When I began to lose my breath again, I knew that Sam was around. It happens everytime he comes near me, or anywhere close to me. I like Sam a lot, he appears...strange. But in a good way. I couldn't tell anyone about him though. Not Cheyenne. Not even my mama.
This is my only secret because until Sam, I told my mama everything. I even told her about the shimmering lipgloss Cheyenne showed up with on tuesday, so that she'll look 'chick' while trying out for the musicals, and how Louis did that embarrassing Barley dance during P.E when she thought no one was watching, but I didn't mention Sam. At all. I felt sneaky afterwards. The guilt only lingered for a few days anyway.
Deep inside , I want to tell Mama everything. But she dampened my excitement. Mama thinks that Sam is dangerous because his father had served jail term. She told me one night whilst resetting my alarm clock that I had to stay away from him in school. That night, I almost blurted out that I didn't even know my own father, and besides, Sam is nothing like his Daddy. But I didn't. I was really scared, and angry at whoever told Mama all of those bad stuff about Sam and his family, so I hugged wendy tightly and cried. I am sure that, Mama hates Sam. I hear it in her voice everytime she mentions his Dad. That's why I'll never tell her.
Sam and I are in seventh grade. We are both ten years old and that means we are children, right?. At least, that is what Miss peace says and I believe her. Although, no one ever treats Sam like the rest of us . I don't know, maybe because he talks about Jesus a lot. One time, Richard punched Sam for being a Jesus 'Creepy freaky'. I was so furious i could feel my face burning up. 'Creepy freaky' is not even a real word. Apart from that, Richard is always bullying someone in the class. I don't like him at all.
The other day on TV, I read about the importance of human right and freedom and I thought Richard was abusing Sam's freedom. But I couldn't speak out or anything. Errmh, let's just say that I didn't. You see, I can not risk being found out like that. It's not like I'm hiding something...
Okay, fine.
I was lying earlier. I am hiding something. Scared of being an object of Richard's brutality or end up as the girl who sucks up to the school's creep. And really, Sam never even look at me. That hurts every time.
So that day, when Mama took me to the Dibny's to get ice-cream and I started to lose my breathe, I looked behind and there was Sam – with his family. He looked...really cute, like Wendy; my teddy bear. His Dad, mum and a little girl that resembles Sam were with him. His dad did look indignant. But, Sam looked as peaceful, but not as strong as he used to look during recess, when he'll talk animatedly with the Janitor. I was bothered; kind of bothered. So, I decided to go talk to him. Just this once. I mean, I'd rather be sure that he is fine than cower again.
I know that Mama would be mad at me, she left for the washroom and had instructed me to not leave that spot. But, I had to talk with Sam. He looked very sad. Peaceful, but sad. So I strutted towards him. I could feel the bows in my hair bouncing along. Thank goodness I chose the pretty butterfly one today. It always made me look grown up. When I got to him, he was picking up the grilling fork that fell on the floor for Mr lawal. Mr lawal was quite pleased. I hear he comes from Nigeria. Sam is black too. When he didn't see me, I tapped his shoulder, then he turned.
"Hi." I said. My left pinky tucked firmly in my right hand. I feel weird.
" Hello." He replied and went mute.
"I...I am your...w..we are classmates..."
He kept gawking at first, then his brows furrowed and his mouth formed a thin line.
"Yes". He said. "I know you, Meghan."
"Oh." My smile is broad. I know that because my cheeks began to hurt. "I didn't know you..."
He smiled.
Why do I feel like Mr Lawal is grilling right inside of me. I think I might be sick. The other time Cheyenne was sick, she said her belly felt hot.
" I know you." He continued. "Aren't you the one who is like, obsessed with human rights and stuff?" He said whilst fighting a bigger, easier smile and I chuckled.
You know what, I might not know what time it is in Mauritius right now, but I know for sure, that Sam and I are gonna be good friends.
And by the way, who even name a country Mauritius these days?
"Meghan!"
The cool and crispy voice retracted my widened cheek. I guess Mauritius will have to wait after all. I didn't have to turn to know who towered behind. It was my Mama. I could feel the hate in her voice crawl all over me like a spider and i hate spiders.
I absolutely hate spiders.