A Friend To Be There

It was a fairly chilly Wednesday night, and for some reason, I had decided to go to Pioneer Girls (kind of like girl scouts). I figured maybe someone I know might be there. We had talked a lot about friendship in class earlier that day, and it got me thinking. I walked into the familiar room, seeing familiar faces. I smiled and got to doing whatever they did. I had seen most of the girls there around church, and they were in my grade, but I had never really talked to them.

That night we were making denim purses, sewing them, and decorating them for a badge. The girls in Pioneer Girls always seemed like this tight circle didn't have room for anyone else. It got quiet as everyone became absorbed in their work. I tried not to think about the friendship thing, but nothing drove it out of my mind. I realized that I really didn't have any friends. Sure, I had a bunch of people I hung out with, but no one I would truly call my friend. Before I knew it, a tear rolled down my cheek. I quickly brushed it away, glancing up to make sure no one had seen it. One girl did see it, Annah. She mouths the question "Are you okay?" I tried, but couldn't lie at that moment, so I shook my head no. She nodded, and got back to work, not really seeming to care anymore.

I got up when I heard the whistle for gym, glad that my eyes had dried any unwanted tears. I headed towards the door, but Annah stopped me. "Can we go to the big room? I don't really feel like playing," Annah asked the leader. "Sure, just remember to lock the door when you leave," was the answer. She motioned for me to follow. I did, and was glad for the excuse to get out of gym.

We sat down and she asked me what was wrong. I told her, and she listened patiently while I told her everything that was bothering me at the time. "Wanna be best friends?" Annah asked me when I finished. I was a bit surprised to hear the question, as I thought it was a little childish. But I could tell she meant it. I nodded, and we traded info. That night I made my first real friend, who later helped me make others. Annah will always be my best friend. She helped me so much, just by being herself. To this day, she still helps me with things.

Submitted by Anonymous

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