Speak Now by H.L. (books for new readers .TXT) 📕

His name was Jonathan, and he was a new student. He used to sit on the playground all by himself. Every day, like clockwork, he’d be there. Sitting under the slide and examining every rock, leaf, twig or bug that passed by his line of vision. It became our routine soon enough.
I couldn’t stand to see him all alone all the time. We didn’t have any classes together, and I doubt he knew my name. I knew his, but only because I had looked him up. Eventually, I started joining him under that dirty old slide. We’d talk, and talk some more, until Mr. Truman blew the whistle and it was time for lunch.
To be honest, I don’t remember everything we talked about. It was just being with him every day from twelve to twelve-thirty that made my day completely. Everything was perfect, until she showed up.
Martina and I used to hang out every day, just the two of us, at recess. Every day. Once I started hanging out with Jonathan, she must have gotten jealous. She started coming around and hanging out with us too. Next thing I knew they were “in love.”
I knew better than that, but nothing I said could change her mind. Besides, she wasn’t the only one who was totally enchanted with the newcomer. Sadly for me, I was too.

Publication Date: 10-27-2011

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Dedication:
For Damon Brook and Elly Becker, for being the best teachers in the worst of times. For Pitch, who's stayed with me all these years.