A New Friend

 It was looking great for me not going to lie. I had a new family, talked to some people outside of my family, and reunited with Xander. All that was left was the talent show. We had planned to meet up on Saturday at 10 p.m. so that we could do a run-through since I was finished editing the lyrics. I closed my eyes to take a short nap since I was up at God-forsaken hours making sure the lyrics were great. I could feel a tapping on my shoulder and a faint voice. I reluctantly opened my eyes. "You've been dosing off in not only the club but at school as well. Are you okay Kevin?"

 It was Tina Bradshaw. She was in my class and she was planning on running for Book Club president next school term. "I'm fine so don't worry about it." She had a look of disappointment in her eyes. "Tell me now," she said. "I told you, don't wor..." before I could finish my sentence the look of disappointment turned into anger. Out of everyone in the book club, I feared her the most. Before joining the book club she was a delinquent. Almost every day she would be in a fight. Not even Samuel would be able to touch her. "Out with it already!" she ordered

 "My sister is planning to participate in the talent show. I've been helping her out so I can guarantee her victory. That's all." I explained while sweating profusely. "That's it?" She began to laugh. "What's so funny Tina?" "Dang! The robot has some feelings after all." "What do you mean by robot?" "You see, you barely show any emotions. The only time I can see you enjoying yourself is when Katie is around." As much as I would like to deny that statement, it's true. The only other person at the school who could make me smile or laugh was Xander.

 Out of nowhere, she hugged me. Her skin was so soft and her body warm making me feel so comfortable. "I don't know what happened to you but you had a similar look as me when I first joined this school. (POV SWITCH TO TINA) I ended the hug. "What was that for?" he asked while his face turned bright red. "Listen up. As a child, I used to be bullied almost every day. My father decides to teach me how to fight so I can defend me. I eventually became so strong that everyone feared me. It was so annoying. It isn't like I was going to beat everyone to a bloody pulp.

 When I came to this school, I tried to change, but with people like Samuel going around this school, I had to fight. Soon, people who saw me started calling me a delinquent, so I accepted it. That was until I encountered someone." (FLASHBACK) I was sitting on the field enjoying my lunch when Samuel decided to visit me. "HI, Tina." I ignored him. He continued greeting me but I just kept ignoring me. "This bitch!" he thought. "Why are you ignoring him?" Zachary asked. There was still no answer. After finishing my lunch, I got up and tried leaving but then Alexander grabbed my hand and punched me in the chest. "If you want to ignore me, then let's have some fun." The other two joined in ,and I was on the ground, hurt and bruised.

 "Next time, treat your classmates with respect, or else we won't go so easy on you." "Y'all are pathetic." That statement grabbed their attention. They look behind them and their overconfident expressions on their faces changed to fear. "It's not what you look like Xander," Cody stated. He dashed forward and punched Cody so hard that he was knocked to the ground immediately. "Shit!" Zachary stated. Xander then punched Zachary in the gut three times and then finished his combo with an uppercut. Samuel took that chance to knee Xander in the back but it had no effect.

 Xander turned around looking very pissed off. "So you can only attack when you think others let their guard down. As I said, you pathetic." Samuel tried running away but Xander grabbed him from behind and executed a German suplex. "That should do it. Hey! Are you okay?" He started approaching me and I was just struck with fear. "Can you walk?" I shook, my head immediately. "Fine, I'll carry you to the school nurse's office. He picked me up and began walking. Other than my father I had never seen someone so strong and kind before. (POV SWITCHES TO KEVIN AND FLASHBACK ENDS)

 Hearing her story was so beautiful I began crying. "Are you okay?" she asked being concerned. "I'm okay. Xander is so cool. I'm glad I met him again." "You know him?" "Yeah, we're childhood friends." Her pupils expanded with excitement. "Can you add me on WhatsApp?" "Sure. I'll also send you his contact if you want." "PLEASE DO!" We continued talking until I was called to head to the car. We said our goodbyes and left. I headed to the car and saw Katie and Dad waiting for me. "Such a big smile on his face Dad." Katie teased. "I wonder what happened." He added with the teasing.

 "I just made a friend. That's all." "I bet it's a girl." Dad insisted. I was silent which caused them to know that Dad was right. "Which girl Kevin?" I gave them the answer and Katie was shocked. "I thought you would be scared of her?" "I was but she showed me she is a nice person." They continued with the teasing until we finally got into the car. "The talent show is on Monday. Kevin, do you want one last session on Saturday?" "Sure." "Invite Xander. I can't wait to see him." "Me too! You gotta invite him." "No problem. I'll call him later and see if he can join." Life was finally feeling worth it. I hoped Xander could come.