FRIENDS FOREVER

“‘Coz you’re my sweetest friend ever!”
I was elated. I wanted to believe it.
Did the most popular girl in school just say that?
Or was I imagining it?

Now I would be popular too.
An end to the perpetual “who’s she?”
I would be talked about too.
And make new friends galore.

That’s how it began.
Her words worked on me like a charm.
“Your best friend is such a bore!”
I knew she meant no harm.

But I stopped talking to my best friend.
“You’re just jealous of my friendship with her!”
Is what I told my best friend a few days later.
And she took it calmly.

Wannabe popular.
“Did u see that?
She’s the new side kick!”
It was me that girl was pointing at.

I saw that.
“You know how people can be,
They just can’t tolerate a healthy friendship!”
I believed her again.

She was popular.
She couldn’t be wrong.
“Why are you wearing yellow?”
I changed to green.

I would do her homework.
Help her with studies.
“Our friendship’s forever!”
Anything for her- I thought.

Judgment Day.

I overheard them talking-
“Why are you friends with her if u hate her so much?”
“Whatever made u think we’re friends??
She’s just another wannabe!”

I was hurt.
“I thought we were friends!”
“Oh don’t pretend that you weren’t
Using me for getting popular!

“Besides, didn’t you ever figure out
That you and I are worlds apart?
I would never had talked to you
If you hadn’t been smart!”

I wanted to scream, shout.
Hit her on her nose.
But I realized the value of a lesson learnt.
And walked back home with a broken heart.