short story, story promptChirria meets a boy in a strange place – up a tree. When he gives her a necklace and tells her to find him when she wants answers, she’s even more confused.


 

Chirria grinned impishly at her friend. “Come on, Bella. You have to admit, it was hilarious.”

Bella tossed her head in irritation. “Toying with someone’s feelings is not funny.” She turned a stern look on her. “How would you feel in his situation?”

Chirria rolled her eyes. “You’re not seriously on the geek’s side, are you?”

Bella’s mouth pursed into a hard line. She didn’t respond, heading in the direction of the class room.

“Oh, Bella, don’t give me the silent treatment!” She sighed. Sometimes her friend was unusually sensitive about things. “Everyone knows he’s a geek. They all tease him about it!”

Bella turned on her, eyes blazing. Chirria took a startled step back. “Have you ever considered that simply because everyone else does something, doesn’t mean you have to do it too? Everybody has feelings, even geeks.”

Shocked, Chirria saw tears glittering at the corners of Bella’s eyes. Her friend wasn’t finished. “Honestly, you need to grow up, Chirria! I’m tired of all your little pranks and thoughtless words. Sometimes … sometimes I am ashamed to call you my friend!” She turned on her heel and walked away.

Students in the hall began whispering and pointing. Chirria felt her face burn in embarrassment. She could also feel the sting of tears gathering, but she would not give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She stormed off in the opposite direction. She need some air.

There was a specific tree in the school grounds that was excellent for climbing. Chirria headed there now, knowing it would be deserted while everyone was in class. She easily swung herself onto the first branch and continued climbing. She didn’t stop until she was in the topmost branches of the tree that could barely hold her weight. She sat back against the trunk.

“What’s gotten into her?” she grumbled. “Surely she can’t expect me to go out with the geekiest boy in the school? What else was I supposed to do?”

“Maybe you should have been more considerate, let him down gently instead of ridiculing him in front of other students.”

Chirria almost fell out of the tree. She glanced around swiftly. Her eyes met the gaze of a boy who sat a branch or two above her. She scowled at him. “If I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it. What are you doing in my tree, anyway?”

He shrugged, smirking at her. “I didn’t see your name written on it.”

She huffed and turned away from him. “Well, I want some time alone, so you should leave.”

He outright laughed at her. “I was here first. If you want time alone, maybe you should find another spot.”

Chirria could feel her tears threatening again. Why was nothing going her way today? First, she was asked out by the un-coolest guy in the school. Second, her best friend seemed to hate her for some reason. Third, some boy in a tree was mocking her. It wasn’t even 10 am! What was the rest of the day going to be like?

The boy chuckled. “Relax, Chirria. I’ll leave in a moment.” He climbed down until he was level with her. “I just wanted to give you this.” He held out a closed fist.

Warily, she held her palm out. “You know my name?” she asked as he placed something in her hand.

“Of course. Come and find me when you need answers.” He winked at her and descended the tree.

“But I don’t know who you are!” she called after him. There was no response.

She looked at her palm. A silver necklace with a monkey-shaped pendant glinted up at her. A line of white crystals glittered along it’s tail.

What did he mean by finding him when I needed answers? She fingered the pendant. She loved it, but why had he given it to her?


Hint, hint – I’m thinking Chinese Zodiacs… 😀

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