The promise.

Better- Avery.

The last bell rang, and I gathered my things.
I walked through the bustling hallways, replaying the events of the day in my mind.
Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up.
I spotted Jace's car parked at the curb, and a wave of relief washed over me. Seeing him there always made me feel safe.
I hurried over and slid into the passenger seat.
Jace looked over at me with his usual concerned expression.
"Hey, how was your day?" he asked as he started the car.
"Better," I said, smiling slightly.
"Harper really helped me out today."
"Harper?" Jace raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, she's the new girl, she's great. She stood up to Emma for me during lunch," I explained, buckling my seatbelt.
"Turns out, Emma's brother is in jail, and that's why she's been acting out."
Jace nodded thoughtfully.
"That makes sense. It's still no excuse for her behavior."
''Harper said I don't have to worry about Emma anymore. She really has my back."
"I'm glad you found a friend like her,"
Jace said, giving me a reassuring smile.
"You deserve to have people around you who care."
I leaned back in the seat, feeling more relaxed.
"Thanks, Jace. It means a lot to hear you say that."
As we drove home, I told Jace more about my day, feeling a warmth spread through me.
Harper's support and Jace's unwavering presence made me feel less alone.

Later that night I called Alicia, I really miss her.
She has been my best friend since day one, and we were always together.
"Hey, Avery!" Alicia's cheerful voice crackled through the speaker.
"How's everything going?"
"Alicia! I miss you so much," I said, feeling a lump form in my throat.
"Things have been... a lot."
"Tell me everything," she urged, her voice softening with concern.
I took a deep breath and recounted the day's events, starting from the moment Harper sat next to me at school.
I told her about the confrontation with Emma and how Harper had defended me. "Wow, Harper sounds amazing,"
Alicia said. "I'm so glad you found someone like her."
"Yeah, she's been great," I agreed. "But it still feels weird, you know? Like, it's hard to trust someone new after everything that's happened."
"I get it," Alicia said.
"But it sounds like Harper is really looking out for you. Just take it one day at a time."
We talked for a while longer, catching up on each other's lives.
Alicia told me about her new school and the friends she'd made.
Hearing her laugh and share stories made me feel like she wasn't so far away after all.
"Hey, remember our plan to visit each other during the holidays?" Alicia asked, a hint of excitement in her voice.
"Of course I do," I said, smiling.
"I can't wait. It'll be just like old times."
"Exactly!" And until then, we can keep calling and texting," Alicia said.
"You're not alone, Avery. Even from afar, I've got your back."
"Thanks, Alicia," I said,
"You always know how to make me feel better."
"That's what best friends are for," she replied.
"Stay strong, okay? And if anything else happens, you call me immediately."
"I will," I promised.
"Goodnight, Alicia."
"Goodnight, Avery."