As Jojo readied himself for yet another horrible day in the clutches of the school system, He combed the matted fur on top of his scraggly head. Jojo, being the oldest of 97 kids, went to Whoville high. His days consisted of moping, being bored, ignoring his beezle brained father, and fighting his way out of makeovers from his sisters. The only time he had for himself was after dinner and walking to school (sometimes weekends). As he ventured to school one cloudy day he always walked past a little bakery . The owner's daughter, being the smallest of all who's, being 4' 0 and not getting any taller, was always being ridiculed. Not only did she have an accent, but she came from an uncaring family. Her parents where from Whoindia. Every morning he would see her Dad yelling for her to hurry herself to school. Jojo just thought he was the everyday dad who yelled for there kid to hurry their butt up. But that was something totally wrong.
He saw her at school tears in her eyes, knees clutched to her chest and backpack contents sprawled amongst the ground around her. The kids stood in a circle calling her names and kicking her items around as if they where playing kickball. Jojo forced himself into the mob of bullies and yelled for them to all go away. Jojo was a scary guy at school so no one messed with him. They all walked away and mumbled rude comments under there breath.
"Are you okay?"
She didn't want to answer him. She couldn't find it in herself to look at him. How could anyone want to protect a person like her? She sat there crying.
Just as the bell rang Jojo refused to leave her side. He always remembered what his dad had taught him: "Stay by someone's side... no matter what."
"Uh... It's okay they're all gone. I wouldn't let anyone hurt my friend." He gave a heroic smile.
She gave him a questioning look.
"Fff..friend? I don't have any friends." She looked away tears rolling down her brown furred cheeks.
"Why don't you say we could be friends?... I mean like…Uh, do you want to hang out err something? " Jojo thought to himself repeating questions in his head such as: "what have you gotten yourself into…" Or: " Great now my 'Jojo time' is gone!" But he didn't let her know he was thinking over this whole "friend thing"
He helped her pack her stuff back into her backpack and got out a notebook.
"Here rip if you ever get lonely or feel sad come hang out okay?" He handed her his address and took off.
"Where have you been!! Your 30 minutes late and I've called your dad! Do you know how worried he's been!"
I don't know what's worse: a teacher yelling at you or… a teacher yelling at you. Mrs.Furrystine was one of the narkiest teachers there was. You said two plus two was 3 and she'd be on your butt as if she was a tick to a dog's coat.
" I was feeling sick so I was staying in the boy's bathroom… If you must know. "
Mrs.Furrystine adjusted her coat and gave him a stern look.
"That better be the case! I'll inform your father."
Glad to finally be away from that retched school, I made my long journey home luckily to have some time to myself. As I entered the house My mom grabbed me by the hand and pulled me in for a big 'mommy' kiss. I tried to get away from her grip but was no use….. I was confined, yet again, to the horror of motherly love.
"How's my Jojo? Heard you got into a little bustle at school today… you feeling any better?" I gave her an annoyed look and muttered, "Yeah" as I rushed to the safety of my room. I was lucky. Being the only boy meant a room all to myself. At least it's better than sharing a room with 96 sisters. Just the thought made him quiver with fear. Pictures arose in his head. He didn't want to end up like last time flashback: Makeovers, lipstick, brushes, barrettes, skirts, high heels. ….. Ah, what a horrible summer that was. Just as he entered his flashback the door bell rang and he was pulled away from his trance.
His dad was the first one to rush to the door. He could hear only faint talking and the dorky laugh of his father here and there. He was just about to put his head phones on when he heard a knock on his bedroom door. He put his head phones on trying to avoid any conversation with anyone who would enter. His dad swung the door open a huge grin on his face. He looked as happy as if he seen ice cream falling out of the sky.
"Heya, homie G! One of your little friends dropped by to study for some test your having."
He guided the little Who into the opening of the doorway and started his way back to his office. She just stood there as if she was embarrassed that she even came. She started walking into my room.
"Usually I uh, take invitations lightly…but in this case I thought I needed someone to talk to. "
I gave a weird look and said, "Yeah… What about?"
She walked into my room and sat on the little stool next to the window.
"I wanted to thank you properly. I've never had anyone help me with my problems."
I had to interfere: " wait wait wait. Hold up! I didn't even catch you name!"
"Mi-mi. I'm Mi-mi. Your Jojo right?"
I gave her a puzzled look, "Yeah that's me… I'm kind of… interested that you even came to me for help. I mean I may be a good student, but I'm not the best teacher!"
She giggled, "I came because I had some questions, and you being one of the best students at school, I was thinking you could.. ya know tutor me?
"I would be more than happy to! What in? Math, language arts, whostery?"
She gave an uncomfortable look and started blushing…looking rather teary eyed.
"I knew I shouldn't have came… I bet your going to laugh at me."
"I reassure you I'm not going to laugh."
She took a deep breath and looked me square in the eyes.
"I can't read and I most defiantly can't write."
I was stunned. "How can this be? Every Who can read, write and spell! Even the youngest of Whos!" I giggled not realizing the tears forming in Mi-mi's eyes.
She stood there. She shot the most sad look on her face I'd ever seen in my life.
"you promised," She whispered. She threw her notebook on the floor and ran out of my room and went sprinting down the corridors tears streaming down her face.
I stood there amazed at what I just done. The poor girl was new to this country and I just had made fun of her. My only friend I ever made. Gone.
The next morning.
The weekend had finally arrived and I was sadder then ever. I stared at the crumpled up notebook and managed to pick myself up out of bed. Picking up the damp notebook, covered in Mi-mi's tears, I placed in into the trash and walked to the spare closet. Having 96 sister It was rare no not have spare school supplies readily available. So I grabbed a purple notebook off the shelf, got a pencil box and filled it with some supplies.
Right as I opened the door, ol' dad comes trotting by.
"Had a rough time yesterday huh?"
