“Where’s the fire?” I ask, sitting next to her.
“Guess what?”
“Chicken butt?”
She giggles. “No, silly.” She holds up a paper. “I got a B on the math test yesterday!”
“Way to go, Kayla.” I give her a tight hug. “I’m super proud of you.”
“Thank you for helping me.”
“What else are friends for.”
Her lips tremble and tears pool in her eyes.
“Oh no, sweetie, don’t cry.”
“The kids here don’t want to be my friend.” She sniffles, the waterworks breaking free. “They’re all mean to me.”
I grip her shoulders and turn her towards me. “Listen to me. It’s hard for you to understand this now, but in six years, you’ll be graduating high school, then going off to college. What’s happening here won’t matter. It doesn’t define who you are and has no bearing on your future.” I huddle close. “Can I let you in on a little secret?” I whisper conspiratorially.
Kayla nods eagerly. “I won’t tell anyone.”
“Back in California I was a popular cheerleader. Then I moved here, and everything changed. The kids at school are mean to me and call me horrible names, but you know what, Kayla? It doesn’t bother me one bit, because I have thick skin. You can be strong too.”
“Okay, I’ll try really hard.”
“Great, trying is the first step towards succeeding.”
“I’m having a party for my twelfth birthday next Saturday.”
“Oh, the big twelve. That’s a fun age.”
“Do you want to come?” Kayla lowers her head, waiting on my answer.
“Heck yeah.” I tuck a wayward black curl behind her ear. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Kayla smiles brightly. “This is going to be the best birthday ever.”
“How about incorporating a spa day?”
“That would be so awesome.”
“You could invite a few girls from your class.” I’m going to make it my personal mission to help Kayla make friends.
Her exuberance falters. “They won’t come.”
“Yes, they will. No one can resist manicures, hair, and makeup done by me.”
“I’ll be beautiful like you?”
“Are you kidding me? You’re already a freaking hottie, and don’t let anyone tell you differently.” I chuck her on the chin. “Think your mom will be fine with me commandeering your party?”
“Definitely, she’s cool. Thanks for being my friend.”
“No, thank you. Your friendship is a privilege. Now, shall we tackle these multiplication problems? The hour is almost up.”
Kayla enthusiastically picks up her pencil and starts on her homework.
