The Magazine

I have a great friend. He’s always there for me. When I’m having trouble with my work or something like that he’ll help me. If I’m being bullied he’ll get rid of the bully. If I get upset, he’ll comfort me. We’re best friends. He’s the kind of friend everyone would want.

The only problem is no one else can see him. Well, neither can I but I always know when he’s there. When I turn to him or talk to him people sometimes make fun of me. They say I have an imaginary friend. But no, he’s real. And I know he’ll always be there for me no matter what. How do I know that? Well, this is how.

It happened just a few days ago, on a school day. It started at lunch time. Once every week, me and some of my other friends get to go to the library. So as soon as lessons finished we headed straight to the library; I took my watch with me. We ran through the many corridors slowing down when we passed the Headteacher’s office.

When we reached the library we all began to read. Some time passed and I was so engrossed in my book that I forgot about my surroundings. I forgot about my friend. He circled the library aimlessly waiting for me to finish so we could play. But that time didn’t come. I don’t know what he did next.

When I noticed that it was almost time to have lunch I decided to play a game with the others. One suggested tag; another suggested ninja warriors; the guy next to me suggested the Random Game and the final one suggested Truth or Dare.

We all agreed to the last game and began. We play a couple games and it was my turn again. My closest friend out of the four dared me to do a little dance around the room. So, I began to dance. But after doing multiple dance moves I accidentally knocked into a plant pot. It tipped over and shattered into pieces. Everyone gazed in horror.

Before I could stop them they rushed to a teacher to tell. I could hear them shouting about how it was all my fault and they were trying to relax as I messed about: lies. Lies! The teacher came over and was not happy at all. I turned to look for my friend but he wasn’t there. I was all alone. Or at least, I thought I was.

As the teacher walked me to the Headteacher’s office I heard a voice in my head. ‘Do not fret, I am here. You will be alright. I shall help you. Just wait. Just turn. I will be there.’ So, I turned to my left and, he was there. Smiling at me. Visible. I could actually see him. But no one else could. Did I care? No. He was there for me even though I ignored him and that’s all that mattered. I didn’t care if I got in trouble. Because I knew my friend would help me. And he did.

By Cole Tibbet

Cole is 10 years old and lives in Aylsham with his big sister Chloe, his Mum, Dad and cats Boots and Astra. When he grows up Cole hopes to be an author, a YouTuber and possibly write computer games.