that’s where I was born. My real mom didn’t give me a name.” she told him knowledgeably.

“What about you, Juarez? You were born in Mexico.” Will seemed confused.

“My parents died in a plane crash on their way back from Belize. I was six, so I had a name. I was up for adoption four years before the Jacksons came for me. I thought I was going to be there forever.” he said blandly.

“So he was ten when he came to live with you? Wow, that sounded weird.” he said, smiling. Zach rolled his eyes. I went home that day and received a call from Zach.

Asia

 “Hey. You know those heels you wear for wednesday night church sometimes? Wear them tomorrow, you have to dress up for your volleyball game anyway. Thanks.” It was rather one-sided.