One True Friend by James Cross Giblin Read Free Book Online Page B

drawing came to life, Amir recognized traces of familiar images in Ronald's face—his nose with gracefully flaring nostrils and his deep dimples. Amir's heart raced, and he put his pencil down. "You tired now?" he asked Ronald.
    "No. Let me see how I look."
    "When I'm finished. Don't you want to take a break?"
    Ronald reached for the sketch. "No. I want to see it."
    Bruce, one of Ronald's friends, walked into the yard just then. For the moment the sketch was forgotten as Ronald jumped off the bench and ran over to his friend. Amir was relieved. He went upstairs and took several pieces of paper out of his notebook.
Saturday
    August 8th
    Dear Doris,
    I hope everything is okay. Your last letter made me laugh, but think about things, too. Soul family and chosen family. Maybe that's why I didn't get annoyed when Mr. Smith called me "son" just now. I hardly noticed it. Part of it could've been because the Smiths bought me a fantastic paint set and new sketchpads today, and I was so surprised, I could hardly say thank you. I was touched and shocked. Almost speechless. I hope they don't think I'm ungrateful. No foster parents have ever done such a nice thing for me.
    I've always dreamed about having a set like this. Then when Mr. Smith started talking about finishing the picture of them—the one they think is them—it didn't make me angry like before; maybe a little annoyed. 1 keep reminding myself that he's only trying to be nice. I'll surprise them with a drawing of themselves.
    Ronald was as excited as if the gift had been for him. Some kids would've been jealous. When I think about it, he's like that, even with his friends. He shares whatever he has. I guess the Smiths taught him that. My parents taught us the same thing. As I drew Ronald, I began to see how much he looks like our mother and father all wrapped up in one little boy. I had to take a break.
    Doris, you will have to fire yourself if you don't get your paper out on time. I think it's nice that you and Charlene are hanging out. It's hard enough being different from your friends; it's even harder when you're different from your own brothers and sisters. Seems to me that you and Charlene are more alike than Charlene and her own sisters.
    What about everyone else? Yellow Bird, Big Russell, Lavinia, and the twins? Guess you guys still haven't made up? One day the twins will realize that you're a good friend. About those drug rumors—I wouldn't even listen to them.
    Oh, by the way, I still haven't heard from anyone answering the letters. Only one came back; it said "addressee unknown."
    I guess that's all for now. Ronald is downstairs calling for me to finish his drawing. Now I can make you a beautiful painting of the lake, too.
    Love,
    Amir
    P.S. Only three weeks left of day camp. I was nominated for the best counselor award. Imagine that!

    As Amir finished his letter, Ronald burst into the room.

    "You finished the painting yet?"
    "No."
    "Well, can you finish it now?"
    "Okay."
    "Let's go outside."
    "Why? I can finish here."
    "I like it outside. Let's sit on the bench like we was doing."
    Amir glanced out the window. The light was changing, and the beginnings of an orange-reddish tinge slowly colored the sky."Okay, we'll go outside."
    Beaming, Ronald dashed down the stairs and was out the door by the time Amir reached the kitchen.
    Amir colored in Ronald's face using a bronze-tone pencil—his coloring, too, was exactly like their mother's. Amir tried once again to say something about her and their father, but the words didn't sound right in his head and couldn't reach his tongue. Ronald sat next to him like the perfect model with a huge smile on his face.
    Amir chuckled. "Ronald, you're going to hurt your face if you keep smiling like that."
    When Amir finished, the sun was about to set. Ronald ran to Mr. and Mrs. Smith with the drawing.
    Mr. Smith turned to Amir. "You are truly talented, son," he said.
    "Thank you," Amir answered, remembering not to