"Doug, can you shut up?"

Melvin slides his face across the dictionary, feeling tent muscles touch his heart. Doug wants to know why Melvin is such a bully all the time. 

"Dude, what have I done to you?"

Doug challenges, throwing his half-eaten food two feet from his seat. Melvin chuckles, making no answer. 

"You seriously don't care that I made a comeback on a killing bully like you?"

"You think that was 'a comeback?' Chill, bro. Sometimes your mother's worried about you."

Doug rolls his eyes. Everyone stares back at Doug. A sudden laugh comes from Melvin and stands back up from his seat.

"What do you think you're looking at, Dougy? Aren't you supposed to be sitting on the bench alone like you always do?"

Doug wanted to cry, but he wouldn't let it go. His only best friend was staring at him. Doug's face was readable to everyone. Melvin smirked like a bully, slapping Doug on the shoulder. He walked away with an evil laugh and a frightening smile all at once.

Why Melvin was such a jerk to Doug all the time, no one knew. But it was the only harsh thing Doug hated about school. School was supposed to be a safe place, right?

Doug sat back down as his best friend turned back to the others. Still, Doug didn't understand why his only friend didn't want to comfort him or play basketball together. They've been friends since kindergarten, and now they just sat together but didn't talk.

Just be a bro, kid. You're almost a grad, so you can make it.

"I cannot believe this," 

Doug spat out, wanting to say more, but couldn't get it out. His BFF tied his bow, ready for a better day to hopefully unfold. The blue hat and long chin of his are the only two things Doug could stare at. He knew it was rude, but couldn't stop thinking about Melvin.

"It's okay."

James, Doug's best friend finally said, making a smile on his face come and go.

"What do you mean it's okay?"

Doug raised his voice, making James back up away from him.

"You aren't even helping me feel better. And if you did, you'd be a true friend of mine. I cannot believe you'd make be do this."

Doug pounded on the friendship necklace and threw it on the ground. He ran away as James wanted to follow him, but was stopped by his other friends.

"James, let him do his thing."

Ava, the smartest kid in the school put a hand on James left shoulder, making him cry harder than he wanted to.

Doug ran back to the classroom, sitting down in his desk and clenching his fists.

"What happened this time, dude?"

Mr. Pencil, the 57-year-old teacher said. Doug raised his eyebrows then put a hand under his desk. He slammed his head down on the desk, almost making him screech in pain. Mr. Pencil ran over, putting a hand on Doug's knee. Nothing could help him now.

"James and I aren't friends anymore."

"Why?"

Mr. Pencil wanted to say more but was interrupted.

"James doesn't show love, care, or what it's like to be selfless. He's been doing this for a long time now and, I'm done with it. He's shown nothing but selfishness."

The old thoughts of James and Doug appeared. For once, Doug smiled. 

"Memories are the only thing I wish could happen again. They're the only thing I need to keep going. At least for now."

* * *

This short chapter was inspired by my BFF, who is still with me to this day. Don't forget to vote, comment, follow me, and add this amazing, heart-warming novel to your reading list to show more love!