The Girl Hiding In The Shadows

Rachel

Rachel's POV

*Rachel's age: 6*

"Honey, could you please help me pay for this at the cashier?" My mum handed me a ten dollar and pointed me where the cashier was.

"O-okay, mummy." I whispered as the ten dollar was fitted into my small palm.

I have never told my mum that I was afraid of speaking to strangers. Okay, actually the word afraid, could not even fully explain how I really felt.

Every time I was tasked to order food or pay for something. I felt like the people did not even care about me queuing up as they would serve other customers even though it's my turn. I would feel super nervous as if the whole world is closing in on me. I felt trap in the introvert world. I did not dare to speak up when necessary. I thought that no one was even willing to listen to me

Well true enough, when it was my turn, a grumpy old lady cut my queue.

"How much are all these?" She snapped as if the cashier made her angry.

"$9.80." The cashier still managed to sound cheerful while giving the grumpy old lady her change.

You know me, being my six year old self, I stood there thinking if I've done anything wrong. Why would she cut my queue and gave me a look of disapproval?

After the grumpy old lady left, I thought it was my turn. But another guy from the back went in front of me. I hugged the things my mum want to buy, closer to me.

"Hey, are you paying?" The cashier finally noticed me standing there, with a confused look.

"Yes." I mumbled softly and handed her the items.

"Alright, that'll be $8.50." I awkwardly passed her the ten dollar. Afterwards, I tip toed to get the plastic bag and change.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
* Rachel's age: 10*

"Guys, where do you want to go after school?" Ella asked as the rest of us walked out of school happily.

"Maybe the playground near school?" Sarah suggested as she looked at the group for approval.

Everyone hummed in agreement, except me. Of course, they did not even notice that at all. In actual fact, I needed to go to the grocery store opposite school instead. I did not have the courage to tell them as they wouldn't even bother. I kept very quiet as it usually took me ages to work up the courage. Sometimes, the courage just did not come to me.

Well, finally Ella saw that I was being awfully silent.

"Rach? You're fine with the playground right?"

"Um, I've got t-"

"Guys quick! The playground will be crowded if we don't go there earlier!" Sharon urged us to walk faster.

"What were you saying?" Ella questioned as the both of us walked briskly.

"I was saying, I've got to g-"

"Rachel! Stop delaying Ella! If you don't want to go then fine, go home!" Vivian commented in an irritated tone.

"Viv!" Ella started to argue with Vivian, but I tugged her sleeves lightly. Ella turned to look at me.

"It's okay. Really." I assured Ella that we would go ahead with the rest.

Introverts like me, our okay is definitely not okay. Our silence doesn't mean we have nothing to say. But, in the contrary, we have tons to say, in our mind. Introverts are not cowards who did not dare to voice out their ideas. Introverts are someone who needed more time than others to be comfortable within a group of strangers. Introverts are people who live among us with difficulties to be as confident as others. Introverts tend to be forgotten and pushed to a side. Don't forget, we live in a world with introverts and extroverts.

Author's note :
Yo people! Sorry this isn't an update to inform you that my sequel is up :P I've started a new school term and I'll be really busy so the sequel won't be up so soon :( Therefore, I've decided to write this chapter. It's to explain why Rachel is being so doubtful about everything at the start of this story. Rest assure, I'm already planning the sequel! :)