Torera
I remember clearly. It was always you from the first day you sauntered into the class. You chose your space. I've never seen anyone do that. You simply asked if you could sit with me and that was it, the beginning of us.
I didn't know how to talk to you. You had a funny way with words, they swirled and attacked like sugar ants. I didn't want to get in your bad books so my Hello was perpetual and my sorry was constant.
You remember the day I told off a boy for bugging you?
Yes, it was laughable and you said nobody ever stood up for you. Have you seen yourself? You were the tallest girl in our class, respected and a darling to teachers. What more could a girl want?
A friend.
You pronounced my name with a lisp and I smiled. We walked to the cafeteria and we became the dreamer girls. Your laughter consoled my sadness and my silence calmed your rage. We were opposites but girls had to stick together. We always have.
The boy from nowhere came into our lives. His smile was innocent and we applauded his brilliance. It was a pink world and we soared unitedly.
Someone spoke of love and our woes began. The class whispered betrayal and all I needed was a thumbs up to shove the mystery boy aside. I was wrong. Torera, you were lost. I tried to reach in and waive your delusion. You were lost in love.
And we never spoke again, just a nod here and there till the last days at school.
