Wake Up, Reality's Calling

Chapter 17: Silence

The girl was wearing a light blue fluffy sweater, paired with black tights and grey winter boots. Her make-up was smeared as if she went to sleep without cleaning it off.

"Hi," She said. "I'm Anne." She didn't stretch out her hand, but instead just stood there, close to Rye and held herself as if she was cold. 

Rye took me to the side. "I have previously helped Anne, so she knows part of the process, but now things are a bit more severe than when I helped her," He whispered. "She has dealt with depression - which is what I helped her with - but now," He paused for a short while and looked at her, concerned. "I think she might be dealing with heavier stuff because of the accident."

Oh yeah, I thought. Her dad died recently, and her mother had left them years ago. Poor kid.

"Wait - doesn't she have any relatives that can help her out?" I asked. 

"If she did, we wouldn't be here," He replied. "Anyway -" He took a deep breath. "She needs help to get money in order to continue going to school. Whether or not it is by getting her a guardian or by helping her with a job is up to you." 

"I think I should first see what she wants, I mean since it's her it will affect," I answered after a short while.

"Good call," He replied in a warm tone and nudged me towards Anne.  

I took the first steps and I studied her. She had red swollen eyes, with mascara smudged and she looked like she needed sleep and a shower. I felt sorry for her. 

"Hey," I started. "I'm Victoria, but please call me Vic." I stretched out my hand. "It's nice to meet you, Anne."

She looked up and her eyes drifted back and forth between my hand and my face. She seemed like a careful person. Her hand came closer, at a slow but steady rate, and landed in mine. 

"Hi, I'll be in your care," She shook my hand with a light grip. Her hand was cold and shivering, even though she just came out from being inside. 

"So... what happens now?" She asked.

"Well... I think we should get to know each other better, and then I'll be able to help you with your situation." I said. 

There was a moment of silence. I didn't know what to start with or what to say, and I'm pretty sure she felt the same. I cleared my throat.

"I'll start," I took a deep breath in and then out. "I am out of University and still have no idea what I want to do with my life."

Silence yet again. I heard a faint rumble, coming from across me. I took my phone out of my pocket and looked at the time. 12:11. 

"Hey, I've got an idea," I started. "How about we go somewhere? Get some lunch? I'll pay."

She nodded her head, and I turned around to see Rye standing there, cross-armed and having a slight smirk on his face. 

"Are you coming or not?" I asked him, while we walked towards the station. 

"No, I'm good," He replied and came towards me. "I have some other business to take care of, but have fun. I'll see you later, Vic." He said with intonation on the 'you'. He quickly squeezed my shoulder, gave me a side hug, and left.