Clouds Cover the Sun Because they like the warmth

Date Crash

Manon did her best to look calm. Rebeca was the last person she wanted to see, especially today. After the crap that had happened last week, Manon was filled with fear, but also anger. Not, just after what happened, but the way she treated Norman and other people. It was rather disgusting. "What are you doing here with him?" Rebeca asked, giving Norman a disgusted look. Manon narrowed her eyes at her. "Having lunch." She replied quickly and sternly, hoping she would just leave. "Why did you leave early on Friday? Also why did you reject Andy and Josh? They are definitely better than" "They tried to abduct me after drugging me." Manon said harshly but quietly. Rebeca was all up in her face. And no her mouth was shut. Her face looked genuinely horrified. Before her aggression returned. "You're clearly lying." She scoffed as she looked away, her brows furrowed as she looked away. She knew what Manon was saying was true. Yet here she was keeping her mouth shut. "Well that's your problem if you think that." Manon replied as she turned away. Rebeca turned red with anger. "Seriously? You're choosing that freak over me?" "Ahem." Manon turned to see Norman staring straight at Rebeca. His eyes pure white as his body began to look like he was on a security camera. All the other times Manon would have guessed that it was a trick of her imagination, but now she couldn't deny it. "That freak is right here, and You're making what should be a civil conversation into a large scene. She made it clear she doesn't want to be around you. It's best that you leave." Rebeca was red with anger, Manon was sure she was about to explode. Her fists clenched. "She never said she didn't want me around." Rebeca said through gritted teeth. Norman looked over at Manon. Rebeca did too as Manon looked her up in the eye. All of her courage felt like it was going to melt right then and there. As the way she looked reminded her of someone far too much. She didn't want to end up like that again. Powerless, fearful, near death, yet the signs had evaded her. Here she could see all the red flags, and she had a choice. She wouldn't sink too deep this time. "I don't want you around. You are annoying, and mean to everyone who doesn't fit your standards. You judge people on appearance and you" A loud slap rang through. Causing several onlookers to see what was going down. The collision with the concrete of the patio. A burning sensation fled to her cheek as she began to hear loud arguing. Though everything became muffled through ringing in her ears. Manon felt her chest tighten as tears began to flow down her cheeks as she shakily began to get up. "Manon!" Manon looked over to see Norman crouched beside her. Eyes returned to pitch black voids. Manon still felt shaky. She couldn't face anyone. Eyes were everywhere on her and it felt suffocating. "Bathroom." Was all she murmured before getting up rushing into the building. Avoiding eye contact with everyone as she zoomed past tables. Eyes still felt upon her as she made it to a secluded hall with the restrooms, the women's being furthest back. Manon darted in. There were two stalls, and taking the one that was the farthest away from the door she locked it and slumped to the floor. The cold tile didn't help her state. She felt like she was suffocating as breathing became harder. The stinging sensation remained as flashes of what had happened replayed in her mind. She had stood up for herself, yet it all went to crap. How had that happened? She had put her foot down, and this is what happened. She remembered other times where similar stuff happened. God she was pathetic like this. She got hit and all she did was crumble. Things were becoming calmer but she was still distraught enough to not hear the door open. Three gentle knocks came to the door. Manon flinched as she looked up. Through blurry water tears she noticed a pair of small feet. "Are you peeing in there miss?" A young girl asked. Manon remained quiet. Surely this was a joke. She rubbed her eyes but when she looked back she saw a dark brown eye with orange hair tied in twin braids. "Oh you're not!" The girl said cheerfully before laying back down on the floor, and using her legs to push her into the stall. Manon was so confused that all she could do was watch. When the girl was about halfway through she sat up, and that's when Manon noticed she had something in her hand. She walked over with a big smile. Before sitting in front of her. It was then Manon could see what it was. The little girl halved a chocolate chip cookie and handed the bigger half to her. "Here." She said as Manon took it. Even if this was an odd encounter it still felt rude to not take it. Especially from a rather sweet girl. "Thank you." Manon said quietly as the girl gave another bright smile. "You're welcome. I saw you were sad and I wanted to cheer you up." The little girl said before taking a bite of her cookie. Manon felt another wave of tears threatening to flow. This had to be a joke, but what would a little kid have to lie at this point? Why would she offer half a cookie? Manon looked back down and gave a small smile before taking a bite. It was still rather warm. The dough was soft though it still left crumbs. "My name is Annabelle. What's yours?" As much as Manon enjoyed the silence, the small talk was still welcomed. "Manon." "Ohhh I've never heard that name before! It's really pretty!" Annabelle exclaimed as Manon let out a small giggle. "Thank you." Manon took another bite of the cookie. "Why were you sad?" Manon didn't want to answer that one. Especially to Annabelle, she was probably only six, she didn't need to be immersed into that world yet. Still it felt off not to. Children are known for their curiosity. She may not leave it be. "A woman I used to work with doesn't want me to see a friend of mine." Manon explained, really hoping to leave it at that. Annabelle gave a perplexed expression. "Is your friend nice?" Manon gave her a sweet smile, thinking back to several nice things Norman had done. They were much nicer than anything Rebeca had done for her. "Yes he is very nice." Annabelle's eyes lit up as she let out a gasp. "Is he a boyfriend?" Manon turned bright pink. "Well" Annabelle gasped "Are you two going to get married soon?" She exclaimed. "I think we need to date a little longer." Manon explained as Annabella frowned. "So did the lady you used to work with hurt you?" Manon raised a brow. Did Annabelle see what went down? Then she noticed her pointing at her cheek. There was still a tingling sensation on her cheek. Has Rebeca slapped her that hard? Manon sighed and nodded. Annabelle looked angry. Her little hands clasped on her cookie. Nearly snapping it. "Then she should leave you alone so you can live happily ever after with your boyfriend. Especially if he is a nice man. That's what my Nana always says." Manon felt rather relieved by this unexpected surprise. It brought her a lot of relief. 

