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Getting Away
Retreating from the chaos and noise society surrounded Tim with was what he liked doing best. He enjoyed hiding behind the paint splattered door, turning off the lights and sketching by moonlight. Later on in life he would realize how strange it was to boys and how romantic it was to the ladies. However, in his innocent mind he thought of this as a perfect way to relax. Until Wanda would find him.
The black haired ball of energy would nimbly slip through the crack underneath his door, bringing light and vibrant colours with her. Just when Tim thought he had a moment's rest to clear his head Wanda would appear, insisting he come outside and play in the new fallen snow or come to the beach with her. Tim would try to deny her the first few times, ignoring her chipper voice. Eventually though the African American boy would give in, letting himself be dragged wherever it was she desired to go.
Other days when Tim stood his ground, Wanda would stay inside with him, promising to be as quiet as she could (which wasn't as quiet as she thought). The boy would sketch away with jazz tunes playing in the background while the girl sat on his bed, watching him and commenting on the work when shown. Truth be told Tim enjoyed having someone around to view his new ideas.
Perhaps it was company they were both seeking that kept them as close as they were. What else could it have been that drove the rambunctious child to the bedroom door of the silent artist? Even at such a young age as nine Tim knew he was a strange child. So long as he had Wanda to meet him in his hide out, he didn't mind the thought of being different.
There was once a chance…
Reflecting on the past was something Phoebe knew she shouldn't do. It only caused her to regret her mistakes and otherwise idiotic ideas she came up with in her youth. The shy brunette couldn't imagine what her friends must have thought of her, let alone Arnold. But there was something no matter how hard she tried to overlook she could not. There was a chance she never took and on Phoebe's low days she couldn't shake the memory.
It was her first dance in her life and she remembered being incredibly nervous. Her mother had curled her hair and static guarded her dress, lastly polishing her shoes. With all this attention she desperately wanted to do her mother proud. "Now don't forget, smile and make lots of friends!" Phoebe was told before being shoved into the gymnasium.
Phoebe was terrified at first. The pastel coloured balloons and blaring music was enough to make the seventh grader run as far and fast as she could. The girl held her ground however and tiptoed around the older girls and boys. She hadn't spotted anyone she knew yet but was hoping there would be someone.
Suddenly her chocolate irises landed on Arnold's bright red hair. Soon she was by his side and they were chatting up a storm. The young seventh graders moved to a nearby bench and were watching the others dance. While they watched Phoebe had the urge to dance with Arnold. The friends had always been close and she couldn't think of anyone else she would want to have her first dance with. Sadly, just as she was about to ask the question, Wanda walked over. Her neon green dress stood out in the dark lighting, nearly blinding Phoebe's eyes.
"Hey Arnold, wanna dance?" She asked with a grin. Arnold glanced at the plainly dressed girl, a look of hesitation briefly passing over his face before he stood, adjusting his bright pink tie. Before she knew it the two were gone, leaving Phoebe with a dejected expression on her face.
That memory would forever play over in her mind, making her regret her timid nature again and again.