Lola Reyes Is So Not Worried by Cindy L. Rodriguez

Author:Cindy L. Rodriguez
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2024-09-17T00:00:00+00:00

During recess, instead of going outside, Ashlynn, Josie, and I get permission from Mrs. DasGupta to get the food form from the main office. Ashlynn explained to Mrs. DasGupta about receiving the doll from Mrs. Mager, so Ashlynn was allowed to keep Isabel with her for the rest of the day.

Isabel’s making Ashlynn feel better, and I can keep my eye on her for now, but she’ll go home with Ashlynn after school, and then what?

Against my will, Ashlynn, Josie, and I walk side by side by side, linked arm through arm through arm, with Josie in the middle, separating me from Ashlynn. When younger students stop and wonder how to get by us, Josie says, “Beep-beep. Out of the way. Fifth graders coming through.”

Of course, when Vice Principal Wilson steps out of his office and into the hallway, we immediately unlink our arms and fall into single-file formation. When we reach the office, Ashlynn says, “You can wait here. I’ll go in and get the form.”

“You sure?” I ask.

“Yeah. I can do this myself. Wait for me, though?”

“Of course,” Josie says. “You got this.”

Ashlynn nods and opens the office door. I watch through the window, keeping an eye on Isabel, who is trapped under Ashlynn’s arm, pinned to her side. Satisfied that Isabel isn’t growing, shrinking, or escaping, I step away from the window and brace myself for an awkward conversation with Josie, but she has strolled away from me, pretending to be super interested in the ancient, framed class photos lining the walls.

After a few minutes, Ashlynn returns and holds up an envelope. The form must be inside.

“That was easy,” she says.

Josie trots over and falls right back into being enthusiastic and supportive. “No, that was brave. You stood up for yourself by asking for what you need. That’s never easy.”

Ashlynn’s cheeks flush red, but she’s no longer looking down or pushing back her cuticles. She bounces on her toes and says, “Thanks for telling me about this. I feel so much better.” When Ashlynn says this, Isabel shrinks slightly. I would have missed it if my gaze hadn’t been locked on her.

“You know what?” Ashlynn says. “I wonder how many other students are in the same situation. And do you see all the food that gets thrown out at lunch? Such a waste! Maybe I’ll talk to Dr. Reyes about it.”

“Yes!” Josie shouts.

In that moment, I’m torn in half like those cartoons with the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other. Part of me, the good-friend part, is so happy that Ashlynn is feeling better and is all fired up to help others, but the other part of me, the bad-friend part, is wondering how to steal Isabel from her.

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