The Art of Fighting

Hi, I’m Maeve.

I moved to California with my mom two months ago, because things at home weren’t great, to say the least.

My parents were known as the loudest people in our old neighborhood , and it wasn’t  a good thing, if this is what you were thinking. They fought all the time, and when they didn’t, there was a tense silence, like someone would burst into flames or combust any minute.

My mom got sick of it and told my dad that she was leaving and taking me with her. My dad, of course, thought that she was joking , but the next day my mom packed two bags for me and her. I took my favorite book with me and then we left.

I moved to a new school and I was very nervous.

I didn’t know anyone there, I was scared to be alone, and let’s say that meeting new friends is not one of my strengths.

That morning arrived, my first day at school.

I took my bag and went to school.

The school was big and beautiful, and there were many paintings and pictures over the walls.

I walked into the class, into my first lesson!

The teacher talked about the book “The Art Of Fighting”, my favorite book!

The teacher asked “what do you think about the main character?”.

One girl raised her hand.

She had black hair and green eyes, and she was one of the prettiest girls I have ever seen.

She sat at the back of the class, and as I looked at her, the teacher said “yes Jade?”.

Jade answered “I think that Leni is a selfish person who wants a lot of attention and she didn’t even notice Jacob’s feelings.”

How could she say that?!

I couldn’t stop myself from replying “I think that Leni is an example for many other girls, and Jacob didn’t even try to understand what is going on with her”.

Our conversation about the book continued for the rest of the lesson.

During lunch break, I sat with two kids who invited me to sit with them, their names were Robi and Emily.

After that, we became friends.

After a couple of days, Robi told us about the big party that he planned to do in Halloween, and we decided that we will make our costumes together.

I arrived to Robi’s house at 19:00.

Jade opened the door.

I didn’t understand what is going on, what is she doing here?? But Robi explained to me that she is his sister and everything made sense.

While making the costumes Jade joined and laughed at us.

My costume was ready, floral and pink. When Jade saw my costume she laughed at me. I was so angry. “not that yours is any better.” I said.                                                                                  

After a couple of hours the party begun and so many people were there, wearing different costumes.

The pizza delivery came and I went to take it.

When I came back to the party I saw Jade coming towards me. I think she was drunk.

she took the pizza trays and threw them on my costume.

As always, we were fighting again.

She started laughing at me in front of everyone and then got out of the party.

She went towards the road.

I don’t really remember what happened in those moments.

I only remember that I saw Jade laying down on the road and car’s lights getting away.

The ambulance arrived and took Jade. I felt guilty.

It was 7:00 in the morning.

Jade looked peaceful on the bed at the hospital. Maybe too peaceful.

After a night of waiting for her to wake up, she finally opened her eyes.

We were silent for a few moments.

The silence was filled with all of the things I wanted to say, but didn’t. Then she said “I want to be alone, go away”.

I insisted on staying with her but she said it again, this time she shouted at me. I left in frustration.

It’s been a week since the last time I saw her, but I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

She didn’t answer my messages, and Robi told me that she doesn’t want to see me.

I went to the library. I took my favorite book with me.

After 5 minutes, I heard footsteps walking towards me.

I turned around.

“ The art of fighting is honestly a great book but I still think that Leni wasn’t caring enough”.

A smile grew on my face.

It was Jade.