Despina Drosinos Mrs.Schutte's AP/Advanced Art Class
Writing By Maggie Haggerty
When I write, people ask me if I’m ok. If I should get some help or if I need a hug. Sometimes they’ll just stare pityingly at me. They never ask why. Why I’m throwing myself into the sea of the voices of young women erupting in a tidal wave around me and screaming with them. Why that tidal wave never seems to be heard. When I write they always ask if something happened. They never stop and think of the courage it takes to enter the toxic yet addictive waters of my mind and memories and emerge unscathed. That no, nothing has happened, if something had I would be up in my room sobbing and shaking and listening to TED talks and Minecraft videos as I try and figure out how to go on living. When I write, I am at my strongest. I have the strength to relive the hardest and darkest days of my life. When I can stare at my scars and the bleached patches of skin from years of steroids and tell myself that every part of me is beautiful. When I write as tears run down my cheeks and someone comes into my room without knocking its hard to make them believe that I’m healing and not hurting. When I write, I’m surrounded by ghosts of things that have passed and have not. It is both a remembrance and a prep class. My life is only 17 years long but it is already tattered by heartbreak and death and medical bills and leaning on others and others leaning on me. It’s when I went in for surgery on Christmas Eve, and the painkillers made me sick and my mom and me smiling and laughing that at least we know I won’t be addicted to opioids. It’s loving someone with your entire soul but being too young and naive to get a phone number or an address when they move across the ocean, your heart with them. It’s being too young to understand what ‘death’ means, but you never see grandma again after that. It’s having your mom hold out her arm for you to steady yourself with because you swear the step was lower but you’ve been going up and down those stairs for over a decade every day, but you can never seem to get it right. It’s being selfless and loaning your voice to others who need it more. It’s suffering, reliving, and healing. When I write, I can break my chains.
RollerCoaster By Anonymous #1
Like a flash of lightning, I was flying on sparks. A wave of colors gold and red. A feeling that shows in the delight on my face. A feeling that shows with each passing breath. I'm back on the ground. It's over too soon, but the feeling remains forever.
Summer By Mya Weaver
The water drips down her skin On her face forms a slight grin She looks up to see the blue sky To see all the pretty birds fly Her arms and legs are bare So she can feel the air As the sun burns so bright She enjoys that daylight As wet grass glides on her toes On the dandelion she blows Those hot sunny rays Still on the ground she lays Her skin becomes red The one thing she does dread
Last Train Home By Melanie Stevenson
i don’t remember boarding the train i don’t remember the face of the ticket puncher all the people next to me have an X over their faces i can’t be bothered to ask where we’re going
i check my phone for the time, it just says “soon” so i sit and listen to a thousand worlds at once with my head in my hands,
i wish to be under the tracks the train finally stops moving finally i can leave this purgatory
i stand and finally stretch my legs and arms
the doors finally open there’s a blonde woman she isn’t crossed out, she just stares she looks very familiar, but my brain doesn’t want me to remember with a smile, she puts a hand on my shoulder to stop me “this isn’t your stop” and she gets off before i can even say a word.
Warm Welcome By Melanie Stevenson
I haven’t seen your face for so long, yet I still feel like I know you better than anyone else. Time doesn’t seem to have passed for me, yet it clearly has for you.
I don’t think you ever saw me, I don’t think you’d remember well all the time that we spent, the memories that still lie fresh in my mind.
I’m still clinging to those moments, hoping you’ll still care but I’m scared you’ve moved on, and left me in your dust.
My mind tells me that I’m delusional, that I’m clinging to a hope that’s long gone. You went your way, I went mine, our roads have both diverged.
Yet my heart seems to run wild, looking back at simpler times, reminding me of the thrill you gave me, that gentle breeze of happy when our only worries were silly school crushes.
I know I’m not the same, but I’ve been sheltered, I hope it’s been for the better.
I’ve seen so many people that I thought I used to know broken and put back together, but in a more cynical way.
I hope when you see me, you’ll remember how we used to glance at each other, laughing at silent jokes.
I hope when you see me, you’ll remember how much I admire you and how much I still do.
Collection By Samantha Dickerson
“There she is. Do you think she’ll say yes?” I ask my friend by my side. We look at her as we talk. Currently, she’s reading a book with a cup of tea by her.
“Seriously? I think you are the only one with a chance. Everyone knows how she looks at you. She only has interest in you, no one else,” he responded and calmly added, “So, go give it a shot!” As he finished I mustered up the last of my courage and went to talk to her.
