• It was the first time I ever had any competition in anything. All the boys in gym class were itching to watch me and Desmond compete, knowing I'd probably win.

    They had no idea what to expect.

    When Desmond and I got onto the mat, the entire class became silent. I fought my usual way, feinting and faking moves. He didn't fall for any of them. Finally, Desmond struck, I thought it'd be my big chance. I sidestepped, but he'd been expecting it. He lunged for me and we rolled onto the mat into a heap. I slid out from beneath him and got back to my feet, panting.

    We continued in this manner for the next half hour.

    Finally, Coach blew the whistle. We were still tied at 0 - 0.


    I got a surprise at lunch hour. I sat in my usual spot, alone, studying. Desmond walked up to me in his silent manner, all the other boys in the cafeteria watching my every move.

    "Hey."
    I smiled up at him. "Hey."
    Desmond flashed a dazzling grin. "You did a better job at wrestling than I thought you would," he said. "Normally, I beat girls 50 - 0"
    I laughed. "I beat boys 50 - 0, usually. You're a special one, aren't you?"
    Desmond chuckled. "I could say the same about you. Mind if I sit down?"

    I shift over to make room for Desmond, happily.
    "I've actually never met anyone like you before," he muses. "I always thought myself a freak."
    I leaned toward Desmond and whispered, "Me, too."
    He reaches for his water bottle and touches my hand for a second, sending shocks through my arm.
    "So, you want to come over later?" he asks.
    "Um, sure," I say uncertainly. "Won't your parents mind?"
    Desmond's smile fades.
    "My parents are dead."

    Surprised, I stare at him.
    "What's wrong?"
    I looked down on the table.
    "I - My parents are dead too."

    Our eyes met, and I saw the same sadness I felt whenever I thought of my parents in his eyes, a reflection of mine.

    Desmond took my hand and squeezed it.
    "I'm sorry, Tanya."

    "Don't worry, it'll be all right."