Shy Girl

She felt alone in this world as if there was no one to talk to. Staring out of the window she wished and dreamed hoping for a new life. While walking home from school one day Monae saw a vase that looked like what would have a genie inside of it from a fairytale. She passed by it thinking no way. Later that day Monae again encountered the vase in her bedroom but she ignored it figuring she was only dreaming. Once Monae was asleep she heard ticking and screaming spread about the room. "Help me, help me," was all that was heard. She quickly awakened and saw the vase.

Monae went to the vase and as a joke rubbed it not knowing what was about to happen. Smoke filled the room and Monae tried to scream and run. In shock she didn't move or make a sound. Out came a genie and he began to say "shy girl don't you cry, I am going to help you." "Not many know you other than family and close friends." "You're hiding a secret talent, that's so deep within." "It's so deep you've been practicing, critiquing and imagining how it will be revealed." "The congratulations that await you." "Who knew you were that good." "So long it took to share this and being afraid of not doing it right." "The time has come." "I don't grant wishes I'm your guardian angel." "I'm here to protect you and bring you out of your shell." "Shy girl don't fear me." Monae was in a trance so she agreed to trust Genie.

Genie followed Monae to school the next day only to find more sadness in her. All of the kids were excited and talking about the award show that was on the other night. No one approached Monae to see if she saw it however she did. So she sat quietly on the bench wondering why no one would ask her about the show also. Today just had to be the day when Melissa, Monae's best friend and neighbor stayed home from school. The bell rang and all the students went to class and something amazing happened. A new girl was assigned in the same class with Monae. Monae saw this as a chance to make a new friend. When lunch time came she approached the new girl and asked her if she wanted to sit by her at lunch. The new girl accepted the invitation. Monae and the new girl introduced themselves. "I'm Monae and I'm Sarah." One of the boys in the class which Monae had a crush on approached them. Ignoring Monae he asked Sarah to play kick ball. He told Sarah where to meet them if she decided to play. She asked Monae if she would play and Monae said she wasn't invited. So Sarah said "I won't play I'll hang with you." Monae then responded by saying "they play that everyday." (Sounding disappointed) She went on to say how her best friend was absent and everyone else she would normally play with is on another lunch. Monae said, "this school year really mixed us up." "I normally jump double dutch, play jacks or hula hoop." "Every one playing kick ball is in the same neighborhood so they know each other." "I'm a little shy so they ignore me." "I would feel weird introducing myself when it's a group of them." "They can make me feel more comfortable and ask me if I want to play." So Monae and Sarah went outside and played with hula-hoops.

The next day Melissa and Monae was walking to school. Sarah approached them in the yard saying, "I saw you two walking together and I told my mom I made a new friend." Monae introduced Sarah and Melissa. Melissa asked Sarah how she saw them. Sarah went on to say how she lived down the street from them at 5801 Wall St. Melissa said the children that lived there before were so stuck up they never came outside. "Maybe we can walk to school sometimes." Melissa said. Sarah said, "my mom would like that but after she gets to know you and your parents." "Cool." Monae said. They ate breakfast and talked so long they missed the morning recess.

Lunchtime approached and the three got a jump rope from the gym. They played double dutch during lunch and had fun. The three ended up being good friends over the next few weeks and even able to walk to school together. Genie was still watching Monae and saw she was thrilled to have a new friend. He wondered why she was sad at home and it was only because of having only one friend to jump rope with. It takes three to play double dutch and Monae had two brothers. Melissa had a baby sister so they were limited to double dutch. The other kids in the neighborhood were involved elsewhere that's why Monae only played with them at school. The meeting of only one new friend changed Monae so genie was happy of this new friendship.

One day three girls from their class that normally play kick ball asked them if they wanted to race. The three huddled to decide if they should because no one ever wanted to race in double dutch and they questioned was it a prize involved. The other girls said no they just want to see who could jump the longest. Both teams picked out who would race who. The race brought so much attention it made Monae nervous. So nervous she wanted to go last. The problem was the other team questioned whether Monae could take their longest jumper because she also wanted to go last. Sarah saw how nervous Monae was and took her off to the side. "Girl, I trust you because all of this is you." "Monae you couldn't wait for someone new to play double dutch with and now you can have plenty to jump with, I trust you." Sarah said. Monae felt genie's presence in Sarah and went on to take the challenge. As the race began Melissa stumbled and fell in the rope losing. Next, Sarah had a tie. Last but not least was Monae. "Shy girl remember this is you." Genie said. She's in and jumping so calm, so unique all eyes were on her. She noticed after a while her competition barely lifting her feet. So Monae got even calmer and started doing tricks. She crisscrossed, popped up and mumbled. Her competition got jealous of all the oohs and ahhs and tried to imitate, only to lose the race. Cheers from everyone even the other team. Monae realized she really had a passion for jump rope. It's funny because after this race so many girls begged to play rope with Monae.

Monae was honest and continued playing with Melissa and Sara but they continued racing. The double dutch playing among the playground lead to the school setting up a double dutch club. Monae was the president and first award recipient in the club this made her popular among the school. She did not care about the popularity just her new found friends which consisted of Sarah and other girls in her class. At the end of the school year genie told Monae it was time for him to go and that she now know the secret to meeting new friends. Just be you and good things will happen to and for you. "Bye, Monae and have a great summer." Monae responded "thanks friend and it's not good bye it's see you later."