“H-hi.” I embarrassingly said. “D-do you mind if I sit here?” My face feels like it's melting off at this point. She moved her hair from her face and looked up.
She smiled and said, “Sure. Say..I’m new around here, can you show me around?”
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“What a beautiful night…” she starts as she looks up to the sky, “with a cool breeze and a cute man showing me around town. Say, do you mind taking me home?” She smiled and I couldn’t say no.
Shocked, I responded, “Sure. Shall we go?” She smiled, locked arms with me and we made our way to her house. When we arrived it’s like her mood changed. She was still smiling, but something was different about her. She unlocked the door and we went inside.
“You are really pretty,” she whispered in my ear. “I’m sure your heart is pretty too.” As she said that I felt my stomach drop as she knocked me out.
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“It’s been 2 months since June Robinson was last seen. Police say since the man has been gone for 2 months he is most likely dead and they are ending the search. Our condolences go out to the family. Police say to be more careful as a spike in kidnappings is currently going on…” and the reporter goes on.
__________________________
“I was right. You are the perfect addition to the collection,” she says, “I love you.” As she smiled, chuckled and closed the doors.
The end...
Follow The Path of Light By Hiba Aslam
Life is a story written by our decisions, by our willingness to try new things. To meet new people, and make new friends, and to keep it going it is up to us. Whether we drop it or move it right along. With some twists like tragedy or betrayal. Which causes part of the story to darken, to be driven down the path of agony or hatred. Making the heart rotten to the color of the pen's ink. Or led it to something charming like friendship and love. Having the idea of finding the one. Or enjoy the parts of euphoria. Making the whole world stop and embrace the warmth of the moment. Every once in awhile a chapter must come to an end. Once it does we simply turn the page. When a book concludes all we need to do is write a new one. Cherish the adventures, the memories, and start a new beginning. It feels like bidding it farewell. It may be the end of the book, but the story always continues.
Shallow Waters and Dark Currents By Mrs.Lynn Brazie
Jenny Anne
“Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight;I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.”
I’ve been reciting that little poem for as long as I can remember. I can even hear my grandmother whisper, ‘Jenny Anne, my darling, please be careful what you wish for.’ And I would always reply ‘I know, I know: If you get things that you desire, there may be unforeseen and unpleasant consequences.’
Well, I’ve yet to have that dire repercussion and I’m nearly 30 years old! And…I’m sitting on a gorgeous beach stargazing. How can I not make my wish? I finally accepted my friend’s invitation to stay at her place on the beach for the weekend and read to my heart’s content!!! Lillian owns the local book and coffee shop and I’m probably her best customer! I work across the street at the bank and set up her business account when she opened Imagine Books and Coffee 10 years ago. I’m addicted to the supernatural realm of reading. From vamps to fairies, druids to dragons, witches to werewolves and everything in between – and believe me, there’s a lot of everything in between!
‘His blue eyes were fixed on me. I raised mine to meet his and felt my breath slip even farther away from me…’
“I hear you sighing Jenny Anne,” said Lillian as she made her way down to where I was sitting.
“Oh Lillian, I’m just doing a little bit of daydreaming under this magnificent evening sky.”
“Who is it this time- or should I say what is he this time?” mocked Lillian.
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Lillian
Jenny Anne proceeded to describe her latest crush and I listened as usual being the friend I was. She was indeed obsessed with her books and the manly creatures that leapt from the pages in all their supernatural glory! As she described his hair, his eyes, his abs and muscles I smiled and drifted away in my own thoughts. I’ve tried for years to introduce her to some wonderful men. She always had an excuse, but I could ‘read’ right through her. She would be immersed in her latest paranormal series. Oh Jenny Anne what am I to do with you? I laid back in the sand gazing at the constellations in the night sky.
“Oh girl, you need to cool off! And my ears need a break! Go dip your toes in the shallow waters Jenny Anne before you start melting right here in front of me!”
She giggled and did just that. I closed my eyes, resting in the cool of the sand. I must have dozed off for a couple of minutes and soon realized Jenny Anne was not with me. I sat up and scanned the beach.
“What the!” I said out loud. There, down at the water’s edge stood Jenny Anne with a stunningly handsome man. He was the stuff of her dreams. Wait, am I dreaming? I shook my head and looked at Jenny Anne’s face. She was smitten as she gazed into his eyes. He then lifted her into his arms and held her against his chest. She rested her head on his shoulder. Oh, gosh what’s happening? Is he…..Where’s my phone?