I nodded and opened the door.
"what're you doing with the notebook?"
I hurried out the door not responding to my dad's question and closed the door behind me.
As I neared the bakery I got butterflies in my stomach. I never really dealt with girls and didn't know quite what to say. I pushed open the door as it made a jingle. I rather large Who sat at the front counter. He was quite a dark looking dude. He gave me a grunt and with his deep raspy voice he said "Can I help you?"
"I'm uh, looking for Mi-mi. would you happen know where she is.?"
Right on cue he came out from behind the door carrying a mop and bucket. Noticing me standing there she halted where she was and turned away not facing me.
"My daughter will have NO contact with anyone right now! Come back some other time!"
"But I came to tutor your daughter!"
A look of hope spread across her face almost as fast as that grin appeared.
"No! My daughter needs no tutoring! Why would anyone bother to try to teach my ignorant daughter!! No use! In Whoindia Females need no teaching! Hahahaha! Silly boy! You waste your time here! Be like a bee and buzz off! I wi…" Mi-mi cut him off " But babu I want to be taught how to read and write!"
"How dare you disrespect my authority! You will learn math, and math only! If I hear another word of this 'Who washing'!" He stuck up a meaty finger and pointed it towards his daughter and looked her in the eyes.
"I want to be a learned girl!!"
Her father wouldn't hear another word of it and struck his daughter across the face and kicked her in the knee cap.
I ran out the doors only to look back at the swinging doors.
For the next two says I stayed in my room. Avoiding everyone.
The next morning, Monday, I quickly got ready for school and rushed out the door. When I walked past the bakery I attempted to get past unnoticed. As I entered the front gate to Whoville high, I saw Mi-mi. She looked tired and sad. Sort of like a lost puppy. Her knee was bandaged and her face had a bruise. I approached her with caution trying not to make her cry. She gave a crooked smile and waved and me.
"Hey. Are you going to be alright?"
She looked toward him her eyes depressed. "I'll be fine. It's just. Uh. Can I come over to your house today? I'm afraid."
"What're you afraid of?"
"My father."
I wasn't surprised she was afraid of him. He should be arrested for hurting his daughter. The only person I could talk to this about was my dad. I knew that since he was the mayor he would know exactly what to do with and abusive father. I looked at her and said "Sure. Come over to my house right when you get out of school. I know you have like math club or something so come when it ends. Try to avoid walking past your shop okay?"
With a smile she walked away waving and promised to meet me at my house after school.
When I got home later that evening I waited for my dad to get home. My dad is quite the character. Lots of people think I hate my dad. Well that's not the case. I feel like I won't ever be what he wants me to be so I just try not to talk to him as much. Even though I understand that he already knows I don't want to be mayor. I actually wanted to be an inventor or a musician. For some reason I just thought I was a big disappointment.
Just as I started rethinking this talk with my dad the door creaked open and in came the big lump with a grin on his face. Even I couldn't help but give a little smirk. He set his briefcase into the main closet and ruffled the hair on my head.
"Hey! What's up Jojo!! How's my home dawg!" I rolled my eyes at my dad, ignoring his "trying to be cool".
"Hey dad can we talk?"
He looked a little surprised.
"You want to actually talk about something?
"In private" I grabbed his hand and pulled his hand leading him into the 'den'. My dad was biting his lip trying to hold back tears.
"He's actually going to talk to me! Isn't this a surprise!?" Mr. Drama queen was acting like he just won an Emmy! Maybe he was having another break down.
I finally got me and him alone and I began to spill.
"I met this girl and I was going to tutor her okay? But when she came over I kind of hurt her feelings and she ran off. So the next day I went to her parents shop trying to see if I could attempt this again more politely. Turned out I was being a jerk because she wasn't even from this country. When I got to the shop her dad refused to let me teach her and he got mad at her because she was interfering. He got really mad and slapped her. Not only did that happen, but I seriously think she needs medical attention for her knee. There abusing her… and I don't know what to do." I looked away trying to hide the tears forming in my eyes.
My dad took a deep breath and rubbed his head. He intertwined his fingers and kept a worried look spread across his face.
"There's only one way we can settle this. Calling the SW."
I was afraid he was going to say that. What have I gotten her into this time?
I kept thinking of all the negative aspects of the consequences. I couldn't stand the thought of her in an orphanage, or living on the streets.
"Where is she going to go? She won't have a home!"
"Don't worry she can stay with us." I could tell my dad was being serious because of the tone of his voice. My dad walked over to the phone and dialed a special friend he knew. I couldn't really make out the conversation because he advised me to say outside. I heard a click and my dad walked out of his office. He got down on his knees (me being rather short for my age) and explained to me.
"I just called a friend of mine. He's a social worker and… He's going to take your friend away from the abuse. He'll be over in a few minutes to ask you some questions."
"But she's coming over soon!"
The mayor stood straight and rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well I guess I'll have to keep her busy and you two can privately talk." I looked down at my furry feet and gulped down my fear. I was worried she'd be mad that I told my dad. And if she was she won't want to talk to me anymore. I heard a knock on the door and hoped that it wasn't Mi-mi. My dad swung the door open putting on a fake smile. In walked a rather tall Who. He wore a black coat and had a long scarf. He whispered to my dad and took me somewhere where I could talk to him in peace.
"So could you tell me the name of the girl? First and last please?"
"Mi-mi Rajj." He scribbled the name into his notebook and opened his mouth but closed it again. "Mind telling me the how her father hurts her?"
I didn't want to respond so I just ignored him hoping he wouldn't ask me again.
"If you want to help Mi-mi then I suggest you tell me lad!" He took his spectacles and adjusted them on his face.
"Name calling hitting. She has an injured knee because of him." I finished what explaining and turned away from him.
"I don't want to say anymore please. It's hard enough as it is. I won't be able to even look at her today when she comes over."
