I'm called James Parker. That's my full name. I became an orphan when I was just 7 years old and needed a relative to look after me which didn't work well, those reasons were the cause of me being bullied or ignored by others. I am an outcast.
But now, something has changed.
I stood there, silently staring at the window of the old couple's house and trying to figure out what was going on. Those old couples are known for being lively even at the old age and how wonderful their three grandchildren are.
Though—there's an unfamiliar kid inside of that house, hiding. What is going on right now? I quickly ran away for it was weird that a random paper plane just flew towards me without someone doing it. I mean—how would it work? A ghost wanted to know my name so that it can possess me? Heck no! This isn't a random story book!
I rushed inside our house and went to my room, I didn't even dare to glance at my uncle for he doesn't like me. He's just here for money but that wasn't the case-
Who is that boy? What does he wants from me?
I shook my head and tried to calm myself. My father always said that I shouldn't be stressed about something I we're not a part of. He's right but I am kinda a part of this mess.
I quickly threw my bags away and fixed my thick black messy hair from all the running while trying to compose myself. A young kid like me shouldn't be stressing over the smallest thing. I looked in the mirror and saw my reflection. The small scar under my left cheek from the car crash incident is still there—a reminder of the tragic past I couldn't forget. If only they were still here...
I sighed and stood up. I can't just trap myself here in my room like a person who shuts themselves from the outside world.
It's best to go outside before my uncle tries to beat me up again...
I left my house and went for a walk to the mini market across the gas station to buy something to eat with my pocket money that I got from the monthly allowance. The food was bland, I know but that's what I can afford for my age. Bread and milk. Even there, I can feel the gaze of the people on me and hear the silent gossip.
"Poor kid, his uncle was no good. He was a creepy alcoholic man and would beat him up...!"
"I bet he uses all of his parents'money just to use it to gamble"
"Why didn't they called child-service?"
"He will be just like his uncle one day. Just look at him"
Those were the same words I always hear no matter where I go. My life would just repeat every day. I go to school to get bullied, go home to see my uncle angry, go out and let anyone gossip about me as if I don't hear them. That's how I am ever since my parents died. I've been here since I was born and no one dared to say bad things about me until my parents died. You will see their true colours once you've become useless to them.
After paying, I quickly left the store and ate the bread on my way to the same neighborhood just to calm myself but nevertheless—my curiosity got bigger and I went to see the window of the old couple's house.
...
It was now closed just like before. I stared at it until I finished eating my bread before turning to leave but-
The window opened loudly like someone used all of their strength to open a single window
"A-are you-!?"
I turned around and saw an unfamiliar short boy who had golden slightly curly hair, pale skin with freckles, and amber eyes. He looked undeniably sick especially for he was sweating a lot and let out some short coughs.
He stared at me for a moment before disappearing for a moment only to come back with a paper airplane in his hands and throw it in the air to make it fly towards me.
He looks like he wants to talk to me and was determined for his eyes were sparkling as I looked at him.
I quickly caught the paper plane which makes him smile widely like he won while I opened it to see what was written:
"Can we be friends?(｡•́︿•̀｡)"
It was silly but those words made me happy. No one has asked me that in ages
I looked up at him to see how nervous yet determined he was. I sighed and nodded my head.
Yes, we can be friends.