“Look up Triton.” Male version of a siren or morgen, a sea creature that lures…..Before I could put two words together, he turned his head and gave me a nod. His body quickly began changing. Scales, fins and seaweed now appeared as I watched him quietly slip beneath the waters, into the dark current.
“Goodbye Jenny Anne,” I whispered.
Coming Home By Anonymous #2
A little girl’s heart beats quickly with anticipation, Her cheeks flushed with excitement, Shiny ruby ribbon headband in her hair. Her daddy is coming home today. Her daddy, whom she hasn’t seen in thirteen months, Is coming home.
The girl and her mommy and her siblings decorated the house. Bright, happy, smiley face-colored paper is taped to the door, Loudly proclaiming: WELCOME HOME, DADDY! With little scribbles that are supposed to be drawings and letters in names. Balloons fly as high as their strings will let them, tied to bushes with Holly berries growing in clumps In anticipation of the upcoming holiday.
Mommy is wearing her blue jeans and white shirt with the roses on it, And raspberry lipstick, the kind that the girl’s sister always says makes her eyes pop, And the soft sweater that the girl used to bury her face in when she was little.
The girl, Who pulls her sweatshirt over her head, The sky blue one that’s worn and fuzzy, The one with the North Face logo. She proudly wears her favorite T-shirt that her friend Kiara gave her when she lived in Japan, And her soccer shorts from the little shop downtown, And the tights that are colored like maraschino cherries, And sneakers like some sort of crazy neon disco ball.
Her sister’s hair shines in the tiny ray of sun peeking out from behind the clouds, the golden streaks seeming to glow in the ember strands. Her sister likes the girl’s headband because it has feathers that you can pet and pretend that you’re petting a chicken. The sister likes chickens, and dogs, and cats and parrots and zebras. She is shy, but cuddly at the same time, A peanut-covered caramel-dipped apple, And her daddy calls her “Nosy Rosy.”
Next to her, One brother jumps up and down, Up and down- Both from excitement and the cold. He wishes boys could wear tights like the girl, ‘Cause his legs are freezing. But girls can’t wear his super awesome striped vest, So it all comes out even. Why are we here again?
The middle brother pushes his thin hair out of his face And sticks his hand in his pockets, Looking like a little, mature, wise old man. Looks can be deceiving, though. Too young to understand what’s going on, Or even remember his dad, He’s trying to make a plan To get some of the cake that’s sitting on the table in the corner. Attack Plan A-1982: Commence. Roger, roger.
The tiny brother, The one with the hair like soft peach fuzz And a personality just as sweet, Yawns in Mommy’s arms. It’s almost nap time. Why are they in this weird, cold place With all these weird, cold hunks of metal?
His eyes start to close, But open quickly as a sound like a big bumblebee fills the hangar. The sound starts off soft, But grows louder and louder until the girl has to yell to be heard.
Is it him, mommy? Is it? I can’t see! The sister looks up at her mom with eyes like a fawn. Is that daddy’s helicopter? No, girls, that’s Mr. B.O.B. A second metal bee lands outside the hangar. Is that him? No, girls, that’s Mr. Preacher. Two little boys with blonde hair like corn silk run to the man in the bird.
The girl feels a pang in her chest, an urgency. Where is her daddy? Why isn’t he here? Then a third metal insect appears on the horizon. It lands. The pilot opens his door, gets out, closes the door. Then the girl knows. Without even asking, She knows it’s him. Daddy. He’s home! She waits for a few more seconds like she was told to, Then starts sprinting towards him, Her hair flying behind her, Her feet hitting the ground in fast, fleeting movements. He gathers her up in his arms and-
LIAR. She doesn’t know. She can’t quite remember. Is he really that short? Is his hair black? I thought it was brown like mine. What color are his eyes? I don’t remember his face. Mommy, is that him? Yes. Yes! It is! Shyly, she starts walking, composed, mature, Fast walking, Jogging and sprinting and flying, Flying: Daddy! He’s here! Daddy! The girl’s legs move so fast that bystanders only see a blur of red tights and rainbow sneakers.
Surely, the others follow: The sister like a deer, The jumping brother tripping over his untied shoelace, The little old man brother forgetting about the cake but wondering why they are running towards a strange man in green pajamas and a cool helmet like in Star Wars with a face kinda like the one from the computer, The peach fuzz brother copying everyone else and walking as fast as his short little legs can carry him.