The man understood where I was coming from.
"You're going to have to tell her tonight. If you don't I'm going to have to. She needs to be taken away from her father before it gets even more out of hand."
I nodded and slid off the stool, put my hands in my pockets and bounced my yo-yo. I heard the ding of the doorbell and I heard my dad hurry to answer it.
There standing outside was Mi-mi. I could tell it was her by the small shadow she cast.
My dad led her into the home and told her I was waiting for her upstairs.
I heard a knock on my door and with a feeling of sadness I opened the door. She had a huge smile on her face as she handed me a piece of paper.
"I aced it!" I have her a smile and a thumbs up. I sat on my bed and huffed.
"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"
"Nah, I just have something I need to tell you.."
"You don't want to be friends anymore? I understand."
"No. It's not that. I think you won't want to be friends with me after"
She looked confused. Her bright green eyes had the feeling of weights on my face.
"What did you do? I don't understand."
I looked at her and regretting what I was about to say I told her everything.
" I told my dad about your dad and he called a social worker and then we talked and he was all like "We need to take her away from him or else it would get out of hand." All the word came spilling out of me at once and I couldn't hold onto them.
It went silent as she soaked up all of what I said.
"You helped me! I thought no one cared!! Do you have any idea how much I wanted to get away from him! I thank you for being such a good friend!" I was stunned. I managed to blurt out, "My dad offered to let you live with us." She got all excited and grabbed my arm and ran down stairs. She found my dad and gave him a huge hug.
"Thank you! You have no idea how much you have helped me!" My dad picked her up and Hugged the little who. I admired my dad. He showed a lot of care and love. My dad moved her to his right side and with his lest arm he grabbed me and hugged me too. It was late and my mom and sisters were finally home after coming home from grocery shopping. My mom opened the door and looked up at the tall man hugging two little munchkins in each arm.
"Wow. Having a little family time?" The mayor nodded
"Honey can I talk to you alone?" He placed down the two little Whos and talked to my mom in private. I was assuming he was telling we would have a new family member.
He and my mom came out of his office and my mom was as perked up as a peacock! She introduced herself to the little girl and said she was happy she would be staying with us. We had a couple of spare rooms, but my parents didn't want any of the girls using them because there would be too much fighting. I grabbed a spare blanket and pillow and unlocked one of the spare rooms.
A few days later.
"This will be your room. Oh, my dad wanted to know if you wanted to go to the Whoseam? Maybe go out for ice cream?" Her face lit up with a smile and she nodded her head trying to contain her excitement. She giggled like a little girl and blushed. "Here" I handed her a pink backpack. In it was a water bottle a camera and a jacket.
"Wow thanks! You packed for me?" I nodded and met up with my dad.
"You two ready!? Make sure you have everything! Where going to be gone for a few hours."
We went outside and walked on.
As we entered the Whoseam we could already see the pictures and the Bezzle wax dummies. Mi-mi started taking pictures of: whogyptians, whogus khan, dwoodie birds, long necked slouch, and many others. We walked on for what seemed like hours. I was so happy to be at the inventions section! I saw the doodles and gidgets and gadgets! The swings and swoodles! I was amazed! I stared at the gizmos and tried to memorize all the different styles. All I could see out of the corner of my eyes where flash, flash, flash. Mi-mi apparently liked taking photos!
We left in mid afternoon. We started our journey home when dad informed me that we were going to get our pictures developed. I of course didn't take any. But on the other hand I knew Mi-mi had taken some though. As we watched the photos being developed my dad made small talk with the developer. I saw Mi-mi looking around just minding her own business.
"Photos done!" My dad called out and handed little Mi-mi the envelope. She opened the white covering and looked at her photographs.
"Oh my, you're a talented photographer! Look at these dad! There amazing!!" I handed a picture of a snootch and he gasped at how well she captured it.
"Wow! These are amazing! I do say you got a knack for photos!! This might be one of your career choices!!" She smiled.
"You are a beast of a photographer!" My dad put his hand on her shoulder and told her, " Would you like to photograph our city council? The shoot is coming up soon and I could just resign our photographer and have you do it!" She gave him a questioning look and said,
"Are you serious? Me take the photo?" The mayor shook his head waiting in anticipation for her to answer. She shrugged. "I guess! If you want me too!" The mayor closed his eyes and gave a great big smile. Mi-mi couldn't wait to be the photographer for the mayor. She kept on following Jojo around taking digital pictures and looking at the on a whomputer. Jojo didn't like people taking photos of him. Especially when they made him look at them and comment on how cute they are.
The next week it came around to being time for the photograph of the council. Mi-mi had been practicing and practicing taking the perfect photo by forcing Jojo to pose for her. Jojo was starting to get mad at Mi-mi's taking advantage of him. He kept getting the anger inside of him built up until one day he lashed out.
"Hey Jojo do you think I could try one more picture? I just want to get my angle just ri…"
"No! I'm sick and tired of being your little puppet! Get somebody else to practice with! Get your own life!!" My eyes were closed and my fists were clenched. She backed away from me slowly and tried to run out the door. She cowered down as she ran out the door. I managed to grab her arm just as she turned.
"Mi-mi I didn't mean it! I'm Soooooo sorry!" He hugged her close.
She pushed me away and I wouldn't let her go.
"Let me go!" She kicked me in the shin and ran away
"I just wanted to apologize! Please! I'm so sorry!" I ran to his bed and lay down and put my head in my hands. A few minutes later my dad came in and noticed me sobbing under my covers.
"Jojo? What did you do to Mi-mi?
"dflskjsdfdsd" I murmured.
"come on tell me."
"I yelled at her. Now she hates me. I didn't mean to. I think I scared her really bad."
