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Chapter 3

Guilt. Ian can't get rid of the guilt after yelling at Wanda like that. He had seen the hurt in her eyes. But, how can he explain to her that he was just like her before he came to this school, that he was bullied by everyone in his class, that he didn't had friends. He doesn't want to be the same nerdy timid boy anymore. He wanted to make friends in this school. His new friends had warned him not to speak with her. But Wanda is just very sweet and kind. She didn't disturb him after that day in chemistry lab and she avoided him completely. Ian didn't know what to do. He has never been like this. He could not seem to get her out of his mind.

Today the school has arranged a science excursion to a Planetarium. The students are taken there through a bus. Ian watched Wanda all the way. She seems to be somewhat happy. But the sadness in her eyes remains the same.

They were shown the virtual tour of the night sky and a special program on Saturn's wings. During lunch break Ian saw Wanda sitting alone in a bench far away from them. Her silver face was hidden behind her golden wavy hair. She is too small and fragile. He felt sorry for her. She doesn't deserve any of this. He knows that,right thing to do is not always easy. His mom used to say. He finally made up his mind to do the right thing.

He approached Wanda hesitantly and stood near the bench. She looked up at him and frowned. She immediately turned away. When Ian sat on the bench, she got up and walked away from him. He ran to catch up to her when she asked him "What do you want?"

"I want to talk".

"There is nothing to talk. You made that clear Last week"

"Wanda please…" He touched her arm. She flinched away.

"I am so sorry that I said those horrible words to you after all you were nothing but good to me, I feel as guilty as hell". She didn't answer him.

Ian continued."My friends threatened me not to speak to you"

"They threatened you".

"Yes, they said if I speak to you then I cannot be friends with them. I didn't' had friends before in my old school. I was really happy moving here to start a new life, to make new friends you know, that's why I behaved like that to you."

"You didn't have friends before "Wanda asked.

"Yes"

Wanda thought about it for a second and said."Okay, apology accepted. I can understand"

Ian sighed with relief "Thank you". He can't believe that she would forgive him so easily. How nice of her.

"You shouldn't be treated like that by anyone, you know, how are you putting up with these people?"Ian asked.

"Don't worry, I am used to all these things- being alone, everyone humiliating me and all". She shrugged.

"Why don't you speak for yourself Wanda?"Ian asked.

"Yeah. But, what good it will do? They will hate me more and the main reason is that I am not like them"

Ian's respect for Wanda increased by this answer. He smiled a genuine smile.

Wanda smiled back and said "Go back to your friends before they find that you are with me"

"I don't want to go back. I want to stay here."

"But Ian, if they saw us, they will humiliate you"

"I don't care"

"Then you will end up like me with no friends" Wanda said.

"But, you will be my friend right"

Her expression is a shock. Her gray eyes widened. "Do you… do you want to be my friend?"

"Why do you think I am speaking with you?"

"Ian you don't have to do anything out of guilt" She argued.

"It's not just guilt. I would rather be your friend than being friends with those jerks, besides I can choose my friends right"

"Why?"

"What do you mean, why?" Ian enquired.

"Why do you want to be my friend?"

"Well, there were lot of reasons, you are brave, kind and you forgave me without any second thoughts though I couldn't forgive myself". He frowned and said "I am so sorry for being such an asshole Wanda"

"You already said that"

"Oh, you're funny too". He grinned. Her face reddened.

Wanda was thoughtful for a moment. She stared down at her nails and back at him. She does this for some more time and finally she grinned at him."So we are um... friends?"

"Yes"

"Pinky swear". She asked lifting her finger.

Ian chuckled."Pinky swear". He said and entwined his pinky with hers. This way they bonded their friendship. Ian was contented that he made the right choice.

How is this! Wanda and Ian are friends now.