The bells on their necklaces that they made earlier at the Christmas party ring merrily, Like the girl’s heart, which is doing it’s own personal fireworks show, Hana, Flaming Hana, Blossoms of fire and beauty and joy Bursting in her soul. It’s him! He’s back! It’s Daddy! The pilot squats down and embraces the girl as she burrows into his olive flight suit, The sister and three brothers catching up quickly. The pilot takes off his helmet and puts it on the girl’s head. She remembers him now. Remembers his smell, fuel and coffee and something that is just Daddy, Remembers his jokes and going running with him And playing kitchen and NFL Football Trivia Game. Daddy.
She grins. Her smile perfect but for her left canine, Which is a little too high. And in that moment, In the pilot man’s arms, Heavy white helmet on her head, She is happy. He is finally home.
daddy.
Dear Best Friend By Despina Drosinos
12/05/2016
Dear Mari, I HATE RHODE ISLAND. It’s awful. The people pretend to be friendly but really care nothing about me. Our neighbors don’t even talk to us because “You’re military and you’ll leave in a year anyway.” One of the parents in my brother’s class said the same thing.
But my little siblings have it easy. Moving seems easier when you’re their age. The person that you sit next to on the first day becomes your best friend, you play on the playground everyday at recess, and then you do it all over again once you leave. Lucky.
All my classmates said “Hi” and then ignored me for the rest of the day. I ate lunch by myself and at recess I just went by the lonely little tree and drew in the dirt. At least my dad won’t have to deploy here though.
Well, at least you know now that I won’t forget about you and Sophia and Tyler and everyone else down there. I miss you guys. Tell everyone that I miss them, will you? You’d better, because I just spent the last five minutes crying about all of you. Don’t tell anyone I said that. Why am I even telling you that I cried? Just forget it. I don’t even know why I did, I mean, I should have gotten used to it by now- haha, kidding, I forgot, THAT DOESN’T HAPPEN. It should though. What I mean is, I shouldn’t cry. I mean, I have moved seven times. It’s never bothered me before. Also, tell me how our lacrosse team does this season, okay? And tell Mr.Ricci that I miss English class and his one-liners. Your best friend, Hana _______________________________________
12/15/2016
Hey, Hana! I just got your letter today.
I MISS YOU WHY’D YOU HAVE TO LEAVE???????
Sorry Rhode Island isn’t working out so well. Maybe you can come back after your dad finishes… well, whatever he’s doing there. Why can’t you have just stayed? We were going to graduate sixth grade in a few months! I wanted to go to seventh grade together! I’m probably making this worse for you, aren’t I? Sorry. I’ll tell Mr.Ricci, and I’ll tell the group that you miss them. Mr.Hafs misses having you and won’t let anyone even say your name. He doesn’t let anyone else do the soundboard for Morning Announcements, either. You were always the best at it anyway :).
Our lax season hasn’t started, obviously. I think in seventh grade I will try out for the swim team. My math grade went down because you can’t help me with my homework anymore, and the bus is boring without you to talk to. Now I just play games on my phone. Oh, yeah! Guess what! I got a phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My phone number is 757-873-9991. I know you don’t have a phone yet but ask your parents if you can get one. At least we can mail letters, right? Like pen pals! Except I’ve actually met you. And we’re BFFs. Oh- my mom needs me to help Jason with dinner. Hang in there!
Your Bestie, Mari
P.S. I CAN’T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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12/24/16
Hi, Mari! Life here is still awful. But at least tomorrow is Christmas, right? Winter break started two days ago for us- it’s a lot shorter here than down there. I still don’t really know anybody. I’ve started eating lunch with some girls though, and hanging out with them at recess. They’re nice enough, I guess. They keep talking about boys and crushes and stuff, but they have to talk about something else, right? Wrong. They’re the “popular” group. I hate popular people. But they let me eat with them and I have classes with the “leader” Phoebe, so… yeah. Not sure what my point is here.
I went Christmas shopping for my siblings yesterday. I got Anita a doll and some dress up stuff, Panos got Legos, Mike got some toy cars, and Dmitri got a little stuffed bear. Dmitri just started to walk this week. I want books for Xmas, lots and lots of books! And maybe a marble run like Tia’s that I can build. My dad just said that I have to go to bed now, so bye.