"You need to come down stairs and get her out of the pantry. She won't come out"
I jumped out of the bed and ran downstairs. I made my way towards the pantry to afraid to open it knowing the hatred she felt towards me. I gently opened the door and crouched next to her. I grabbed her and hugged her tightly and rocked her back and forth.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you." Tears started streaming down my face and she pushed them away.
"It's okay I know you didn't mean it." I picked her up and helped her onto her feet. She kissed me on the cheek. I was a little shocked. The only people that kissed me were my dad, mom or Grammy! Just as she started to walk away I grabbed her hand and said,
"Hey what about that photo?" She smiled and grabbed her camera.
I stood there the way she positioned me and waited until I heard the 'clicking' stop.
The day came for the council photo and Mi-mi was more nervous than ever! This picture was going to be on the wall for as long as the mayor's alive! The mayor being in his early forties had a lot more life in him! The council got onto the platform and looked down at the tiny who.
"This is the one you hired to take the photo? She's a baby!" the mayor got angry. He knew it hurt her feelings
"Just shut up and get ready for the picture!" Everybody got on set and Mi-mi clicked her camera ten times, there are only ten frames in the type of camera she was given for the shoot. The mayor left the office early so he could take the camera in. an hour later he picked up the photos. He met up with the council and had a rather sad expression on his face. I could tell Mi-mi was nervous because she felt as if she messed up.
"We have a problem… not one of them is useable… that's because ALL of them are useable!!"
The mayor smiled and handed Mi-mi the photos.
"Here choose the one you want to frame on the wall!"
Mi-mi was proud to have satisfied Mr. O'Malley. Her first photo was on the wall at city hall! Jojo could tell she was happy. She had been giddy all day! Mi-mi kept practicing until she got better and better. Over time she had eventually gotten jobs that were professional. Jojo was proud of her. Although his specialty was inventing he sometimes got jealous of the attention she got. One day I saw her walking down the hallway and she was fiddling with some blueprints.
"What're you doing?" She looked up at him startled not seeing him while walking down the hallway.
"I drew this! I plan on having this built someday! That is when I get the money." Jojo just nodded and grabbed her hand.
"Hey wanna do something today?" A smile spread across her furry face and she nodded trying to contain her excitement. We eventually settled on a walk to Whoville's national park. They gazed at the dwaddle birds and watched the bunnies hop around. They were a perfect match. They were like peanut banutter and jelly! They sat under the trees and embraced each other. Jojo loved when she hugged him. He felt a deep love he had never felt before from a girl. He let it dwell as long as it lasted.
As they headed back home in the late afternoon they enjoyed each others company and held hands all the way home. When they arrived at the house Jojo held open the door for Mi-mi and she walked upstairs and went to bed. Jojo had remembered something and later when she was asleep he snuck into her room. He grabbed something out of her chest under her bed and crept out the door.
The next morning, Jojo did his typical 'Jojo' like things. He ate breakfast, drank his milk and walked upstairs. Mi-mi, mom and dad were sitting in the front room watching Saturday morning cartoons. Jojo walked in placed a box on Mi-mi's lap and sat on a stool next to her. Mi-mi was a little shocked and asked if it was for her. He motioned for her to open it. With a questioning look on her face she opened it. She was surprised. She pulled out her dream camera! She had drawn it, but she never thought it would ever actually get made! It had flash, digital translation, high definition focus, and five special lens caps for different effects.
Mi-mi examined her new prized possession and stared at it in awe.
"Oh my goodness! Jojo how did you get this??"
"I made it." She looked at him doubtingly. The mayor spoke up.
"He's a very good inventor! Hey Jojo! You should show Mi-mi your hang-out!"
Jojo stood up and he and Mi-mi left the house.
"Were is your hang-out?" Jojo smiled
"Oh you'll see!" they walked off toward the lookout tower.
We walked up the pathway toward the bucket. I picked up the little who and dropped her into the bucket. I grabbed hold of the rim and let the umbrella take us off. Mi-mi was laughing and letting the wind blow her ebony hair. We lifted to the sling shot as I held her close, and off we went not a boo or a boast! XD We soared to the top until it came to our stop. I stepped up to the stair and we made it all the way there.
I let her go ahead and she walked in her head not even touching the smaller door I had made. She looked inside and saw all the inventions I had made.
"Show me how it's done!" She said with a smile on her face. I ran up the stairs and pushed the machines and off they went blowing and of they went ringing. I soared across and swooped up little Mi-mi and I took her to the top where I had her pull the marble drop. The marbles were chiming and in the kite we start climbing! We jumped off and landed onto the platform.
"How do you get things back to were they were?"
"Eh, a little elbow grease!" I jumped onto a kite and stopped the bells from ringing and stopped the blower so it would stop blowing. I grabbed the net by both sides and I put back the marbles.
"I have a big imagination so I work with what I've got I just fiddle around until I get it to work. I create an idea and use old things around the house. " Mi-mi Hugged around my waist.
"I've had SOO much fun! You're a mighty fine inventor! I hope you keep it up." As we walked home I hummed a little tune. I jumped onto the porch and opened the door
"M'lady" She giggled and walked into the house.
"Heya Jojo! Did ya show her your super rad hide-out! I thought it was pretty neat! What did you think Mi-mi" She skipped over to me and kissed me on the cheek and walked upstairs. I just giggled awkwardly and ran off to my room. I pulled out my CD player and put it to my favorite song. Mi-mi walked into my room unnoticed. She pulled an earplug from my ear and put it in hers. She laid right next to me and curled up and fell asleep. I rolled over and grabbed her into my arms and cradled her. I kissed her on the forehead and went to sleep.
The very next morning when I woke up, Mi-mi was gone. I don't know were she could've gone. I went downstairs and I saw Mi-mi flashing away with her camera. I made it digital so she could choose what pictures she wanted and which ones she wanted to get rid of. I stood there watching her. She noticed me out of the corner of her eyes. I slid from behind the door and grabbed her hand and we walked downstairs.
