Young Forever

Chapter 12

Angela and Aaliyah made their way to the library. Aaliyah went to the receptionist and returned her book.

"There we go" she said. "Should we do our homework here?"

"We have little today, but it wouldn't hurt," said Angela.

"Alright."

They sat down at the table and began to do their homework. Once they were done, they looked around the library.

"Hey Angie, look what I found," Aaliyah said. "A book about game design. I thought you would like it"

Angela took the book in her hand. She flipped through it.

"I think I'll borrow this," said Angela. "It could be useful for me. Thanks Aali."

"No problem Angie" said Aaliyah. "So tell me about this game you're making."

"Well, its a horror game. Its about a girl who wakes up in the hospital with no memory of what happened and everyone in her small town seems to have disappeared. She must go and find out what happened. Its still a work in progress."

"Ooh, sounds interesting."

"You know, once you become a writer, maybe I can adapt one of your novels into a game" said Angela.

"What? You would do that?"

"Of course."

"Well.... Do you wanna see what I've written so far?"

"You have it?"

Aaliyah took out a manuscript from her bag.

"Its a work in progress but uh, here's the story I've been working on."

"I'll definitely give it a read. I'm sure it'll be amazing."

"Aww thanks Angie. There may be a few corrections there because when I gave it to Monica, boy did she have some harsh words to say. It came from a genuine place of course but man, it still hurts."

"Forget about what Monica said," said Angela. "I'm sure this'll be amazing."

"Why thanks Angie," Aaliyah blushed a little.

Angela looked around a little bit more, till she came to the manga section. She took out one called "Pretty Moon".

"Oh, you like that one?" Aaliyah said.

"Yeah. Its... actually my favourite. My parents say its for little girls but still..."

"Hey, Pretty Moon is my favourite too" said Aaliyah. "Monica says manga is dumb and for little kids, but I like it."

"Again, forget what Monica says" said Angela. "You do you. If she has a problem with it, let her sort it out."

"No, you're right," said Aaliyah.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" asked Angela.

"What?"

"Does Monica respect.... any of your interests?"

"Well, she makes fun of my interests a lot. Honestly the only thing we share in common is that we like fashion. But that's fine, after all you can be friends with someone different from you, right?"

"Yeah, but if a friend mocks what you love, then I don't think they're a real friend."

Aaliyah went silent.

"But uh, that's just my opinion. I'm not saying you should stop being Monica's friend or anything, I'm just-"

"No, no, I understand," said Aaliyah. "I won't lie, when she relentlessly mocks my dreams and interests, it does kinda hurt, but I never show it to her."

"Well, don't let her get to you. I support you. I think you're pretty cool."

"Really?"

Aaliyah looked down and blushed.

"Oh, would you look at the time. I gotta go now. Bye Aali. See you tomorrow."

"Bye Angie."

Angela went home.

"Well, someone's been smitten" said the librarian.

"Huh, what? What are you talking about, Mrs Devin?" Aaliyah asked.

"The way you acted around that girl, you clearly have a crush don't you?"

"Um, well, that's not-"

"See? You're blushing even more."

"Ha ha ha. Okay fine, I do have a crush on Angie. But, ah, I don't think she feels that way about me."

"How do you know? Has she told you?"

"No, but-"

"How will you know if she doesn't tell you? You can do this, Aali. I believe in you."

"Ha ha. Thanks Mrs Devin. Goodbye now."

Sitting on a table was Monica, watching Aaliyah and hearing every word between her and Mrs Devin.

"So, that Aaliyah has feelings for Angela. And Angela's trying to get her to ditch me. Tough luck, Aali is MY friend. And I'll make sure she never hangs out with you again."