Your best friend, Hana
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1/10/17
Hi!!!!!!!! How was your break? What about Christmas? I got so many presents! And Mr.Ricci started a creative writing club! I know you would’ve liked to join that. Next year you’re going to take algebra, right? You were always smart. I wish I was like you. You’re so nice and smart and friendly. I don’t know how in the world you haven’t made good friends yet. Someday, I want to go on a vacation to England or France, just like how you lived in Japan for however many years. You’re so lucky! But my mom said that we are going to go to the Outer Banks for a month this summer! I can’t wait! In Science we started our weather unit and saw a picture of snow in Rhode Island. We joked about trying to find you peeking out from under the snow. Hopefully we actually get more than two inches this year.
Lacrosse season is getting close! Only two and a half more months! Tonight I’m going to a daddy-daughter dance at our church with my dad. It’s going to be so fun! I’m wearing the blue and purple dress that I wore for Christmas last year, the one that you never would’ve worn because of the ruffles. You probably don’t care, do you? You always hated dresses and skirts anyway :).
Your Bestie, Mari
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2/28/2017
AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! I know I haven’t written in awhile and I’m so sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss you guys so much, you don’t even know how much I wish I could leave this place. I hate it. I’m counting down the days until we leave. Only two more months! The “popular” girls started teasing me and bullying me so I'm on my own again now. Not going to go into that. It’s lonely at recess, but having quiet at lunch is kinda nice. Just kidding- the cafeteria here is ten times louder than down there in VA. It gives me a headache.
My mom thinks something is wrong but I keep lying and saying that there isn’t anything. But I want to leave! I want to go! Anywhere but here! Back down there would be nice, but I feel like you’re starting to drift away from me. I’m probably just overthinking it like I always do. Just ignore me.
Anyway, how’s morning announcements? Are you an anchor or the weatherperson now? How’s the weather down there? It’s still snowing here, but we don’t get any snow days since they actually have snowplows. There’s a girl that lives a few houses down that I’ve talked to a few times. Tomorrow our dads are taking us shooting at the range. It should be kinda fun, I guess. Too bad she doesn’t go to my school, or we would maybe be friends. Anyway, have a good week! I miss you!
Your best friend, Hanaleilani
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3/30/2017
Hey!
The weather is starting to warm up, but unfortunately we didn’t get any snow… :( I’ve changed from anchor to weatherperson on morning announcements, and Lilian took my spot as right anchor. Lucas has left anchor and Saedie is the script person.
Guess what?! Lacrosse is starting in a week! I can’t wait! We’re having a new coach, and his name is Mr.Lolli! Isn’t that funny? It reminds me of a lollipop. Some new players are joining too! Their names are Molly, Stella, Adi, Aeda, Aysha, Morgan, Zee, and Elizabeth. We’re practically going to have a whole new team! You might remember Molly, she was in your math class I think. She doesn’t remember you, though.
And I wish you were here to help me with math! I have a C- now, and my science grade is a C. All my other classes are B-’s, or B’s except for A’s in PE and Art. Mrs.Ramos had her baby so we have a new art teacher named Mrs.Pitts, and she’s pretty nice. Oh, and I have a new friend, her name is Jasmine. She’s like you: a little quiet at first, but now we’re best friends. Our little friend group kinda broke apart when you left.
Your friend, Mari
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5/11/17
I’m moving in a week! To Hawaii! Finally! I get to be free of Rhode Island! I don’t know what my new address will be, so don’t mail me any more letters until I send you one once we’re moved in. You know, I just thought of something: people hear the words “freedom isn’t free” a lot. But do they ever think of kids like me? They probably should more often. Got to go- the moving guys are here to take the rest of our stuff.
Your best friend, Hana
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12/23/17
Hey, Mari! I’m so sorry I haven’t sent you a letter in awhile! I guess because… well, the move happened, basically… and yeah, I kinda forgot. Again, I’m sorry. My new school that I went to for about four weeks was a bit weird, but I liked it. People here have a little accent and call flip-flops “slippers” and at school we only had science once a week. Art, PE, and music were twice a month. I didn’t have any good friends, but it doesn’t matter too much, because everyone is so nice! It’s called the “Aloha Spirit.” At recess everyday I played tetherball with a girl named Auli’i. She beat me every time, but I finally beat her on the last day of school! Ha! It gets out early here, around Memorial Day or so, and we have days off for Hawaiian holidays too, like King Kamehameha Day. We get out one hour early every Wednesday also.