My dad was happier than normal. He stood up and straightened his tie.
"Hey Jojo! Today's take your kids to work day. Since I've already taken all of your sisters, I'm taking you and Mi-mi!" I could tell Mi-mi was happy but I guess my dad saw my upset face.
"Don't you want to go Jojo?" I looked at him and shook my head "no" and started walking back upstairs. As I got to the third step my dad grabbed me by the hand and forced me to go.
He usually walked to work so we got a little fresh air. I was mad because I didn't want to go so I kept away from my father. My dad put his hand on my shoulder.
"Your gunna have a great time!" Once we got to the last stop we met at the intersection. I didn't notice as I stepped off the curb… the last thing I remember was mi-mi and my dad yelling for me to stop. It was too late.
I woke up in a white room, my dad looking into my eyes. I could hear my mom crying in the hallway. My dad rubbed my face and kissed me on the cheek.
"It's okay son, daddy's here." He wrapped his arms around my shoulders and head and hugged me. I winced in my pain and I accidentally let out a scream. I grabbed my dad tighter and tighter as he swept away my tears and huddled closer to me.
"It's okay. It's okay. I'm here. Don't cry, I wont let anything happen too you." My dad had tears coming down his face… until everything went black.
I was dreaming. Was I dead? I felt a sharp pain in my arm. I open my eyes to see clearly. A nurse was taking a needle from my arm.
"What. . . happened?" I looked dazed.
"Sweetie, you had a blood transfusion. Your dad saved your life. You have some of the hardest blood to find. Luckily your dad had the same!" I could see my dad sleeping in the corner of the room. The nurse walked out. I smiled at my dad. He had drool coming down his face. He snored really loud that it suddenly woke him up. He was shocked and came running over to me.
"Your okay! They said you only had a 10 chance of living!" He was crying so hard and hugging me. I looked up at him and told him that I was fine.
"Your mom wouldn't even come in. She was so sad. Wait until she hears that your alright!" He went outside and got my mom. She came in kind of slow and sat by me and laid her head on my chest.
"I'm so glad your okay." She managed to say with tears flowing from her face like faucets.
My parents left so I could have some time alone. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Mi-mi. Her face was red and her eyes were watery. She walked in cautiously and wrapped her hands around my neck.
Mi-mi was terrified. I could see the sadness in her eyes. I knew how she must've felt… her best companion, someone she cared about a lot, would be gone. Now that she knew I was okay, she seemed just a little less unsteady. I wrapped my arms around her back and rubbed her soft silky black hair. I pulled her closer and kissed her. As we laid there in the hospital room I felt a sense of comfort shadow my body. We both fell asleep in each others arms.
When I woke up from the long peaceful nap, Mi-mi had left and my dad was sleeping in a chair by my bed.
"Hey. Dad. Wakeup!" He jumped a little. He brushed his hair from his forehead and rubbed the sleep from his face. He scooted his chair closer to my bed and kissed me on the forehead.
"I'm sorry Jojo." I was a little confused at why he had the feeling he needed to apologize to me.
"I shouldn't have made you do something you didn't want to." His voice started to choke up.
"Look what I did to you!" He put his head down on the hospital bed and started bawling.
"Dad this isn't your fault! You just wanted me to come. I was the stupid one who walked off the curb, let me mention I was even looking! You didn't mean for this to happen." My dad kept his head down and kept repeating "sorry" over and over again. I gently placed my hand onto his shoulder and played with his hair. His hair had gotten all messed up being in the hospital for so long.
"I can fix that." I fixed his Mohawk like do and laid back a little to admire my work. I couldn't help but bust out laughing. I had made him look like a lemur! I had fun when I got to spend some time with my father. He messed up the hair on my head.
My dad helped me get out of bed and I used the hospital shower and lay back down. My hair was a little puffier than normal because I usually straightened it a little. I had my father's hair. If he didn't comb it he would look like a scared cat.
Later that day I was released from the hospital with a broken leg, a messed up hip, bruises here and there and my head was a little banged up. I was glad to be away from the horrific white prison. When we got home my dad picked me up and took me inside and placed me onto the cushion of the couch.
"Want an omelet and some apple juice kiddo?" I shook my head and he went of into the culinary haven. My dad loved to cook but not as much as he loved catering. I flipped through the channels and finally gave up my search and shut off the television. Mi-mi glanced at me. I covered my face with a pillow and peeked out from the side. When she saw me I quickly hid behind the fluffy comfort. This game went on for about three minutes. Every time I poked my head out she would flutter her eyelashes and giggle. I playfully threw the pillow at her and fell off the couch laughing.
"HAHAHAHA! I'm gunna get you now!" and she playfully pretended to hit me being careful not to hurt me. A few minutes later my dad came in and handed me and Mi-mi our brunch. Mi-mi and I were famished so we chowed down the entire omelet. We didn't even leave behind the smallest string of cheese! I gulped down every last drop of my apple juice . I looked over at Mi-mi who was sound asleep. Just looking at her I felt sleepy. I dozed off and was caught up in all my thoughts. I drifted off and fell asleep. My dad came and grabbed both of our plates and kissed both of us on the forehead.
When I awoke the very next morning, I woke up to a beautiful sight. Mi-mi's Emerald eyes where staring in my face.
"Mornin' " She smiled big and jumped off the couch. As she walked away I grabbed hold of one of her hands and kissed her little furry paw. She giggled and sat down. She rubbed my head along with pinching my nose.
"Your nose is so cute!" When ever she got close to me I could smell her perfume. It smelt of rosemary and lavender. I adored the way she smiled. In fact, I couldn't stand to not be with her. She was the flame that lit the passion within my heart. She had to leave to go to school. I could tell she was upset she had to leave.
"Hey, Mi-mi. When you get back… I want to help you with literature. I want to teach you English. You deserve to be taught." She ran over to me and hugged me. Mi-mi waved good-bye and the last thing I saw of her for the rest of the evening, was the small shadow exiting the door.
