Safe Harbor

| 7 |

I awake to someone nudging me continuously. Still half-asleep and in a hazy state of mind, I attempt to shrug them off, yawning softly.

"Marco, give me a minute, mate," I plead, still in the clutches of slumber. I shift uncomfortably in the stiff seat until I stop, facing towards him.

The nudging stops. "I'm not Marky, silly," a high pitched voice squeals from next to me.

My eyes fly open immediately. Sure enough, seated next to me isn't my brown haired best mate; instead, it's a young girl with a wide, toothy smile.

"Erm..." I start, feeling a little awkward. I look around for Marco but he's nowhere to be seen. I settle my gaze back onto the girl. "Hello?"

"Good morning!" The girl chirps back happily. "Well, afternoon. You slept through the morning," she explains, spitting out the words at a rapid-fire pace. I feel my cheeks redden. I'd really slept that long?

"My mum always said people sleep a lot when they don't feel well. Are you feeling better now?"

"Loads better," I reply slowly, rubbing at my temples with my thumbs. I sit up, stretching my stiff joints a little, before turning back to the girl, who's watching me cheerfully. I smile at her, shyly. "Thank you for asking."

Her expression blossoms into a grin. "You're very welcome. I'm Eva, and I'm seven," she states proudly, putting her hand out for me to shake. I study her warm brown eyes and long blonde hair; tied back with ribbons and bows-- the epitome of innocence.

A small smile adorns my face as I shake her hand. I can't help but be impressed by her confidence and friendliness. "Well, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Eva," I reply. "I'm Alex, and I'm 15."

She cocks her head to the side. "Alex? Is that your real name?" She asks, staring at me closely.

I laugh a little, not at all put off by her scrutiny. "It's a nickname. My full name is Alexander," I answer, watching her eyes immediately light up.

"Xander!" She cries, grinning widely. Then she stops sheepishly, looking at me imploringly. "May I call you Xander?" She asks, with large, pleading eyes.

I smile, amused. "If you want."

She gives me a million-watt smile, exposing her large front teeth. It's as if I've just given her the best present in the world. "You're very kind, Xander," she comments. She looks up at me shyly then, a look of quiet contemplation on her face. "May I ask you a question?"

"Of course," I reply, earnestly, although a little confused. What happened to the bright smile?
She averts her eyes and mumbles out a couple of words.

"Pardon?"

She looks me in the eyes, biting her lip, nervously. "Will you be my friend?" She whispers it hoarsely; so softly I barely hear it. I study the way she sits; rigid, hands clenched in her lap, afraid. Her timidity is endearing.