This is it. This is how I go out. I'm gonna get kidnapped and raped and killed and my body will be dumped in a remote place where no one will be able to find it for years and I'll end up in a Forensic Files episode!
As the person got closer and closer, I realized it was that tall girl with the grey sweater from school. "Hi." She said softly, sitting down on the swing next to mine.
"H-hello." I said nervously and looking down. We sat there in silence for a bit, which felt like forever. I was so tense, like, do I say something? Am I supposed to leave? I was snapped away from my panic induced train of thought by her speaking.
"You're the girl from school that almost got in a fight, right? I recognized your pocky hoodie, which is super cute, by the way." I gave a weak smile while nodding slightly. What am I supposed to say?!?!?!
"Does that sort of thing happen a lot? The teasing and fighting, I mean." She asked and caught me by surprise. I didn't think she was gonna continue talking to me, let alone not make fun of me. I thought the pocky hoodie compliment was sarcastic.
"Huh? Oh! Uhh, n-not really.." I tried lying. I didn't want to keep this conversation going. My social anxiety is screaming!!
"I don't believe you." She stated simply and I bit my cheek. "But it's fin-" I started "it's not fine." She cut me off and looked straight at me. It was dark, but even so, it made me shy. "You shouldn't be treated like that by anyone, I doubt you did anything to her to deserve that."
I had no idea what to say. She was being nice to me and she doesn't even know me. Was she new to the school or something? I don't know how I'm supposed to react or what I should say.
"I-I just try to ignore her since she just wants the attention. But don't worry, I-I'll be fine. I've been fine until now after all, haha." I tell her with a nervous fake laugh, trying to reassure her and hide my anxiety, though I can see how that might not be the most reassuring thing to hear.
It was strange having someone be worried about me, I didn't want to burden her. She didn't say anything. She just looked at me, again it was dark, but I could feel her gaze on me. It was making me feel kinda paranoid and nervous. I don't know what to do! I should try to find a way to leave.
"Even if you tell me not to worry, I still will." She said after a bit and looked down. What? She'd... worry? About ME?! I'm a complete stranger to her, though! What am I supposed to do? What do I say? She doesn't have to worry, it's fine, really. This is my problem, I don't want her to have to deal with this as well. I'll just become a burden to her like I am to my mother.
"From now on, I'll be here for you whenever you need me." She sounded serious about that. It was clear that she meant it and it wasn't just hollow 'aww feel better' words. This chick, whose name I don't even know, is definitely crazy.
"Oh nono, it's ok, you don't have to do that it's fine." I tell her, I don't want her getting involved in this mess. I'm afraid of her getting hurt... I'm afraid of me getting hurt... I know it's selfish of me, but I'm afraid that if I let someone else into my life, I'll just taint the image of me they have. That I'll let them down, become someone they can't stand...
I'm afraid that I'll lose myself by trying to please them. I'm so selfish, I know, but I don't even know fully who I am. I don't want to build myself in someone else's mold just so they like me.
"I know I don't have to, but I want to." She said and looked up at the semi cloudy sky.
She... wants to..? But why?? I am freaking out. This has never happened before!! Maybe she wants something from me? Or maybe these really are 'aww feel better' words.
She got up from her swing and held her hand out to me, "Come with me, I want to take you somewhere."
Should I trust her? What if she's gonna kill me?? Maybe this was all a huge prank by Jayshley and Emma?
I shook my head, declining her offer. "Sorry, I can't, i-it's getting late, and umm, my... mother will worry if I don't get home." I lied. I need to get out of here, go home, and never see or speak to her again.
"Oh come on, it'll be quick." She said and grabbed my wrist, dragging me somewhere. Oh god, what is happening? Where is she taking me? Her hand is so warm and soft, though... oh my god, why did I think that?! I am such a fucking weirdo!
"Y-you're not gonna kill me, are you? I mean, no one would just randomly talk to me out of nowhere. You must be taking me to-" I stopped myself when I realized what I just said. I felt my cheeks get warm from embarrassment. "I am so sorry about that I-" I was cut off by the sound of her laughter. It was honestly the cutest thing ever.
"Nah, I don't have you marked for death until Friday" she said with a wink and booped my nose before we crossed the street. "I'm Miliani, by the way. Forgot to introduce myself haha." She said. Oh crud! I should introduce myself too, huh?? That's what people do, yeah?
"Oh uhh I-I'm Isaura, n-nice to meet you..?" I said nervously. Do people say that last part casually? Oh gee maybe I shouldn't have said that. I probably sounded so weird!!
"Isaura.." She repeated, "that's pretty." I felt my face get warm. I wanna go hooooome!
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We entered a small ramen place which I was surprised to see. I had no idea there was a ramen place here, let alone this close to me. I looked around, it was a cozy little place. "Hey, Miliani, why did you bring me here?" I asked confused as I took in the atmosphere.
"Well, it didn't really seem like you had lunch so I'm getting you food." She said while taking me to a table. I felt immediate guilt. She doesn't have to do that for me. "Oh it's fine, you don't have to get me anything don't worry about that." I said starting to turn around to leave.
"Sit your cute little butt down, young lady. I'm treating you to some nice food ok? No arguing about it."
I felt my face get warm and I obediently sat back down, hoping I didn't blush. Despite my darker complexion, I still visibly blush on occasion which is extremely awkward.
"Th-thank you then, I really appreciate it." I really did appreciate it, I had nothing but an apple all day. This girl, Miliani, literally is going out of her way for me. ME. Not even my own mother does that.
She handed me the menu to look at. She didn't really give me a budget range so I'll just get the cheapest thing on here. Although it's a ramen shop and you typically come here to eat ramen, I decided to get the miso soup.
"Have you decided on what to get, hun?" Miliani asked me as I put my menu down and nodded. "I'll get a miso soup with tofu and nori." I told her.
She called the waiter over and gave him our orders. Thank god I didn't have to do the any of the talking. I hated talking at stores and restaurants and just in general, really. It's so stressful.
It didn't take long for our meals to arrive and I feel like it seemed like I hadn't eaten in weeks because as soon as I had a taste of my soup, I basically devoured the whole thing. It was so tasty!! I was also very hungry and food tastes even better when you're hungry.
"You're so cute." Miliani smiled at me, and I looked down shyly. Ugh I wish I wasn't so damn awkward! HOW DID I EVEN END UP IN THIS SITUATION?!