My dad came in to the front room. I was a little shocked because he was supposed to be at work.
"Dad why are you home?" He smiled and came and sat at the foot of the couch.
"I couldn't leave my little man here all alone! I wanted to stay and talk… gets to know each other" I was actually excited to get this time with my father. I felt that him and I were getting closer and closer every week.
"So! To start things off, I can see you have a little something something with Mi-mi. I always see you two together holding hands and what not." I looked up at him from under my bangs and was getting embarrassed. My dad scooted back into the seat and noticed my pale face turning red.
"Sorry to put you in the spot like that. I didn't mean too." I looked up at him.
" I really like Mi-mi. I think she likes me to. At least I hope she does." My dad leant forward.
"Wow. I didn't think you liked her that much. You need to tell her that you love her. Don't let your mind take over what you feel in your heart." I smiled at my dad as he walked into the kitchen.
Later that day when I saw Mi-mi come home I was nervous to tell her my feelings. Mi-mi walked into the room, notebook in hand.
"Hey mister scholar you ready?" I nodded my head and she sat on the couch as started teaching her the basic alphabet. When I had her write some key words I stared at how unaware she was of how her tongue stuck out when she was focused on something. I smiled.
Just as she was finishing her last word, I build up the courage I needed.
"I love you." She stopped in mid of her writing and looked into my eyes, which were covered by my charcoal hair. She hugged me being careful not to hurt me. The way she rubbed my back gave me the sense of comfort. I kissed her and pulled her towards me. I wanted to make sure I let her know I loved her. We kissed for what seemed like hours. I made steady to know my parents wouldn't come in when we were canoodling.
"Will you be my love?" She wrinkled her nose and gave a sweet little smile.
"Of course! I love you so much!" I was happy to finally have someone to love.
I woke up to the sun light blazing in my eyes. I was feeling worse than usual. When my dad came into the front room He looked at me and could tell I wasn't feeling well.
"Jojo, you okay?" He put his hand on my head searching for a fever. He got a worried look on his face and went rummaging in the bathroom cupboard. He walked out a few minutes later and stuck a thermometer in my mouth. "Beep. Beep."
"102.3 that's not good." His forehead wrinkled. He got an ice pack out of the freezer and placed it gently on my head.
"Man, I've been a hassle this week. I kept you from work for maybe a week and a half already and now I'm taking up your weekend!" My dad sat next to me on a stool.
"I'd do anything for my son! You can't help that you're sick! I'm gunna take care of you until you get better! No matter what!" He got up and called the doctor to make a house visit.
Just as I started to fall asleep the door bell rang. I didn't bother keeping my eyes open. For the past 9 or so hours I was knocked out. My dad had done everything in his efforts to help me get better. When I had finally gained consciousness, My dad was staring at me.
"Aww, Jojo you're finally awake. The doctor said you got some type of virus from when my blood was given too you. I didn't get sick because my body is bigger than yours. I feel terrible. I wish the doctor would've known before the transfusion, then my little boy wouldn't have gotten sick." He rubbed my cheek and sat back into his chair.
"Dad do you think I'm too small?" He looked a little confused.
"What do you mean?" I looked at him from under the icepack.
" Do you still love me even if I'm only like 4' something? My dad smiled and put his hand on my shoulder.
"I love you no matter what! Small or tall! Why would you ask me that?"
"Well I thought you'd be disappointed at the fact that I might be short for the rest of my life. " He shook his head no and took a fist full of my hair and pushed it behind my ears.
"There! Now I can see my handsome son. Just like your father!" He moved his brow up and down and smirked.
The next few weeks I got better and better. I started walking more and I was finally out of my cast. That morning I was a little frustrated because one of my invention didn't go as well as I planned last night. When my dad came in he looked a little mad too. I guess Mrs. Whelp had given him the business. When my dad came and gave me my plate I just pushed it away not touching a single piece of my waffles. My dad was a little upset because he puts love in everything he makes.
"Come on Jojo! You didn't even eat anything on your plate! Now sit down and eat!" He had this look on his face that you didn't want to mess with. But me, being me, I didn't listen.
"No! leave me alone! When I say I don't want something, I don't want it! Why don't you ever just leave me the hell alone!" My dad got furious. Just as I was to walk away, he grabbed me by the scruff and turned me around. In that attempt I lost my balance and fell to the floor. The whole room went quiet. I was scared. I never felt this way. My whole world just froze. My eyes starting watering and my pulse was pounding making my face red. It became hard to breath. I started crying. I hid my face in my furry arms. My dad crouched by me but I pushed him away. I tried to run out the door but my vision was blurred with my tears. I managed to get through the doors. In doing so I ran down the hallway and jumped out the window and ran to the observatory. I hid myself away. I was glad Mi-mi didn't see that. she had an early morning math club meeting. I lost myself in the chiming of the marbles that were flying by. I heard a little squeak and I knew someone followed me to the observatory.
"Jojo? Jojo!! Please come out! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you! Please If I hurt you I didn't mean it!" I could tell he was worried were I was but I kept myself hidden. I heard his foot steps grow closer and closer. I was afraid that if he found me, he would be mad. He tripped over a whoba and fell flat on his face.
He saw me hidden under the table. I let out a nervous breath. I backed away further under the table. In doing so I knocked over a bunch of stuff.
"Jojo. Its okay I'm not going to hurt you. Please I'm sorry." He put his hand out.
"No! Stay away from me please!" He got closer and closer. I started crying trying to escape. It felt like those old movies how you kept tripping but no matter what you did the monster kept coming towards you. My dad grabbed me and tried to keep me in his arms.
"AHHHH!! NOO! LET ME GO!" I kicked and I pushed but my dad was much stronger than I was.
