Somebody actually cares? I think, astounded.

“Please, come out.” she repeats.

If it’s a teacher, I swear..

But thankfully, it wasn’t a teacher. Instead, it was this beautifully made-up Barbie doll of a human. I loved her outfit, and her hair. And her shoes. I loved her shoes.

“What’s wrong? You can tell me.” she says soothingly.

“Well, i-it’s just t-that..” I begin, stuttering.

“Oh I’m sorry,” I don’t really care..? “you probably don’t feel comfortable telling me, since you only just met me. I’m Julianna, you can call me Jewels.”

Jewels. Even her nickname is beautiful.

“I’m Anna.”

“Oh, Anna.. I’ve always loved that name!” she gushes.

Seriously?!

“Anyway, I have to get back to class – this doesn’t mean that you’re not going to tell me what’s wrong. Here’s my cell number,” she says, writing down her number on a paper towel, “and you can just call me after school. See ya!”

She leaves the room, but I feel like her presence still lingers.

My first real friend.