Morgan

23rd October 2010

I saw her, crying under the wilting oak tree that had been stripped naked of its leaves. She was curled up in a timid ball of matted auburn hair and muddy skin. Her head was hidden within her scrapped arms and knees, teary moans could be heard, faintly, under her breath. I just stood there, unsure of what to do. Should I leave quietly before she notices me? Should I get help? Should I comfort her ? No, that wouldn't work, I might make things worse if I ask why she's upset. I mean, it's not common for a 10 year old to have comforting skills, especially for a girl.

I decided to make a break for it before she noticed my presence. As I turned, an overflowing sense of guilt flooded my head as she let out a desperate, almost shocking, cry of misery and melancholy. I'd never seen anyone in such a depressing state before. Before I knew it, my stupid sense of charity forced me to amble towards her. As I did, I tried to think of what to say; I'd never really been in this sort of situation before. Although, I'd seen mum do it a few times with my sister; I decided to copy her words.

When our shadows touched, she slowly lifted her head up, revealing a red, teary mess. Her cheeks were puffy with a river of watery sheen that ran from her swampy-green eyes down to her chin. Her eyes appeared to be saw and her matted hair dangled in long clumps over her face. She stared. I stared. We stared.

'Umm,' I began, breaking the icy wall that was forming between us 'what's wrong?? Why are you upset?'

'Leave me alone.' She abruptly replied, sending her cold glare towards the leafy ground.

I should have just got the message to leave there and then but, being the stubborn person that I was (and still am), I pressed on with the unwanted solace. 'What's wrong?' I asked again, placing my hand on her shoulder, the way my mum did to my sister when her boyfriend, one of the many she had over the years, dumped her. 'Can I ask your na-'

'I said leave me alone!!!' She declared, jostling my hand away from her. She scowled sharply, warning me not to touch her again. Well, that was rude. At least give me some credit for trying you ungrateful brat. I glared, trying to read her eyes for answers; it was almost impossible due to the fact that they were dull and emotionless.

I calmed my thoughts, stopping myself from saying insults that would only be for self pleasure; making the situation worse. I breathed deeply and said 'I'm Ari. Now, you need to tell me your name to make it fair.' I demanded, kneeling down and crossing my arms to make myself seem more superior.

Surprisingly, her expression suddenly changed so fast it was almost scary. I never expected that she might actually respond to my demand for her name. However, what she did next was even more scary.

She started giggling under her breath  and, eventually, it developed into a fully historical laugh. I was lost for words. What the... did I say something funny? She didn't stop. Her whole body was slowly unwinding from the tightness she'd curled into with the pleasurable delight of her amusement. What the hell is wrong with this girl?!
'Hey? What's so funny?!'

She took a short breath and replied 'You! You've got a girls name!' She howled before continuing with her seemingly uncontrollable laughter.

I felt insulted, but not as much as you might think. I knew that my name sounded feminine, and I loath it, I hate it. But it was something that I've just gotten used to that insults like that don't effect me as much anymore. However, being the childish child that I was, I mad a big deal out of it. 'Well... I bet your name isn't good. In fact, I'm sure it isn't!'

With my hypothesis lingering in the air, she sprang onto her knees and clenched her fists; not in a very threatening way, even though I think she intended for it to be. 'My name is way better than yours!' She pouted. 'My mum chose it herself!' She announced proudly, crossing her arms as if she was saying and I'm proud of it! Her childish attitude sparked my temper, so I lifted my upper body causing me to tower over her.