My Fathers Daughter [h.s]

Chapter 3

Layla Alaska

The school week dragged on, but it was finally Friday. Throughout the week I got to hangout with Ishmael and learn a bit more about him each day. He was a pretty laid back person who likes to have as much fun as he can. We have three out of five classes together and we usually spend our lunch break in the music room trying to learn new instruments. I suppose you can say he was my friend.

Although he has good intentions, I didn't want to get too attached. I never bother with people. I've always kept to myself and went on about my day. I worried myself with the fact he's probably only my friend because he doesn't know me well enough. He shared a lot of his life story with me, but I was afraid to do so. I was afraid soon enough he will find out and leave me to be with more known groups of people. There was nothing I could do about it even if he did, but I hoped he hadn't. I liked having him as a friend. I wanted to keep it that way for as long as I can before I no longer can't.

That was my issue. I get attached easily. One of the many reasons why I tend to be alone. People don't like clingy. I wouldn't say I was clingy necessarily, but a lot of my friendships ended because 'I was being too attached' I tried to change my ways over the years, I don't know if it worked, but I guess I'll find out now.

It was the end of the day. School was out for the weekend. I waited by the exit for Ishmael, we were going to hang out for a bit before calling it a day. I leaned against the brick wall of the school and watched everyone exit the door in a hurry to either catch their bus or leave this place as quick as humanly possible.

I smiled as I spotted Ishmael approaching me. He walked over with a look of exhaustion "Hey friend."

"Hello stranger, how was your day?" We walked down the street, away from the school property. He let out an exasperated sigh, "There is way too much information in my brain that I can no longer hold. I need an ice cream."

"There's an ice cream shop not far from here."

"Lead the way!" After reaching the Ice cream parlor, Ishmael and I stood in line making small talk, waiting for our turn to order. As we did so the bell on the door rang. I turned around to see Aviva walk in with her group of friends. She made eye contact with me, giving me a slight grin with a wink before they went off to sit down.

Ishmael nudge his shoulder against mine to get my attention, "Do you know her?"

"Not really." I told him. He hummed with curiosity. I turned back to face the front of the line. It was finally our turn to order. Ishmael got a vanilla bean on a cone whereas I got a mint chocolate chip in a cup. We left the shop, once again walking down the street. We sat down under a tree at the park, silently eating our ice cream.

"I've seen those girls around school. Are you acquainted with them?"

I responded with a simple "No." I didn't like to talk about the past. Especially Aviva. We weren't friends necessarily, I don't know what to call it, but as you can see we don't talk anymore. She's a well known girl in our school, I didn't want to run with that crowd. The only reason I knew of her was because of one of the other girls in her friend group. Other than that we never talked much. Anymore that was.

"So I was wondering," I turned to him as he began to speak but then stopped. "What about?"

He purses his lips as his face began to turn a pink color. He was hesitant to continue on, but then he blurted out, "Do you want to go out sometime?"

I hummed curiously, "We are out."

"Out together I mean, such as a date." I was unsure how to respond to his request without sounding harsh. We have only known each other for a week. It is too soon to try something more with him, although I'm not sure I wanted to be anything more than a friend with him.

"I'm not looking to be in a relationship right now. I'm sorry to have to decline. Trust me it's for the best. Getting involved with me isn't a good idea."

Ishmael's smile disappears from his face, his lips turning into a frown instead. "Why do you keep saying that? What's wrong with getting involved with you?"

"Take my word for it. Can we just stay friends for now?" I needed him as a friend more than anything.

"I suppose." He didn't sound convincing, but I didn't question it. I looked at my phone to check the time. It was now four thirty in the evening, we spent two hours sitting here.

I stood up from the grass, "I have to get home now. My aunt is going to be worried if I'm not back by five."

Ishmael stood up as well. He picked up his sweater that we were previously sitting on and shook the dirt off. "I'll walk you."

"That's okay, my brother is picking me up." On cue, Aiden's car pulls up in front of us. I walk over to the car, gesturing for Ishmael to follow me. I got in the passengers seat. Ishmael still stood outside. I opened the door once more, "get in." He did as told, opening the door to the back seat and getting in.

"This is my brother Aiden."

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Ishmael."

Aiden raised his eyebrow at me before turning to Ishmael. "Likewise. Am I dropping you off at your place?" Ishmael nodded slightly. He told Aiden his address and soon enough we were off. After dropping him off, Aiden and I headed home.

"So, who is your new friend."

"I told you already, his name is Ishmael."

"Does your mom know about him?" I rolled my eyes at his question. I was allowed to have friends without telling my mother. I got out of the car and went inside the house. Aiden continued to follow behind me and all the way to my room.

"Aiden, quit it."

"I'm just making sure you're okay Alaska."

"I'm fine. I promise."

He sat down on the bed next to me, "How did your appointment go?"

"It was rescheduled to tomorrow." I was relieved for that. I wasn't ready to face the events of my appointment. I don't think I can handle all the emotions that come with it.

"When is your next appointment with Dr. Sivan?"

"Tuesday of next week." After chatting for a while longer, Aiden left me to be on my own. I sat at my table with my journal open, unsure of what to write. Soon enough the pen flowed over the page as I poured my thoughts into the page.

I found myself writing about Ishmael.

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