Eclipsed Echo

CHAPTER FIVE

                               

IYAN

     "Where are we going ?" I ask, a playful smile tugging at my lips as she leads, hand holding mine, not knowing where we're headed, but trusting her completely. I went to her house earlier to pick her up for school, only for her to announce that school wasn't on her agenda today.

"You won't come if I tell you where" A teasing glint in her eyes.

I laugh softly.

 "Is that what you think?" She nods, looking ahead. She has no idea how far I'd follow her, no matter the destination. 

"Syha, I'd go anywhere with you. Even to the bottom of the ocean if that's where you wanted to be." 

She halts, turning to look at me, her gaze searching. "You're not like this with everyone."

"Like what?" I ask, stepping closer.

"You're only nice to me. You barely talk to anyone at school. You don't have any other friends, Iyan,"  She says, glancing at me with that look she gives when she's trying to figure something out.

I sigh quietly, my thumb brushing over her hand as we walk. 

"I have you. That's enough for me."

She frowns, clearly not buying it. "No, grandma told me you didn't have any friends even before I came here." Her voice softens, like she's trying not to hurt me but also feels the need to be honest. "You've been living here forever and yet... it's like you're invisible at school."

    Invisible. She's right. It's been six months since she moved here, and in that short time, she's managed to make friends effortlessly. Grandma enrolled her in the same school, same class as mine, hoping I could keep her company and help her adjust. But I don't know how, in no time, she became everyone's favorite. Most people were initially drawn to her because she was the new girl—the transfer student from the city in this small town. But it wasn't just that. There's something about the way she captivates everyone that I never could. 

     It's not like, I didn't have any friends before. But they all started getting alienating from me since the accident took place. I could sense their unease whenever I was around, the way their conversations would falter, the awkward glances they'd exchange. So, I started keeping my distance, avoiding their paths as much as I could. Little by little, I grew quieter, retreating into myself. And eventually, it felt like I just faded away—like I'd become invisible to everyone.

I look at our intertwined fingers, then shift my gaze to her. "I'm not invisible to you, though, am I?"

She stops walking for a second, her hand tightening around mine as she looks up at me. "Of course not. You're not invisible to me, Iyan." 

She steps closer, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she leans in, her face inches from mine. "Actually, You're the  only one I see the clearest." For a moment, her eyes hold mine, her expression soft but teasing. The warmth in her gaze makes my heart pound in my chest.

She laughs softly, the sound light and easy, before pulling away just enough to give me a playful nudge. Her gaze, gently caressing my face and her smile so warm so genuine that I can't help but smile back, even though I'm trying to keep my cool. 

"Aafia said she wanted to show me a spot. She want us to be at the bus stand from where she will pick us."

"Are you sure she said" I point my finger between me and her. "Us? I don't think she would like to see me there."

"Why won't she?"

"Um, just because... like you said, I'm not really anyone's friend." I mumble. 

"You might not be her friend but she knows that you're my friend. She's literally seen us hanging out together for the past six months. So, of course, she said I could bring you." She glances at me and squeezes my hand. "Aafia's nice, if she wasn't, I wouldn't even be going. And also, do you think I'd be willing to go anywhere you're not welcome? I wouldn't want to be anywhere you're not." 

     We arrived at the bus stop, waiting quietly for Aafia. But I couldn't help but grin the whole time. Even though I know I probably look like an idiot. But with her beside me, it's like none of that matters. There's this feeling I get around her, like the world is a little brighter, a little easier to bear. I don't care, what Aafia might think about me being here. As long as I can be with her, I'm ready to go anywhere.