I Stand Alone
Chapter II: Friend?
Disclaimer: You guys know the drill.


A couple of years had gone by, and Sydney grew up to be a very beautiful 10 year old. Her curly hair was as luminous as gold, matching her heart. She was very athletic, and, despite her unusual talent, is loved by almost all she knows.

While playing lightball with her PE class, a remarkable thing happened.

"George, you're out!" Coach Allb called out. "Great job, Syd!"

Sydney smiled, but that quicly turned into a frown when George came up to her. "Freak." he said. "Stupid."

Tears began to well up in Syd's eyes, as George continud with his teasing. "Dumb blonde girl, you still think your Dad's alive. He's not. He's dead. DEAD. D-e-a-d."

Coach was about to restrain George from doing something worse when a boy wearing a blue T-shirt stepped between Syd and the bully. He waved his left arm in a circular motion and dared George to come any closer. When he did, George was knocked down by some invisible force. By then, Coach Allb had gotten in control of the situation and was helping Geoge up and escorting him to the principal's office, scolding him with each step.

Syd's classmates the scattered, knowing that it was free time. The boy in blue was turning to leave when Syd pulled him back.

"Thank you." she said through her tears. "You didn't have to do that."

"But I did." he replied. "Now, please leave me alone." he told her, walking away.

Syd, annoyed, followed him. How dare he save my life and not expect me to thank him?!, she thought. Of couse, she couldn't say that out loud. She plastered a smile on her face. "I can't do that until I've thanked you properly, you know."

"Please don't. I don't need another reminder of what happened to my father."

"Your father? What are you talking about?"

"My father is in Heaven, just like yours."

"Oh." Syd whispered. "Oh. Well, I guess we have that much in common, don't we?" she asked sadly.

"That's where our smiliarities end." the boy replied.

"Wait!" Syd called, and the boy turned around. "At least let me know your name."

"Sky. Sky Tate-Collins."

"Collins? But that's Uncle Wes-"

"Yes. Your Uncle Wes, my father, is dead. He died only a few weeks ago." came Sky's slow reply.

"I'm sorry." Syd told him. She repeated it more times than anyone could count, crying and crying. "I'm sorry."

His pace slowed, allowing Syd to catch up with Sky. "Please understand, Sky. Stop trying to pull everyone else away from you."

"Is there a law that says I can't?" he asked bitterly. "Just leave me alone, Syd. This is none of your business."

"It is my business if one of my friends are going through things like this!" she cried. "Let me help you. I know exactly what you're going through, Sky. I'm going throught the same thing myself."

"Can you bring him back, then?" he shouted angrily. "Can you bring my father back to life, Sydney?!" When she didn't answer, he said, "I thought so." and walked away, leaving behind a caring and kind friend, tears in her eyes.

"No." she whispered, her answer too late. Only the wind heard her.


Thanks for the reviews on the first chapter, people! You guys rock!

Now how about reviewing the second chapter, please?