"Son, its okay I promise I'm not going to hurt you." I laid on his chest crying my eyes out. I had never been this scared and confused.
"I'm so deeply sorry. I would never mean to hurt you. I never thought it would come to the day I actually would… I'm so sorry." I could tell he was sorry, but I was still afraid of him. Just the look on his face when he grabbed me was stuck in my mind.
"I hate you." I saw the look on my dad's face as I ran away to get as far as I could. I tried throwing things at him but they all missed. I aimed a tuba at him and when I threw it, it hit him really hard. My dad fell flat. He stopped chasing me. He went and sat in a corner and hid his face in his shirt. I stopped running. I never seen my dad so upset, so sad. I walked slowly towards my father.
"I… I'm a terrible father. " I bent down and wrapped my arms around his shoulders.
"I'm a poor father." I looked up at him.
"Dad?" I collapsed onto his knees and I hugged him. He draped his arms around me. When he put him hand behind my neck, I made a painful face.
"What's the matter?" my dad pushed my hair away from my neck and saw that he had given me a red mark. He put his hand on my head and pulled it towards his chest. I snuggled closer to my dad, being as it was getting close to bedtime and it was nippy outside. My dad rocked me back and forth until I fell asleep.
When I woke up, my dad was still awake. His eyes had sorrow in them and I could tell he had been crying. I curled nearer to my father. He held me in his arms tightly and kissed the crown of my head. This was a little awkward for me because I was almost 14. But, I didn't let my dignity take over me. I loved my dad and he was a great father. I put the whole thing behind me so I could make room for better things to come.
"Jojo? We need to go home kiddo." I shook my head.
"No! I want to stay here with you for a while longer!" my dad was surprised.
"With me?" I nodded and rested my head against his chest.
"Oh, and dad… I don't hate you." He smiled and hugged me closer.
"Hey, Jojo. I remember when the doctor first placed you in my arms. You were so small. I vowed that from that day on I would protect you no matter what. You were also such a joy to raise… and you still are. You were so little I could hold you tucked in my arms like a football. I was a proud father… such strong little hands you had!" I looked up at my dad and gave him a smirk.
"And also I used to make little hand shadows on the wall and you were so happy! You couldn't figure how I got them on the wall laugh once when I said I took your nose you tugged on your mothers dress and told on me! You said that I took your nose and I wouldn't give it back. Your face was priceless!" I loved listening to my baby stories. I watched my dad act out my entire life within the past 30 minutes.
"Man where you a chatter box! Your mom and I couldn't get you to be quiet! Now it just seems like we try so hard to get you to come out.
"I'm so afraid I'll disappoint you guys. I know how much you wanted me to be mayor. And to carry on tradition I guess I'll have to, but I want to be an inventor or a singer also!"
My dad looked at me funny.
"A singer?" I nodded.
"I like singing. I'm really good at school." My dad hugged me.
"I'm so proud of you. A great inventor, a great singer, a great son. I could never ask for a better son. Do you know why?" I shook my head.
"because I already have him right here! How come you don't like talking to me that much? I'm not busy all the time." I shrugged.
"I guess I like listening more than talking. Tell me some more baby stories!" He nodded.
"When you where a baby, you used to run around in the nude yelling 'YOPP YOPP YOPP' until we found you asleep in the sink, ice cream all over your face." I couldn't stop laughing
"HAAAAAAA AAAAAHHH HAAAAA! I didn't know I did that!!" My dad was tearing up he was laughing so hard. I squeezed my dad and he kissed my on the head.
"you were always such a love bug!" I looked up at my father.
"you always have been a kind and loving person. Like the way you took Mi-mi in with out any questions." My dad gave a heroic look.
"It's all in the day's job! Kissing babies, cutting ribbons. Nah I'm just kidding." He pinched my cheek and kissed me on the nose.
"How're you and Mi-mi doing" I looked up at him with a huge grin on my face.
"You mean my girlfriend??" My dad smiled big and gave me a little high-five.
"I kissed her. She likes me a lot!"
"Good job son." I hugged me and slung me over his shoulder. We left the observatory and headed home. He had some Splanin' to do!
My dad explained what happened, and once everything was settled back down in the house, I became a little more and more attached to Mi-mi. I helped her with English and she helped with my song I was going to do for graduation. My parents where unaware of me being in chorus. I went to a singing club every recess and practiced. We were informed we would be performing in front of the whole school. I couldn't let them down so I just practiced and practiced. I had a solo part. Not only did I have a solo part, but no one else did! Time was going by so fast and next week was graduation.
The day came to my big time! I was extremely nervous. I got dressed in a nice tux and was ready for what the day had to bring. Once we got at school, all the announcements of what was accomplished in the school year were being enlightened. My dad gave an announcement. The clock seemed to be going so fast. Once I saw the chorus group stand up, I got butterflies in my stomach. I stood up.
"Jojo were are you going?" my dad asked me. I ignored him and kept walking.
We sang our opening song as I look at my dad. He was shocked. He didn't think I would have it in my to be able to join a group like the chorus club.
My time came. My solo had arrived. I stepped up to the mike and within a matter of minutes, all the torture was over. I was done. My song came out perfectly. I smiled as claps filled the room and everyone stood up. A standing ovation… I never thought the day would come. My dreams had all come through.
Maybe when you wish upon a star your dreams do come true.
I was happy to have that weight lifted of my chest. Now my parents knew I was a great singer. I was now 14. I arranged a time were me and Mi-mi could go out for lunch or dinner. I made reservations at a place my dad had special connections. My dad's sister was a culinary chef and worked at a restaurant called O'Malley's. Mi-mi had on a peach pink sari on that complimented her skin tone perfectly. She had lovely golden bangles on and when she walked down the stairs, she jingled. I had learnt a lot about her culture and had been interested in learning more. When she was done putting in her hoop earrings, she got out a little jewel from her jewelry box.
