Amarillo the Zero

Being the first in my class meant everything. I was an example to my other classmates. If I strive, they too will strive but if I struggled so did they. As class president everyone looked up to me, I would make sure everyday I dressed and looked to my best. I was taught to talk formally and respectfully to my peers and elders. No one was going to stand in my way of being first in the entire school, or so I thought.

Amarillo, that was his name. Or the Amarillo the Zero as the other elementary students called him. The most lazy and selfish 5th grader in the school. This kid would not do any of his assignments even less turn them in. Everyone avoided working with him, he was such a drag. If I was going to be number one in the school I will also have to avoid him at all cost, I told myself whenever I saw him.

Then one day, things just went south for me. We were halfway through the semester when the teacher decided to give us a group project of two. The project was based on the history of Art, and how does it affect our society today. "Okay this sounds like an easy A+, I can handle it no problem." I said under my breath, and oh boy was I in for a surprise when I heard the second part of the project. "You will be paired with grade percentages, high grade students paired with low grade students", said the teacher. At that very moment I felt a cold chill down my spine, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I, Zack the class president, will be paired up with no other than Amarillo the Zero. It was a nightmare, my perfect grade percent was going to go down.

The next day we got into our respective pairs and started to brain storm ideas for the project. "Okay maybe he might actually help" I told myself. "Hi Amarillo", no respond from him. He must be shy I thought to myself. I shared my ideas and plans for the project but it was no use. It was like talking to a wall, a wall that didn't care for his grade nor mine. I thought about asking the teacher for another partner but that was out of the question. I'm class president, I can't go showing signs of weakness. Somehow I need to find a way to power through, but how? Amarillo would only do silly drawings on a paper and ignore me.

Project presentations day came up, luckily for us we were the last group on the list so that meant we are scheduled for the next day. That means we still had a chance to somehow finish our project. Everyone that went up today had a great poster and visuals. It was clear that our project was the worst by far.

Day two came, were we ready? "And last but not least Zack and Amarillo", announced the teacher. We stepped up to the front of the classroom to present our poster. My palms were sweaty, my legs wouldn't stop shaking, I thought I was going to pass out from the stress and anxiety. The classroom was so quiet I felt like everyone could hear my heartbeat. Everyone was waiting, but I had no idea how to even start the presentation. Then out of no where there was a voice, "This is our project and it based on comparing old art with modern art". It was Amarillo, he was actually presenting the project. At that moment, I stop feeling nervous, the burden on my shoulders was gone. I soon followed up with what Amarillo was talking about. It turns out that he was actually listening to me the whole time. Amarillo was linking all my ideas and concepts to our project. We kept going back and form, explaining everything on poster. At the end we both said "thank you for your time and attention", followed by a bow. The entire class and even the teacher clapped. What was the feeling? It was pride, not in me but in Amarillo.

The school bell rang signaling that the school day was over. I wanted to talk to Amarillo about how well he did in our project but he was gone. I packed up my things rushed out to try to catch him. There he was in the hallway by the stairs. "Hey Amarillo wait!" I shouted but he just ignored me. I pulled on his backpack stopping him from leaving. "What is it?" he asked. "I just wanted to say you did a great job today and I'm proud to call you my classmate and partner." "Oh is that all?" he answered emotionless. What was wrong with him, why is he like this? Amarillo pulled away and took his leave.

Days passed, but nothing from Amarillo. I started to notice how lonely he was. He would spend break and lunch by himself, almost like he had no friends. Eventually another group project came up but this time we were allowed to pick our partners. I always had people line up to be my partner, so it was easy to get a partner of my choice. I looked over my shoulder and there he was, alone, in the corner, with no one wanting pair up with Amarillo. Then and there I realized why Amarillo was so cold with me, he needed a friend not just a partner. I left all the other students behind and approached him. "Hey you wanna pair up... friend?", offering my hand. Amarillo's eyes got watery, in tears he shook his head and smiled. "Finally... a friend" he whispered.

And that is the story of how I, Zack the class president, became best friends with Amarillo the Zero. Now we spend break, lunch, and after school together. I help with his classes and homework and he teaches me how to do cool drawings. In a way we both saved each other from doom, which is why I know consider him my best friend.