Just Anything

002

TW: Mentions of and acts of the following

Violence against women.

Men yelling at woman.

It was just another regular school day for Lucy, an A day, which meant that she had Orchestra class. As usual, she anticipated meeting Jenny there, as Jenny often visited before heading to her ELA class. Approaching the hallway where she usually turned, Lucy unexpectedly overheard "J" utter something rude about Jenny to his "friends". The venomous words ignited a fierce anger within Lucy, causing her to instinctively shove "J" away in defense of her friend. This sudden escalation of emotions led to an unfortunate outcome — "J" retaliated by punching Lucy in the stomach.

The impact knocked the air out of her lungs, leaving her gasping and struggling and even crying as she tried her best to regain her breath. Despite the pain, Lucy limped her way to her class, her focus solely on regaining control over her body and her breathing. She felt like she was dying. But in moments like this, the air felt precious, sweet, and essential, each inhale a desperate attempt to replenish what had been taken from her.

Inside the classroom, her violin cradled in her hands, Lucy found solace in the melodies she conjured. The strings vibrated under her touch, producing a harmonious flow of sound that transcended the physical discomfort she was feeling. Amidst the music, a thought pierced through her concentration: "That was the first time "J" had ever turned violent towards me when I was simply standing up for myself and for Jenny. I really hope nothing like this happens again."

 The pain he inflicted upon her still lingered but she continued to play through the pain.

Lucy's determination overshadowed her physical discomfort. As she navigated through the remainder of the class, she couldn't help but wonder about Jenny's well-being. 'How is Jenny doing right now?' she pondered, concerned for her friend's state of mind and unaware of the ripple effects this altercation had created.

As the class concluded, Lucy's gaze eagerly scanned the bustling hallways for her dearest friend, Jenny. Amid the throng of students navigating their way to their next class, Lucy's eyes finally locked onto Jenny. Waving animatedly, Lucy sought to catch Jenny's attention amidst the sea of movement. Jenny, spotting the wave, deftly maneuvered through the crowd to reach Lucy's side. Once they were together, they clasped hands, a tangible connection that would ensure they wouldn't be separated amidst the chaotic currents of students.

LUCY AND JENNY'S POV:

Curiosity and concern mingled in Jenny's voice as she asked, "Soo, how was class?" Lucy's response came effortlessly, "It was alright, just the usual, nothing new." She sidestepped mentioning the incident that had occurred earlier in the hallway, shielding her friend from the troubling encounter.

However, Jenny's perceptive gaze wasn't easily fooled. "Are you sure, Lucy? You seem a little down," Jenny remarked, her worry evident through the tone of her voice. Lucy mustered a smile, attempting to dismiss any concerns, "Don't worry, Jenny. It's just another generic school day, you know? Just getting through it." She played it off, hoping to maintain a facade of calmness.

Jenny's response was heartfelt, "Alright, but remember, if something's ever bothering you, you can always talk to me, okay?" Lucy's smile widened at Jenny's words, "You know I will, Jenny. You're my closest best friend after all."

As they walked together towards their respective classes, Jenny noticed that Lucy's glasses had slipped a bit. With a tender gesture, she gently pushed them back up, their eyes meeting in a fleeting yet meaningful moment. Laughter bubbled between them, a shared understanding of their unbreakable bond. Eventually, they bid each other farewell, venturing off to their next classes.

LUCYS POV:

Upon returning home, Lucy took off her shoes and greeted her mother before retreating upstairs to her bed. Weariness settled over her, but her thoughts were far from restful. Her mind circled back to the hallway incident with her boyfriend. She coughed, glancing at her phone to find a simple "Hey" from him. Ignoring the message, she closed her eyes in an attempt to nap away her worries. But she couldn't bring herself to do so, replaced by the contemplation of. "What if Jenny faces a similar situation when she starts her own relationship with 'M'?" That simply will not do, Lucy mused, a fervent wish that Jenny wouldn't have to endure the same experience that had shaken Lucy's own day.

As the weight of the day settled upon her, Lucy's body began to tremble, a physical manifestation of the torrent of emotions swirling within her. A depressing wave of images washed over her mind, like a painful slideshow, each slide bearing a snapshot of her closest friend Jenny's anguish. Vividly, she recalled Jenny's voice over the phone, a mixture of vulnerability and sorrow as she recounted the trials of her day.

The scenes were heart-wrenching – Jenny, a soul so dear to Lucy, being subjected to M's harsh words, his berating tone tearing at her self-esteem over trivial matters that held no significance. The memory gnawed at Lucy, a fierce protectiveness surging through her veins as she imagined Jenny's tears, the pain etched in every sob.

Lucy's heart clenched, a silent vow forming within her that she would never stand idly by while her friend endured such torment. The mere thought of M laying his hands on Jenny ignited a fiery resolve in Lucy. She understood the gravity of such actions, something she would never condone, especially when it came to her beloved friend.

But amidst the turmoil of these painful images, another image slowly materialized – Lucy's mind's eye envisioned Jenny's face, a testament to her strength even in the face of adversity. The image wavered, a fleeting moment of determination that Lucy clung to as a glimmer of hope.

As the darkness from her closing her eyes consumed her, Lucy's tears flowed freely, an emotional release that carried her into the realm of sleep. Questions swirled in her mind like constellations against the night sky, each representing an uncertain aspect of the future. Would things ever change? Or would they remain the same, like a frozen moment in time on a Saturday afternoon?

Lucy's thoughts echoed like a mantra in her mind – Will it ever get better?

As the time passed by fast, Lucy found solace, wrapped in the arms of sleep, her mind drifting between the realms of dreams and reality. As the moon cast its gentle glow, one thought anchored her – Time will tell. It was a whispered promise, a fragile reassurance that somewhere in the passage of time, answers would emerge.

EHHH THIS ONE WAS KINDA LONGER THAN THE LAST ONE AND I'M NOT REALLY PROUD OF THIS ONE SOOOOOOO I HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOYED!! >_<