In seventh grade now, I have all my regular classes, but I also take gardening and Hawaiian history. I love gardening class! We have kalo, banana trees, purple dragon beans, beets, carrots, papaya, mint, ulu, lettuce… We sell some of it at the farmers market outside the school every Thursday, and we use a plunger attached to a PVC pipe to get the papaya! We get to take the mint and stick it in our waters and last week we made lasagna with the tomatoes. School here is really easy, except for math. I have a 93%. My math teacher is horrible- she smells and she’s an awful teacher. Her name is Mrs.Sankle. I know I’m quiet in all my classes, but in her class, I swear I haven’t said a word.
I’m doing cross country right now, which I’m not the best at, but it’s fun. We have a meet this weekend vs a lot of schools, but we’re mainly focusing on beating Punahou, which is a REALLY good school. My friend Lily is the best by far and can run two miles in twelve minutes flat! I also made a friend named Emma, and she’s really funny. Her dad is in the Marines, she loves to draw, and we have six out of seven classes together. My dad doesn’t go on actual deployments, but he’s been going to South Korea for about a week or two every month. It’s not too bad. He makes Bibimbap every time he comes home and that’s delicious! He brought back these adzuki bean pastries once too. Sorry, I have to go to practice. Bye!!!
Your old friend, Lani
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1/2/18
Hey hey! So… seems like you’ve finally made some friends! That’s good! You’re so lucky to live in Hawaii! Have you learned hula? Do you surf everyday? What about luaus, do you have them, like, every weekend? I’m doing swim right now and I got second in the 100 yard free-style and first in the 100 yard fly! Lacrosse season came and went, we got second to last without you. You were always a great GK, but Meloni had to step up and play starter, and Rose quit in the middle of the season, so our defense fell apart almost completely. Stella and a few of the “new” players were decent mids though. Molly was a good attacker, and she’s great at draws. I played mid but sometimes Coach Lolli put me in for attack. Hopefully XC goes good for you. Good luck at your meet.
Your old friend, Riri
P.S. Riri is my new nickname now, Jasmine and Molly gave it to me.
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8/27/18
Hello! How have you been? What have you been doing? I start eighth grade in a day, can you believe it? I hope that one summer, I hope my family and I can take a vacation back to Japan! I loved Japan so much, and I still remember some of my Japanese, even though it’s been like five years since I lived there. My mom and I made ramen, gyoza, and oonigiri the other day, and then my slipper broke when I was walking on the beach. No, I do not go to the beach everyday, and yes, hula is one of my classes at school. I tried surfing and it’s not for me, so no, I do not go surfing everyday. I like to go body-boarding on the weekends, though, the beach is only two blocks from my house. I can’t believe I’ve been here for a year already! I’m in an Honors program at my school, did I tell you that? And I started hockey back up. I’m doing lacrosse again now also. Oh, there was also a guy that sent a false ballistic missile alert in January, so that was interesting. Bye!
-Lani
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11/19/18
Hey hey! So, how ya doing? I miss you <3. Oh, guess what, I got voted most valuable player for my swim team and also best leader. Have you gotten a phone yet? Remember, my number is 757-873-9991
~Riri
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Today, 12/2/19 at 17:13
Um, hi. This is Lani. Remember me? I moved in sixth grade? I’m in Hawaii right now? Is this Mari?
How do You know my # IDK anyone NaMed Lani
Oh, um, I think you called me Hana.
Hana <3 You finAlly got a phoneeeeee
Um… yes. Anyway, how have you been? What have you been up to? I’m sorry I haven’t talked in awhile. But guess what? I’m moving back!
Omg thats craZy we should TOtally meet up
Alright, well, I move there in a month.
Ok gtg ttyl
Okay, bye!
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Today, 2/5/20 at 11:58
Hi again! Do you wanna meet at Frozen for ice cream?
Who be dis
Lani. I mean Hana.
Oh right i nVr added you to my conacts And yes i’d be down
I’m assuming that means yes?
_____ Today, 2/5/20 at 12:07
How about 3:30?
Ok see yOU then byeeeeeeeee
Bye.
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Today, 2/5/20 at 3:27
i cant come sry something came up
Oh, that’s okay, maybe another day. I’ll just have my mom pick me up.
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Today, 2/15/20 at 8:41
Hey, wanna meet up at 2:00 at Frozen?