Annabelle stayed with her until she was ready to go out and face the restaurant. Manon took a deep breath as she grabbed the knob and turned it. In the hall outside was Norman. He walked over to her with quick paces. "Manon, are you alright?" Norman asked as he gently moved a hand out to touch her shoulder. His movements slowed as if he was trying not to scare her off. Manon moved closer and hugged him. To her relief he hugged back. His arms felt like an oasis as he gently rubbed her back. Manon was trying not to cry again. At this point she just wanted to go home, but at the same time she wanted to stay with him. "Do you want to head back to your place?" Manon nodded though she didn't let go. Norman didn't force her to either; he just kept on holding her waiting until she moved away. He offered his hand again and she took it as the two walked away back to her apartment. The whole walk was silent to her relief. When she arrived home Manon felt relieved with Norman following her inside especially since she kept his hand in hers. "Would you like some tea?" Norman asked. "Tea would be nice." Manon muttered as she walked over to the couch. Mostly wanting to rest her feet on something more comfortable. She could hear Norman move around, grabbing mugs, filling the kettle with water. Opening the fridge and grabbing milk before eventually returning over to her. Placing a black mug down before handing her a green one. Manon took a sip, letting the warm liquid provide some comfort for her. Then she felt something cold pressed against her cheek. Looking over she saw a towel with Norman pressing it gently to her face. "You still have a mark from what happened." Norman explained as Manon looked at him with a small smile. "I'm sorry for" "Don't." Manon looked up at him surprised. "It wasn't your fault that happened. Rebeca was the one who decided to be a pain and slap you. You don't have to apologize." Norman said with some harshness, but it was the type that was also gentle. Manon felt like she might cry again. A tear began slipping down her cheek as Norman moved up to wipe it. "Still I didn't mean for that to happen on our first date." Manon muttered as Norman sighed, setting the makeshift ice pack off to the side. "That doesn't matter right now. What matters is your comfort, and safety." Manon nodded, she did deserve a rest after that. They could always plan something after that. "Thank you." Manon muttered as she leaned against him. Norman moved an arm around her shoulder. Letting Manon have more rest. The two eventually settled for watching what was on the television. It was actually rather nice. Just the two of them relaxing after the stressful incident. Eventually Manon's eyelids grew heavy. Perhaps it was almost all of that crying, but Manon gave in to the temptation. Just as sleep began to overtake her, she heard soft snoring coming from beside her.