Ben’s Little Friends

Back in the 90’s, Ben’s little circle started to form. Max followed him around because he didn’t have that many friends. He didn’t even talk much at first. One day, Ben poked him in the arm with two fingers.

“Ow,” Max murmured, rubbing his arm. Ben tilted his head.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Huh?” Max asked.

“How come you never talk at all?” Ben asked. Max shook his head. His friend shrugged. He had gotten used to his friend being that way. It’s so boring to play by yourself as a kid. Sure, Max wasn’t social, but at least there was someone to play with. Ben could even show him how to play certain games.

It wouldn’t hurt to have more friends, though.

On the day Ben and Max met Kele was days before school was opening. Three days to be exact. Ben was leading his awkward friend into the playground. He glanced over his shoulder.

“What do you want to do today?” he asked. Max shrugged.

“I don’t know,” he said, looking down at his feet. Ben stopped in his tracks and turned around.

“Come on,” he said. “I can’t pick all of the games all of the time. Come up with something for a change.” Max bit his lower lip.

“Okay…” he mumbled. Ben stared at him, hoping to change something today. Maybe this push could help pull Max out of his little glass box. Suddenly, a paper tip hit him in the cheek.

“Ow!” he shouted. Ben turned his head to see a black boy running towards him.

“Sorry!” he shouted. The little black boy caught up to the other two little boys. Ben brought into a huge smile.

“That’s okay,” he said. “My name is Ben. This is Max. Want to play with us?” The black boy rubbed the back of his head a chuckled.

“Sure,” he said. “My name is Kele.”