Creative Writing - Perspective Switching - Based on the Absuletly True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The first part is a re-write of the corresponding part of the book, it was adapted by our student. That's why it contains parts of the dialogue from the original book.

I was just chilling on the playground, again. Not like there was anything else to do. It’s kind of fun to sit here and to just relax, but then I saw Arnold coming towards me. I wonder what he’s doing here, not that I mind, but he’s not supposed to be.

“I thought you were on suspension, dickwad.” I said casually. Rowdy just rolled his eyes a little and hit me with the “Kiss my ass”. HAH sure, in your dreams. I was going to say something back at him, but I got interrupted.”

“Can I tell you a secret?” Arnold said. “It better not be girly,” I said. “It’s not” “Okay, then tell me.” “I’m transferring to Reardan.”

…I froze. What the hell did he just say. I narrowed my eyes with slight fury while looking at him. He’s not serious, is he? I was waiting for him to say something, but nothing came.

“This isn’t funny” I said. “It’s not supposed to be funny; I’m transferring to Reardan and I want you to come with me.” He spoke.

He could not possibly be serious about this, what was he even thinking??

“And when are you going on this imaginary journey?” I asked while rolling my eyes.

“It’s not imaginary. It’s real. And I’m transferring now. I start school tomorrow at Reardan.”

I frowned; he can’t possibly be serious.

“You better quit saying that. You’re getting me mad.”

I don’t want to say that I was in denial but also no way, HE CAN’T POSSIBLY BE SERIOUS.

“I’m not trying to get you mad, I’m telling the truth. I’m leaving the rez, man, and I want you to come with me. It will be an adventure.” “I don’t even drive through that town.” I said immediately after. “What makes you think I want to go to school there?”

I just got up and stared at him for a while. I hated looking at him right now. It made me almost disgusted. I was trying to hold it in, so I just spit in the floor.

How could he just switch to the Reardan school. Just like that. This can’t be possible. THIS SIMPLY MUST BE A SILLY AND ABSOLUTELY STUPID PRANK.

The actual task starts here:

“Rowdy,” He said.” I’m going to Reardan tomorrow.”

I froze yet again. I just looked Arnold in his eyes. I saw that he was serious, that he wasn’t joking, but no... that can’t be true, he must be lying.

“You’ll never do it, you’re too scared” I said back at him.

“I’m going” he said.

“No way, you’re a wuss.”

“I’m doing it.”

“You’re a pussy”

“I’m going to Reardan tomorrow.”

“You’re really serious?”

“Rowdy, I’m as serious as a tumor”

I just coughed and turned away from Arnold. I couldn’t possibly look at him. I felt his hand touch my shoulder.

“Don’t touch me, you retarted fag” I yelled at him. Tears were starting to form. Why would Arnold do this?? Tears were flowing down my cheeks. I wiped them away and could only stare at my hands. I couldn’t hold it in anymore, I screamed so loudly. I couldn’t stop screaming, this wasn’t happening just now. THIS WASN’T REAL.

“Rowdy, I’m sorry,” Arnold said. “I’m sorry”

But no matter how many times he kept apologizing, I couldn’t stop screaming.

“You can still come with me” He said. “You’re still my best friend.”

Silence. I suddenly stopped screaming.

I looked up to face him. I was fuming. How could he say such a thing when he is literally LEAVING ME. He could probably see my emotions right through my eyes. He knew how mad I was. Such an entitled little prick, leaving me for some white people.

“You always thought you were better than me,” I yelled at him through my tears.

“No, no, I don’t think I’m better than anybody. I think I’m worse than everybody else.”

…

He doesn’t make sense to me.

“Why are you leaving me?”

“I have to go. I’m going to die if I don’t leave.”

I then yet again felt my body flinch as I realised that Arnold placed his hand on my shoulder again. He could not be serious right now. IS HE STUPID? HOW COULD HE POSSIBLY TRY TO COMFORT ME LIKE THAT WHEN HE IS LITERALLY MOVING SCHOOLS??

I couldn’t hold it in anymore.

Bottled up all my feelings and punched him directly in the face. This probably caught him off guard since he fell down. Pathetic. He should’ve known not to mess with me. I just walked away.

I had enough of him.

text + painting Copyright @ student at our school