Young Forever

Chapter 3

After school, Angela waited outside school. She still couldn't believe this was happening. Was she really going to study with Aaliyah? Was it all a dream? She checked her watch.

Soon, Aaliyah was there too.

"Angela, there you are," she said.

"Oh... hi, Aaliyah" Angela said nervously.

"Well, should we get going?" asked Aaliyah.

"Yeah."

The library was not so far from the school. It was a relatively small place but it was nice and cozy. There was a separate section for students to study. Angela and Aaliyah sat down on one of the chairs and began to do their homework.

The silence was a bit awkward. Angela thought about saying something.

"So uh, you come here... often?"

Damn it. That was so awkward. She immediately regretted it.

"I do, not just for studies though" Aaliyah responded. "There are certain books I like to read as well."

"Really? Like what?"

"I normally love fantasy novels. They're so creative"

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. In fact, my dream is to become a fantasy novel author."

"That's.... Lovely. I think you can do it. I'd love to read your novels someday."

"You do? Oh, that's wonderful. So what kind of books do you like, Angela?"

"Oh, I'm more of a horror person."

"Oh wow, that's interesting. I do like a good horror story myself"

"Really? Well, I have read some fantasy novels too."

"Oh, that's so cool."

"Wait, uh, aren't we supposed to be doing homework?"

"Oh yeah. Gosh, we got a bit distracted there."

They continued doing their homework. That went surprisingly well. Was it really happening? Was Angela really becoming friends with Aaliyah Taylor?

"I'm done" Aaliyah said after a while.

"So soon?" Angela asked

"Yeah. You need any help?"

"Well, yeah. I have a bit of trouble understanding this part."

"Let me see."

Angela pointed to a math sum and Aaliyah helped her with it.

"Wow, thanks Aaliyah. Math was never my strong point" said Angela.

"No prob, Angela. Anytime you need help, you can ask me."

"R-Really?"

"Yeah. I know, math is hard for a lot of people."

"You're telling me. If it wasn't for math I'd be at the top of my class."

The two of them laughed for a bit.

"Um, Aaliyah.... Is it okay if you help me out with the rest of my math homework."

"Sure Angela. Lets see what you got there."

Aaliyah helped with her homework and soon, both of them were done.

"Wow, that was... shorter than I expected" Angela said.

"Once you know all the formulas, its not that hard '' said Aaliyah.

"So... are we going home now?"

"Welll, I was gonna take a look at some new releases the library has. Wanna come with?"

Angela suddenly remembered something. An art book for a game she really liked was supposed to be released on this particular day. She never got to buy it, but maybe now she could have it. Maybe she could look around a bit more.

"Yeah, sure."

The girls looked around for a while. 

"Oh, here's that novel I was looking for" said Aaliyah. "Angela, you looking for horror novels?"

"Not this time. The art book for Below Story was released and I wanna buy it."

"You played that game too?" Aaliyah asked.

"Yeah. Its... one of my favourites" Angela said.

"Oh my God, I love that game. I must've played it at least 10 times. So what route did you play? Who's your favourite character? What moment made you laugh the most? What's your favourite thing about it? What was your favourite boss"

"Um, easy there"

"Oh, sorry, its just that, I never thought I'd meet another person who liked Below Story."

Angela looked at her watch.

"Oh, I have to go now. My parents will be waiting for me."

"Oh, I see. I guess I gotta go too. Bye Angela. See you tomorrow in school."

"See you too."

With that, the girls parted ways.

That went... better than expected. Seems like the two girls had quite a bit in common.

"I'm home" Angela said as she opened the door of her house.

"Angela, you're a bit late today" Mrs Wang said.

"Oh, I was at the library with..... a friend."

She actually wasn't sure whether to call Aaliyah a friend yet. Did Aaliyah see her the same way?

"A friend? You actually made a friend?" Mrs Wang asked.

"Yeah.... I guess I did."

"That's great, Angela. What's her name?"

"She's.... Aaliyah Taylor. The most popular girl in my grade. She helped with my Maths homework."

"Ooh, that's great. My Angie is with the popular girls now. Keep hanging out with this Aaliyah girl, okay?"

"Alright mom."

Angela went to her room and flopped on her bed. Was it still really a dream? Either way, she'd accomplished one goal. She'd actually made a friend. This was the start of her turning her youth around.