Crouching on a bench outside the girls’ locker room, Karen made a friendship bracelet. She sat in empty silence, with only the bright, twisted threads for company, and listened for the sound of Jenna’s voice near the door. A loud laugh broke through the door, and Karen’s hands faltered. Miserably, she dropped her work and sighed, glancing down at the other girl on the bench to make sure she hadn’t heard. Karen almost wished she had.
    As she leaned her head against the cool concrete wall, she wondered about herself. To make a friendship bracelet for her not-friend? Her old friend? Old ex-friend? Crazy. Karen sighed as she tied the last pink-and-blue knot. Just then, the locker room doors burst open, and the gaggle of giggling girls skipped out, arm in arm.
    Jenna was in the middle, as always. With Amanda and Kelly, of course. Her fantastic new friends. But, there was a chance she would accept the bracelet. They had made so many years ago.
    Karen tentatively shuffled up to the group, bracelet in her outstretched hand. A shocked hush fell over the small crowd.
    “Whaddaya want, twerp?’” inquired Kelly nastily. “Tryin’ to strangle us with your dirty yarn?” Her curly red ponytail bounced on her shoulders as she laughed with the others. Karen could see that although Jenna’s mouth smiled, her big, brown eyes were somber and regretful. Maybe Jenna cared, she thought.
    “Yea, what?” prodded Jenna. Karen looked down at he floor instead of up at Jenna. She brushed a strand of straight, mousy-brown hair out of her watery, hazel eyes, and then muttered her retort.
    “I made you a friendship bracelet, Jenna.” she mumbled. Instantly, Amanda dropped her jaw in fake astonishment.  Her sparkling green eyes betrayed the mischief of her words.   
    “You know what Karen?” Amanda asked, “Friendship bracelets are for your friends. Let’s go, girls.” Rolling her eyes, she pranced off down the hall, the rest of the posse at her heels. Only Jenna remained. Quietly, she stared at Karen for a moment. Karen pushed her hand out with the bracelet. Just take it, she thought.Their eyes met for a moment. Then Jenna whirled around and sprinted after her friends. To watch that blond ponytail bounce down the hallway seemed to Karen like watching the end of the world. Her only friend. But the world still had some surprises.
    “Hi,” said the other bench-girl softly,”They’re real jerks. I’m Maisie.” Karen turned, surprised, and a grin broke her mournful face. She stared for a moment at Maisie, just smiling.
    “Yea, they are,” Karen agreed,”I’m Karen. Want a friendship bracelet?” Maisie grinned and nodded, holding out her wrist. After all, friendship bracelets are for your friends !