Chapter 1: Like a Good Neighbor
Anthony Raybold
The desk next to him was empty.
It was the second week of sixth grade in the first week of September, and Anthony didn't have a friend. His old friend from 5th grade, Max, had moved away when summer break started. Anthony felt like the loneliest person in the world. It was right before roll call, and Anthony hoped Max would be coming through the door, late to class. Moving away was just a joke, a bad prank.
Yet that didn't happen. The teacher read off the attendance list - of which Max's name wasn't on - and then made an announcement in a friendly voice.
"Attention class, today we are welcoming a new student. Their name is Josh Lopez, he is from Columbus, Ohio. Come on in, Josh." the teacher said, and a 12-year-old asian-american boy came in. He was wearing a purple t-shirt, black shorts, and purple and black tennis shoes. He had a Mario backpack.
"You can sit down next to Anthony Raybold. Anthony, raise your hand please so Josh knows who you are."
Anthony reluctantly raised his hand. Josh came over and sat down next to him. Anthony was instantly cautious of this new kid. His teacher knew Anthony needed a new friend, and Anthony didn't like this set up. He glared at the teacher in hopes this wasn't the case, but the teacher shrugged, as if this couldn't be helped.
"Let's all be kind and friendly to Josh, okay? I don't want any bullying to happen. Speaking of, we will be learning about the Philippines this week so we can learn about Josh."
Anthony stared at this new kid, wondering what he was like, and imagining the worst.
Was this kid a replacement for Max? Anthony didn't feel like he was ready for a new friend. The pain of his friend leaving, and having stopped talking to him by the time school started up in early September, was intense. He didn't talk in school, which was why his teacher was trying to help him out.
"Hi." said Josh to Anthony, who was still staring at him with disbelief.
Anthony waved shyly, not sure how to respond. He missed his old friend so much. "Um, hi."
This school year was going to be the worst.