Chapter 6 Coming together

I had obviously tried to avoid Samuel today. Right when I was clearing my desk at the end of the day, I felt someone tap my shoulder lightly. I spun around, and to my surprise, it was Samuel.

I excpected a rude comment, but instead he handed me my pencil. “Here, you dropped this on the floor.” I didn’t know what to say.

I muttered a “thanks”, and that seemed to do the trick. He look thoughtful, and I was sort of confused. He suddenly said, “Meet me after school,”and went out the door. I looked at the clock. Had the bell even rung yet? Then I realized I had been focusing on Samuel so much, and it was already one minute after three.

I dashed out the door, and found Samuel laying in the nearby grass. He blinked when he saw me. “What took you so long?” He grumbled. I lay down on the grass next to him, and he started talking. “Well, I can kind of understand your confusion, but the girls have left me, fussing over another boy. So I’m wondering if you want to resume our friendship.”

I shivered. I didn’t even want to be here. He wanted to resume our friendship?After he had said no already? I got up abruptly and glared at him. “No way!” I whispered angrily, and took off. I don’t think he even followed me this time.

“Something seems to be bothering you.” Mom observed as I climbed into bed.

“Well, uh, I don’t really want to talk about it.” I said defensively.This was my personal business and no one had to hear it.

“Tell me about it.” Mom begged. “Please.”

I sighed then agreed. “Well, it’s just that Samuel wants to resume our friendship, and he’s being mean to me.’ I said quickly.

But mom heard everything. “People deserve a second chance, even though they can make you upset. Just give him a chance.” She said wisely. She sighed. “I remember 4th grade. We had locker numbers, and mine was 3692…” But I had already closed my eyes.

“Well?” Samuel asked crossly. “Do you want to still be friends or not?” I hesitated, then agreed. Samuel looked relieved. “C’mon, I want to show you something.” He started heading towards the lockers. I jumped when I saw his locker number. “Look familiar?” Samuel asked. I read the numbers more clearly. 3692…

“My mom had the same locker as you!” I exclaimed. He smiled, but said nothing.

I was so excited I could barely speak.I couldn’t wait to tell mom! Suddenly, Samuel guided me toward Collin. “Our friendship continues.” He told him.

As we walked down the sunny hill, I wrapped my arm around Samuel’s shoulder. He laughed, and we set off towards the neighborhood.