April 6- Dear Diary,
Guess what!!! Today I found out that Carmen is totally lying – she’s got a lying tongue! I still can’t’ believe it.
So, today she came to school all snooty and rude, just like yesterday and I totally ignored her. Rosa and Jess talked to her though – I couldn’t be bothered. At recess I told the girls I was to go sit with some other people. I have another group of friends who are nice and don’t have to hang out with Carmen. I went to sit in Alisa’s group – she’s totally popular and a great friend. She was happy for me to sit with her and the other girls. She asked me what was wrong and I told her all about Carmen and her rude ways. She wasn’t impressed.
Anyways, fourth period came and we were all in P.E. Carmen didn’t want to play sports, again – but Mrs Mayers our HPE teacher, told her that she had to join the class. Carmen was angry about it, but she didn’t say anything – she joined my group for basketball. Ugh. Why does she have to be hanging around us? She hates us anyways.
During the game, she pretended to play – she was hopeless. I wanted to push her off the courts. I told Jess who had a giggle, but Rosa didn’t laugh, “Leah!” She said, “that’s nasty! It’s so unlike you to be so mean.” With that she shook her head and ran towards the basketball hoop. I frowned; how could my best friend be turning against me. All because of that, that…. that spoiled rat.
By the time lunch came around, I was in a bad mood. I was angry at Carmen for ruining things and at Rosa who was taking sides. I changed out of my sports uniform and into my formal uniform and headed to the tuckshop with Jess.
“Jess, do you think I’m being really mean to Carmen?” I asked.
Jess shook her head, “Not really mean, maybe a bit mean.”
“What do you mean?” I didn’t feel mean. How was I mean?
“Well, when Carmen says hi in the mornings you turn your back and totally ignore her.”
“What?” I gasped, “She says hi? I’ve never heard her.” I frowned.
“Well never mind.” Jess continued, “You also talk about behind her back with everyone you chat with. You roll your eyes each time she talks. You poke your tongue out behind her back when she isn’t looking, you glare her way each time she walks pass, you…”
“Ok, ok, I get it.” I mumbled. I tightened my ponytail, “It’s not as if she’s nice.” I added, “Or do you think she’s nice?”
Jess shook her head, “No way. She’s awful, but I don’t want to be mean to her. My mum always tells me that I must show Jesus. You know, like Rosa does.”
Hmm. I took a deep breath and joined the line. I didn’t want to talk about Carmen anymore.
The smell of cheesy nachos wafted through the air sending my stomach into a happy frenzy. My belly growled. Jess and I laughed.
During lunch I decided to sit together again and give Carmen a second chance. I’ll be nice. I said to myself. I will try harder.
Carmen sat with us at the lunch table under the big shady tree – she took out her impeccable lunch box filled with roasted nuts, a gourmet sandwich, fresh strawberries, and a bottle of mineral water.
I could feel her eyes staring at my hot nacho dripping with cheese. I glanced up at her and she quickly looked away.
I did a quick prayer and asked God to help me ignore it. Soon, Jess, Rosa and I were giggling at some random stuff that had happened over the weekend. Carmen didn’t say anything – she sat there like a royal princess munching away. Again, I prayed, I didn’t want to hate her.
Just as my mind was relaxing, Jess asked Carmen a question.
“So Carmen, tell us all the goss about Bellamont Academy! What is it like? Is it as rich and snooty as they say? And is it true that everyone there is either a politician kid….”
“Or how about the celebrity kids? Were you friends with any of them?” I added intrigued.
Rosa nodded, “Yeah, I hear there was also some Swedish royalty studying there. A princess I think or something. Did you meet her?”
We all leaned forward.
Carmen put her strawberry down and flicked her long hair to one side, “I rather not talk about it.”
“Why not?” I munched the last of my cheese corn chip.
“I just don’t want to!!” Her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t want to start crying. I miss them so much!” With that she stood up and bolted to the girl’s toilet.
“Whoa, she’s weird.” Jess said.
“Bummer, I really wanted to know about that school.” I bit my bottom lip. “I think I’ll go check on her and maybe apologise.”
Jess and Rosa gaped.
I giggled, “Yes, I’m trying to change ok.” With that I headed to the bathroom.
I waved to Alisa and the girls as I walked past and went to the girl’s toilet. I opened my mouth to speak but heard Carmen whispering in one of the toilets. She was on the phone.
I turned around to go back but something she said made me freeze.
“I don’t know what to do! I lied about my dad being a multimillionaire and about school. I don’t know what to do!” More tears.
I gasped and quickly covered my mouth to muffle the sound.
“Yeah, I guess I can. But, how can I tell them that my dad’s in jail for embezzling money and that I was expelled from the Bellamont! It’s humiliating. I hate it. I hate it. I hate HIM!!”
I stopped breathing!
Her dad was a thief, and she was expelled!?
No!
I walked out of the girls’ toilet in a daze.
I couldn’t wait to tell the others!
Everything that is hidden will become clear. Every secret thing will be made known, and everyone will see it. Luke 8:17 (ERV)
