“Only two pieces of paper, isn’t it amazing?” the brunette said with an excited grin, “I think Diane will love it!”

“Diane?” I repeated.

“The art teacher,” the brunette smiled, “you’re new here huh?”

“Yeah,” I said shyly.

“Well, welcome!” she exclaimed cheerfully shaking my hand, “my name is Bette Porter.”

“Tina Kennard,” I smiled. I don’t know what it was about this girl that induced in me a deep set trust and admiration.

“Imma call you T,” Bette grinned.

“But name is already shortened from Christina,” I laughed.

“Aww dang it, if you would have told me that I would have nicknamed you Chris instead,” Bette feigned a pout which made her look simply adorable, “I’ve always wanted to know a girl with a guy’s name, then I would piss off my parents and say, ‘I’m gonna go sleep over at Chris’ house!’ Then they would flip out and say, ‘who’s this Chris guy?’ and I would say, ‘No Christina!’”

I couldn’t contain my laughter. I was laughing throughout her entire story clutching my stomach. I didn’t stop laughing until tears were spilling out of my eyes. Bette just grinned. I could tell it pleased her to have made me laugh.

“You can call me Chris if you want,” I sighed having finally caught my breath after the bout of laughter.

“No, now I like T,” Bette said with a fake exasperated sigh.

“So indecisive,” I laughed.

“Well there’s one thing I’m not indecisive with, and it’s my choice in friends,” Bette said with a warm smile, “and now you are my new friend, and as your first duty as my friend you must sit next to me.”

“Oh I must?” I giggled.

“Yes, you must, no, I command you!” Bette said in a deep voice that made me laugh again.

“Are you the class clown or something?” I laughed following her to her desk where I took the seat next to hers.

“No,” she said sarcastically.

I laughed and said, “sarcasm too huh?”

“Everything,” Bette said waving her hands in my face.

“Class!” the teacher, Diane Jenkins, called strutting into the classroom with a comical swagger that had me rolling in laughter.

Bette just laughed at my reaction.

“I see we have a newbie, ho ho ho,” Diane said in a fake heavy French accent.