| Ran Into You | M&C Fanfic |

| It Almost Worked |

A/N: This entire chapter is a flashback in Niolas lore.

-Flashback-

"Wanna make slime!?" Mimi asked me.

I was at her house afterschool like me and Elijah usually are. Mimi's parents would take care of Eli and I when our parents weren't capable. If they weren't home, I'd take care of Eli myself. I would do anything for that kid but it's always nice to have a break. Sometimes though, when we are here, you can still hear our parents next door. Our household became a familiar face to the police from the amount of noise complaints and both my brother and I have been in CPS's custody as a result. They always let us leave within the week. I always hated that about the system.

"Of course!" I answered finally and we rolled up our sleeves. I knew where my scars were and I knew if I rolled my sleeves up, they still wouldn't be visible. However, that was different when we started messing around.
Mimi got slime on my jacket, "Oh I'm sorry let me throw that in the wash" She reached for my sleeves. I pulled away.
"Nah it's good I'll do it when I'm home"
"But then the slime will dry up, no?"
"It's fine"
"Why won't you let me wash it... I have another sweater if you're cold?" She sounded suspicious this time. Shit.
"Mimi I'm good"
"Can I at least use a sponge on it?"
"Sure"

She took my hand and dragged me to the sink then used the sponge. I'm not sure how but jacket ended up just falling off?
"Oh sh-" She stopped as I went to pick up the jacket.
"What's under your arm what happened??"
"Oh nothing I just woke up with it"
"That's not nothing Niola. Did someone do that?"
I didn't answer. She looked at me with way more concern. She grabbed my arm and twisted it so it'd face her. Then she looked to me.

"Did you do that?"
I again didn't say anything. I yanked my arm back and threw my jacket back on.

"Can we just ignore it"
"No what do you mean ignore it?! Are you serious Nai? Does your mom know?"
"Nobody does and you don't either"
"I'm not keeping that a secret. You need help Nai Nai."
"No I don't?!" I got defensive.
"Yes you do. Why do you do that to yourself anyway?!"
"I don't know"
"Don't pretend like you don't know, you know exactly why. Why?"
"I don't know"
"You're not just affecting yourself here."
"What? Why are you so upset? It was a one-time thing" That was a lie but in good spirits.
"Extremely selfish of you to ask me why I'm so upset. I just found out my best friend does whatever that is to herself what do you mean 'why am I so upset?!' Think of my perspective, you're telling me you wouldn't be a little mad"
"A little? You're yelling at me over nothing."
"THAT ISN'T NOTHING NAI?!"
"Whatever"
"I'm telling your mom when she's back"
"Don't?! All she's going to do is worry-"
"As she should!?"
"No. I swear if you tell her-"
"I don't care what you're about to say. She needs to know, and I will tell her if you won't."
I stayed silent for a second while looking at her.
"I'm leaving." I figured I have nothing else to do other than leave.
"That's fine."
And with that I left. A few hours later, Mom came home with Eli. Mimi told her mom and then, of course, our moms contacted each other. How could she do that?! I told her exactly what was going to happen. And I was right.

I woke up. I woke up on a Friday morning. It was spring break this week and I thought I'd spend it with friends, but I still am refusing to talk to Mimi so instead I've been alone. Hanging out with other friends is just too complicated right now. Since that day, I've received messages from her and her parents a few times a day. I had to go to my cousins today though for a family get together. I opened my nightstand drawer and saw only 3 left. I took all 3 without hesitation.

"Nai hurry up! Your meds are downstairs!" My mom yelled.
I got dressed and grabbed my shoes to put them on. I went downstairs to take my anti-depressants and eat my breakfast. Something wasn't right and it felt like I was extremely exhausted. All the energy I just had, was drained. It never clicked in my head at the time that mixing medication could have serious effects. I wish I had known then.