Flames Pond and the Princess 4: Flames Pond Never Dies

Don't tell them this

Matt's POV
A young girl stood with her back leaning against the wall. I cleared my throat. "I never got to ask, who exactly are you?"

The young teen looked at me in surprise. "Oh my gosh you can actually talk."

I raised an eyebrow. Were girls always this sassy?

She sighed. "Sorry. I was only joking. I guess I've been kind of too sassy for a while. I'm Lily. And you are?"

"Spaghetti Jones. Well that's my agent name but I'm really just Matt."

"Nice. Question. Haven't mom and dad told you about me before?"

I shook my head. "Your father told me that he was married but he never mentioned that he had a kid. And your mother kind of hit me with a stick like a piñata but-"

"Wait, did you just say mom hit you with a stick?"

"Yeah."

"Lol. Typical. But anyway, my parents are always like that."

"Wait, did- did you just lol me?"

"Yeah... It just doesn't surprise me."

"Oh. So are they just being protective?"

Lily nodded. "Yup. A couple of years ago my dad swore my mom an oath to always keep me safe no matter what the costs. And my mom of course also swore the same oath. However, ever since my dad died, that oath has kind of went down the drain. They told me not to go outside and talk to strangers but I've been lonely. You know?"

I nodded and she continued.
"So there I was, making friends, and, well, I wouldn't call them my friends. They're more on the lines of acquaintances. But since I've been spending most of my time with them instead of my mom, I guess I learned some things that I shouldn't have..."

"Are they that bad? Why don't you just tell them to leave?"

Lily's POV
I remained silent for a while as I tried to think of what to say.

After a while I speak in almost a whisper.
"I'm scared to find out what they'll do to me if I do leave."

"What do you mean?" Matt asked.

"What are you? Stupid? Just think! It's more like a gang than a friendship circle. They're terrible people! Don't tell them this but one time they took me into a night club. And well..."

I could tell Matt was horrified. "Lily, that's terrible!"

I didn't say anything. Instead I felt a feeling of guilt hit me. I sniffed as tears began to feel my eyes. "I am terrible...." I say.

Matt looked at me and then he hugged me. I sobbed and just didn't hold anything back.