"The man puts this on the female's forehead. Put it on your finger like this and put it on my ajna chakra. "I followed her instructions trying not to make a fool of myself. When we left, I made sure her sari wasn't touching the ground. All of her sari's she had adjusted to her height.
We walked along the cities pond. The moon reflected off the water and made Mi-mi's face light up. Mi-mi's ethnicity was Whoindian and she had just started getting used to English.
"What is that called?" I said pointing to her bracelet.
"There traditional bracelets called bangles. They originated in whongladesh." I gazed down at them using the reflection of the moon as light.
"I love hearing about your culture! It's so different from us in Whoville! Whoville is not that diverse. I hope there are more people of different races who come and spice up whoville." We kept walking hand in hand until we reached the restaurant.
"We can go out for dessert at this Indian restaurant I know of after dinner."
We were seated at our own private little table and a gave her a kiss on the cheek. Not long after we were given our menus and I gave it a curious look over. I had finished looking over the menu and had chosen what I would like to order. I looked over at Mi-mi. She was mouthing the words trying to figure out what they were.
"You need help? You know you can ask for me to tell you what something is!?" She looked a little embarrassed.
"What's soowwup?" I looked at where she was pointing at and responded.
"Oh it's soup! its vegetables and meat cooked in a chicken or beef broth…" I pointed to the next item, "This is lasagna. It's an Italian dish that's layers of flat noodles with a tomato and meat sauce." She looked up at me.
"That one! It sounds great!!" I smiled and leant back into the cushion of the booth. I put my arms behind my head and tried the whole 'stretch and put your arm behind her shoulder thing' and it actually worked! She scooted closer. The waiter took out orders and went off behind the swinging doors.
"I can smell curry! I guess after working for my father I got a good sense of smell." I smiled.
"That's a good thing!" The waiter came and served us our meals. I had ordered two chicken tacos. Mi-mi was amazed! She had never seen lasagna before!
"Wow! This looks great!" She was about to stick her fork in but stopped.
"Something wrong?" She shook her head
"Is there a certain way to eat it? I don't want to upset their culture."
"Nah, You just dig in!" She nodded her head in content and started eating away. We were about half way into dinner when the waiter came over.
"Sorry! We just got the soda fountains working! Ma'am your water and sir your coke." The waiter smiled and walked off. She looked a little confused
"What's cooke? I smiled
"Coke? It's … here try some!" She took a sip and scrunched her face.
"Ahh! It burns!! Is it supposed to do that?!" I laughed at the face she made.
"Yeah it's carbonated." She nodded pretending to understand what I was saying. She took a piece of her lasagna and put it on her fork and put it in front of my face. I moved back a little and I took my taco on hand and we intertwined our arms and took a bite of each others dish. Mi-mi got sour cream all over her mouth and started laughing. I took a napkin and wiped her mouth.
"There! All clean" I lied. She still had some on her nose. When she took her compact out she saw she still had some on her muzzle. I kissed her nose and it rubbed off. She giggled. When we were finished We walked out of the restaurant and a lead her to the Wabasha's restaurant of Whoindian cuisine. When we got there Mi-mi felt at home. I saw all the whoddha statues and the gold painted trimming. We were seated on these pillows. Mi-mi sat down right away. I was a little hesitant. I wasn't wearing good clothes to be sitting on the floor. I sat down slowly and gently. Mi-mi read the menu without a problem. The words where written in Whoindian but underneath they where written in English symbols. I was stressing. I didn't want to look like a fool. She pushed down the menu, in which I was hiding my face behind, and said,
"I recommend the mangladala, Mango ice-cream." I nodded my head. When the waitress came she and Mi-mi were talking as she pointed to the menu a couple of times. I would guess they were talking about me because the lady pointed to me and giggled. When the waitress left, I had to ask her something.
"What were you two saying about me?" She put her mirror down and looked at me questioningly.
"Oh she asked if you were my date. I told her that you took me out to dinner. And she told me how romantic that was." She closed her eyes and smiled. The waitress came and gave us this beautiful yellow scoop of ice cream with this red sauce dradled around it. We dug into our dessert. The sweetness was perfectly balanced with the tartness.
"Do you know what the red juice is?
"Strawberry!" I loved strawberries so I was in heaven eating the dessert.
I've never had a mango before so this was the first time. When I and Mi-mi were done, We left and made our journey home. When my dad saw the porch light go on, the door swung open. He had a huge grin across his face. He walked us in.
"My sister told me everything! The kiss the sour cream! Aww! My little man's growing up!" I was a little shocked! I didn't even see my aunt there! Was she spying on us?
"Why was she spying on Mi-mi and I?" My dad smiled.
"I don't know she just called me up when you left and told me how your date was." I rolled my eyes and took of my tie, slid off my jacket and combed out my slickened down hair to its natural flowyness. I had a wonderful night.
Mi-mi had been teaching me about her culture and I was teaching her about literature. She got better and better at English, and I got to know a lot more about her culture. Mi-mi left early that evening to go to a math club meeting, so I went into the kitchen to just hang out.
It was getting into the colder weather. I made myself some hot chocolate and stood, leaning on the counter. My dad walked in with a smile on his face.
"Hey Jojo! How are you?" I looked up from my cup and responded.
"Nothing." He could tell I was shivering and motioned for me to come over. I went over with a curious look on my face with my hot chocolate in hand. He took my hot chocolate, grabbed me under my under arms and lifted me onto his lap. He placed the cup back into my hands and kissed me on the forehead. My dad took of his coat and placed it on my shoulders. He cradled me in his arms as I sipped away at my auburn beverage. I ended up falling asleep, all snuggled up and warm. I almost dropped my empty cup on the floor but my dad caught it. He tucked me in on both sides trying his best to keep me warm. He slowly and carefully got up from his chair and we lay together on the sofa. I felt snug and cozy as I huddled closer to him.