Story

By Linda Duong, 11, Canada

...Fine! Just fine! Valerie yelled in my face as a few kids on the street turned around to look at us and continued walking on. I hate you Daisy William! Well, I hate you too! I shouted furiously at my best friend. You . . .well, you, you blame people too much! It was not my fault he asked, he likes me, and you? Nope. I dont believe you, you just think he does like you. But he does not. I cant believe this! She thrust her arms in the air with her knapsack on her shoulders swinging, My best friend - my used to be best friend is, is what? Stealing the guy of my dreams?! I am not stealing! I protested, I could feel the tears coming. Why would I steal someones dream guy who is a conceited person? Conceited! shrieked Valerie, her beautiful, silky, brown hair bounced on her slender shoulders. Conceited? Me? Thats a laugh . . . conceited? Yes!

I spotted a group of our friends coming towards us. I wanted to run away. You always do everything so perfect. Teachers pet! I yelled, really enraged. Hey, Valerie! Daisy! Crystal was jogging her way up to us with Jane and Marie. That was it. I couldnt take it anymore. If Valerie didnt like me anymore, well then - fine. I clutched my hands and walked away rapidly, totally mad. I could hear my friends calling after me but I kept on walking and trying to fight the tears back.

When I came inside my house, I ran upstairs to my room and closed the door instead of slamming it. I didnt want anybody to figure out something was wrong and bother me. I sat down on my bed, threw my bag to a corner and started to cry. Its not fair. Its just not fair! Valerie is my best friend, and we both fell for the same guy. She got mad at me because Kevin asked me out on a date - well, not an exact date. Just a start off. Then, she doesn't even believe that he asked me. Its just not fair! Why do I have to be caught in the middle when I have not done anything wrong? Valerie doesnt own Kevin!

The phone rang. I just sat there thinking about nothing and crying. On the fourth ring I bent over to night-table and picked it up. Hello? I tried not to make myself sound like I've just been sobbing. Daisy? It was Jane. I knew one of them would have to call. Yeah, its me. Are you okay? What happened between you both? she asked me. We're okay. Nothing happened I replied plainly, sniffing. Nothing? You guys were screaming your heads off she told me, with a small chuckle. Are you sure? Whats the situation? Wait, let me guess - Kevin, huh? Yup, she got mad at me because he asked me out. Gee, that's kinda bad. So, how are you going to work this out? she asked, curiously. I dont know exactly, tears sprang to my eyes again. I really didnt want to do anything,nI wanted to cry. I didn't want to know the conclusion. Well, good luck. Jane said softly. Ill see you in school tomorrow. Bye. Bye, Jane. We hung up.

I laid down on my bed and started to cry, again. Crying always make me feel better even though I get nothing out of it. There was a knock on the door, then it opened with a creaky sound. Mom. Oh, Daisy. Whats wrong? she asked, worried. Mom walked over to me, and I sat up. Tell me, she stroked my hair softly. Valerie and I are fighting . . . over Kevin. I told her, bringing my legs close to me and hugging them. I rested my head on my knees. Kevin? Mom asked, her ravishing green eyes twinkled. That polite, handsome young man? Well, what is the problem, why are you fighting over Kevin? Were not exactly fighting over Kevin, I guess. I mumbled. He asked me out, its just that she accused me for lying. She doesnt believe that he did. Do you like him a lot? she asked, with a small frown, her soft curls bouncing. Yes. So does, Val. Well, is he worth ending your friendship? Mom asked wisely. I thought about that for a short moment. Maybe, maybe not. I dont know yet I said, sighing. Hun, I really don't know what to do about this, she said, all of a sudden sounding exasperated, but her voice still soft and gentle. Thats okay. I told her, replaying her question over and over in my mind. Is he really worth ending our friendship? Come down for dinner later, if you want she said, and walked out of bedroom and closed the door.

I lifted my head slightly. Is he really worth our friendship? I didnt know, but I know there is only one answer. I really didnt want it to be yes or no. I really like Kevin, and I want to make up with Valerie again. I made my decision. I was going to tell Valerie that I liked Kevin a lot, and that I treasure our friendship very much. I'm crossing my fingers for the best, it depends on Valerie.

The next morning at school, I waited for her at her locker. I saw her coming down the hall, her expression was a little confusing. She looked happy and sad at the same time. I dont know what she was thinking. Hi Val I said, when she approached her locker. Hi Daisy she replied, her glamorous eyes gleaming. Im sorry for what happened yesterday. I just wanted to tell you that . . . well, I like Kevin a lot, and I still want to go out with him. But I really want to keep our friendship a lot. I cant go on without you, Valerie. Youre my best friend, weve been through many arguments, youre not going to let this one hurt us, are you? I asked, taking in a deep breath, hoping she will make the right decision. She stood there for a minute, thinking deeply. Daisy, I thought about this last night too. I want to make up, and Im really sorry. Maybe Kevin isnt Mr. Right for me. Valerie stared into my eyes. The next thing I knew we were laughing. Sorry Val, I said in between giggles. Sorry Daisy, I hope this wont happen again. She gave me a tight hug. I guess we both did the right thing, talk it out. I hope this will never ever happen again, just as we said. Valerie is my best friend, and I care about our friendship. Do you care about yours?