After a long day in mother's bakery, I had finished my homework and sat on my bed. Sahara liked what I did for her today. When I stood up to her bullies. It wasn't much, but, I didn't want to tell her about when I was younger. When I would get bullied everyday for all sorts of reasons. I didn't want to tell her why I had helped her, besides the fact I made new friend. I couldn't let her get bullied that way, weather it was true or not.

My father walked into my room. "Hey, Roland? Eugene wants to talk to you." I looked up. "Oh, really?" Father nodded. I smiled and grabbed the house phone. "Thanks," I mouthed as I held the phone up to my ear.

"Roland!" Eugene called on the other end. "How've ya been, buddy?"

"Great, actually," I replied. "I made a new friend today and she's super excited to meet you."

"What? Really?"

"What? Why is that surprising?"

"It's just that, you're so quiet. The only reason why we're friends is because I talked to you for hours!"

"Yeah, and?"

"Who started it?"

"Uh," I thought back for a moment when she ran into me with her pile of books, "she did."

"Ah, okay. Just as I thought," Eugene said teasingly.

"I can make friends myself you know!"

"Yeah, yeah. I know. It's just fun to joke. Anyway, its great that you made a new friend, Roland. Who is this new friend of yours?"

"Her name is Sahara."

"Sahara? What a lovely name!"

"Isn't it?" I asked.

"Well, I'm excited to meet her!" Eugene said. "Anyway, the reason I called. I'm coming back sooner than expected and I'll be in school tomorrow!"

"Oh, that's good news!"

"It is! And I'm bringing a few souvenirs too so you guys can pick what you want and I'll keep the rest."

"You didn't have to do that, you know," I said.

"Oh, I know. I just like souvenirs!"

"How has Mexico been?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Mexico is great! There are a lot of museums there and a lot of historical sites. So many in fact that I'm surprised our schools never took us there on a field trip. I took a lot of pictures and things too so you could see those if you want."

"No, I'm fine."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Suit yourself." Eugene was quiet for a little before he spoke again. "So...I know you didn't like going to a new school, but, how has it been for you?"

"What brought this up all of a sudden?" I asked, confused.

"Well...I'm not trying to be rude but, you aren't the best when it comes to making friends. That's why I was glad to hear that you made one. Anyway, I know that people don't generally...like you."

"Oh, that," I said. I was hoping he wouldn't bring it up. "It's been fine, really."

"You're avoiding the question again, aren't you?"

"Hey, it's time for dinner. I'll talk to you later," I said.

"Roland, you can't always change the subject." I didn't answer. "I guess I'll just have to see how it really is tomorrow then, huh? Anyway, you enjoy dinner." He hung up.

Eugene has been the only friend I've had. He kind of adopted me in elementary school and we've been friends ever since.