Chapter 10: Silence
The silence between us was too much to abide. I hated how he would just ignore me. Truthfully, I missed him; I missed talking to him, laughing with him, and teasing him.
School, the next day, was like the day before. It was full of silence and dullness. I walked into the office, finding everyone in their usual place. Ronnie sat in his seat, working on homework.
"Wow. This is the first time I've ever seen you do your homework," I said, trying to start a conversation. He made no noise, no effort, and just continued doing work. Hurt, I sat down in my seat and got out some work to do.
"So, you are giving me the 'silent treatment.' Okay, but at least make an effort to at least acknowledge me."
He said nothing.
"Ronnie, I don't understand why you are mad at me. If you didn't like me, why are you making such a big deal out of this?"
Still he was silent.
I took a deep sigh and said, "At least let me know you are not mute."
He stopped writing with his pencil and he put it down. He looked up at me, and asked, "Why did you choose Gary?"
Now I was the silent one. I didn't know exactly what to say or how to put it into words. "I didn't choose Gary, Ronnie. I didn't choose at all. I just thought it would be easier just to be friends with both of you."
"What do you want?"
"I want you to be my friend, Ronnie."
"I can't do that."
"Why not?" I asked getting annoyed.
Just then, the principal with some teachers came in with a loud discussion. When I looked back to Ronnie, he returned to doing homework.
"Ronnie, Why not?" I asked again
He was silent.