No sry im busy
Oh. Okay, then.
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Today, 2/18/20 at 15:03
Hey, wanna meet up tomorrow at noon at Frozen?
Sry im busy
Alright.
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Today, 2/23/20 at 10:29
What about today?
im busy im rly sry
It’s okay, don’t worry about it.
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Today, 2/27/20 at 10:29
Today?
Sry no
What day are you not busy?
Uhhhhhhh idk i think monday is good
Okay, Monday at noon?
Yah sure
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Today, 2/30/20 at 11:09
i cant come today
Alright.
i can do it tomorrow 4 sure tho same time
Great! I’ll see you then. Bye!
Byeeeeeeeeeeeee
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At 11:56 am, a skinny teenage girl walks into Frozen, wearing as many layers as she can but still shivering uncontrollably. Looking around, she glances at all the other customers, but obviously can’t spot who she is trying looking for. Sighing, she grabs a table near the back and waits.
When the clock strikes 12:00 pm, a group of girls enter, all wearing matching bracelets, lots of makeup, and thin leggings. They giggle, and Coldskinnygirl turns away in disgust and fear. Bad memories.
The door opens another time at 12:02 to let in a young couple, and again at 12:13 for a middle-aged man and two small kids to enter. The little boy, probably around four years old, starts chasing his six-year-old sister around the store, and they run smack-dab into a girl that just walked in. The kids scamper off, unfazed, and she looks around the store.
Crashedintotwokids spies the other girl and her heart flutters like the tiny butterflies in her stomach. Coldskinnygirl, still sitting down in the back, glances up and then quickly down again. Raising her gaze once more, she waves timidly, uncertainly. Crashedintotwokids waves back and plops down next to her.
Silence.
“So.” Coldskinnygirl smiles nervously.
“Yeah, so. Well, in case you haven’t figure it out yet, I’m Riri.”
“Yeah, I figured that, Mar- I mean, er, Riri. You look so different! Well, I guess I probably do too, don’t I?”
“Yeah, you do, Hana.”
“Um… nobody really calls me that anymore. No one in Rhode Island really ever talked to me, but my friends in Hawaii called me Lani.”
“Oh. Lani. That’s… pretty. You were gone when people started to call me Riri, weren’t you?”
“Yeah.”
“You’ve changed a lot too. Your hair is straighter and darker, you talk weird, and you look like you’re going to freeze to death.”
Coldskinnygirl/Hana/Lani turns red.
“I lived there for a long time. The accent caught on to me and I got used to the weather. I haven’t been in temperatures this cold since Rhode Island. The coldest it ever got was like seventy degrees.”
“Oh. Right, yeah.”
“So, um, how are you?”
“I’m doing good.”
“That’s good.”
…
…
...
Crickets.
“Uh, how’s high school going?”
“It’s going, but I hate it. I have so much homework to do, I have a boyfriend now, and I have a C+ average…”
“I could help you, if you wanted. I’m pretty good at math, and I’m decent in all my other classes.”
“Nah, I’m good. Thanks though.”
“Yeah.”
“Wanna get some ice cream now?”
“Sure. Your favorite was always cotton candy with chocolate sprinkles and gummy bears, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah. Now I mostly just get double chocolate. I don’t remember what your favorite was, though.”
“Oh that’s okay. I usually get chocolate with peanut butter swirl or haupia-lilikoi.”
“Halula-what now?”
“Haupia-lilikoi.”
“And that is???”
“Oh, right. Haupia means coconut in Hawaiian. I’m not sure what the English word for lilikoi is. Anyway, it’s really good. Guess they don’t have it here though, huh?”
“Not a chance.”
The two girls walk up to the counter. Crashedintotwokids/Mari/Riri orders strawberry with chocolate chips on top, and Coldskinnygirl/Hana/Lani gets peanut butter chocolate. Coldskinnygirl/Hana/Lani shivers.
“Guess ice cream wasn’t the best idea. But Frozen was the one place I could remember that we both liked.”
“Yeah.”
They sit in silence, licking their melting ice cream and crunching down on the waffle cones. When Crashedintotwokids/Mari/Riri finallys finishes, they both get up to leave. On the way out, Crashedintotwokids/Mari/Riri says that she guesses she’ll see Coldskinnygirl/Hana/Lani at lacrosse practice next month.
“Um, actually, I’m going to play for my new school. My siblings are so much older now that club lacrosse is a bit too… costly.”