Saint Ambrose Academy: Unlikelies

16

ENZO
Walking the trail with Nova, the conversation is light, we talk about classes and school work, as I'm intrigued in her being in such advanced classes at a young age. I gather the courage to ask her about Lia. I notice the slight panic in my bringing it up, but explain that I happened to have seen them walking home one night, and when asked Lia had said how she went to dance camp with her before starting school here. When she doesn't respond to this I continue.

"She and I, were dating for a short while, but she doesn't know about what I do, or understand that the golden boy reputation is more of a mask than anything; she could tell something was up and wanted me to open up to her be real with her but I just couldn't tell her. I probably wouldn't have told you had you not caught me red-handed. Thank you again for not telling anyone." I give an awkward smile, hoping that in opening up a little bit she may feel comfortable doing the same one day.

"If you ever need to talk about something that makes you feel like doing that, I'll listen, I can't promise I'll have any type of helpful answers as my life's..." She hesitates. "Well it's complicated but it's not all that perfect either not even close, but I think that despite it, it's still worth living. I don't really know why you do what you do, and I don't fully understand the wheels that turn in your mind; I can tell you've got secrets and sadness, but I don't think you need to be alone with it. At least not anymore, it may not have been intentional but I know now, and I just want you to know I can be someone you go to if you need it." She says this so softly and gently, if I wasn't listening so intently I may have missed it, Lia had said that she is a good person, but I still find myself a little surprised at how much kinder she is than I anticipated. It is an insanely, sweet offer, but I know myself better, and I probably won't take advantage of this offer, after all, I really don't deserve it.

"Thank you, I want to extend the same words to you, I know you don't get treated very well at school, and if you ever need my help don't hesitate to ask. I want to be there for you. I was really surprised when I saw you and her together, but I think it makes sense now. Lia had said you were a kind person, and I feel really sorry that I hadn't known it til then. She's really lucky to call you a friend." I admit with an awkward smile, not able to look her in the eye.

"We were friends, she's a good person, and I'm sorry to hear that things didn't work out for you two. We've not talked for a really long time before that night though, I doubt she would even still call me a friend...Uhm do you think she's doing okay though? She seemed like there may have been something weighing on her when I saw her, but we haven't been close like that in years so I didn't have the right to pry into her life." She admits looking a little uncomfortable to be discussing this.
"She did mention that you had been a friend to her when she was having family issues back then, but the truth is the issues are ongoing, it's not really my place to say anything but I don't think she has anyone else to discuss it with, I try my hardest to be helpful but I think whenever she discusses her issues with me, she's just reminded of the fact I couldn't be as open with her as she is with me. I can tell she's a little bothered by it, and I can't blame her it shouldn't have to feel like a one-way street," I sigh and look up while I walk before continuing. "I just I can't be what everybody wants me to be all at once. She wants me to be real, but it would scare her if she knew what really went on in my mind if she knew how far off I was from the version everyone expects. I try to be there for her because I know Cassia isn't really someone she can go to about those things, but I think she needs someone besides me that she feels more comfortable being open about her home life." I steal a glance at Nova and notice she's within hearing distance but has stopped walking.

She looks worried and possibly in pain. "I-is it a lot worse than it was back then?" She asks with a little difficulty.

"I think so, she's having a hard time, would it be totally out of line for me to ask if you could check in on her?" I don't even bother waiting for a response as I am 100% certain she's in pain now.
"Are you feeling alright? You look a little pale all of a sudden. Do you want to sit down?" She doesn't speak but nods her head and I help her sit down on a huge rock on the side of the trail, we had just reached the opening in the trail with the fantastic view of the lake and countryside.