15 Personal Narrative Final

Besides Cloud

"Boys are stupid," the blonde girl said tilting her head.
"Yeah," the brown haired girl agreed.
"They're dirty and gross."
"They pick their nose."
"They're not so bad," Becky protested, glancing across the room at her best friend Henry.
"They are too." the blond said with a sniff.
"Maybe they're in loooove," a black haired girl sing songed.
"We are not!"
"Am too."
"Am not!"
"Totally in love," the blond said snickering.
Becky looked close to tears, but she pushed her glasses up, a determined look in her eyes.
I shifted in my seat. I didn't know much about boys, but I did know I didn't like that blonde girl and her minions.
"We're just friends!"
The other girls started giggling.
I crammed the rest of my peanut butter and jelly sandwich into my mouth and headed for the door. I hated bullies. Although I wanted to say something, I knew it was better to keep out of their way. Keep your head down and don't say or do anything to get their attention was my motto.
I sighed as the cool air hit me and the sun warmed the top of my head. I took a deep breath of fresh air, letting the noise of recess wash over me. Kids ran across the playground screaming while a group of girls chanted to a game of double dutch. Boy's whooped from the swing set and several kids giggled as they tried to walk on their hands, falling over more often than not.

“Cheer up!” Cloud said, his ethereal body bobbing gently up and down. A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. Although I knew he was imaginary, he never failed to make me happy.

“Let's go for a walk!”

I nodded and started off across the playground, the rocks crunching beneath my tennis shoes. I stooped and scooped up a heart shaped stone, rubbing its smooth surface between my fingers. It smelled kind of salty and I knew from experience that it would taste a little salty too.

“Oooh.” Cloud leaned in closer. A boy brushed against me as he ran by. I stumbled and Cloud frowned.

“I'm alright,” I said, pocketing the heart. We started on our way again, this time towards the trailers. Beyond it was the big kid playground. Kindergarteners weren't allowed on it, but I liked to watch the rush of colors and plan for the day I would be able to play there. The swinging honey combs looked especially fun. It would be easy to pretend there was lava beneath when I needed to cross it to save Cloud. One day, I would be knight of the playground.

A boy I recognized from my ward caught my eye. He was sitting on the steps of one of trailers, his face in his hands. I started to walk past him, but Cloud sidled in front of me.

“You should ask him if he wants to be your friend.”

I frowned and glanced back at the boy. His curly black hair waved gently in the wind. He did look a little sad. I took a step forward then hesitated. What would the other girls think? I glanced at his face again.

“Go on,” Cloud urged.

Finally I nodded. He probably would say no anyway. I slowly walked up to him.

The boy looked up.

I stuck out my hand. “Do you want to be my friend?”

For a second he looked startled, then a big smile broke across his pale face. “Yes!”

He took my hand and I helped him up.

“Have you ever heard of The Lord of the Rings?”

I nodded. “I guess, but I've never seen it before.”

The boy looked a little disappointed.

“I do have some pretty rings at home though.”

He smiled “Cool! Can I see them sometime?”

“Yeah, I guess,” I said returning his smile.

“Lets pretend we're from Middle Earth! I'll be Legolas and you'll be Gimli! We can use the playground for battles!”

I nodded but glanced at Cloud.

Cloud gave me a reassuring smile. “Go on. I'll wait for you at home.”

I jumped off the school bus and rushed to the side yard.

Cloud was waiting for me with several of his friends. “Well, how was it?”

“It was great! I haven't ever had this much fun at school before! He said he's coming over next week to see the rings! Isn't that great!”

“It is,” Cloud agreed. “You two will be great friends.”

I nodded. “I guess boy's aren't so bad after all.”