petrichor

New Friend

Lena

It's not everyday Lena had the urge to go outside and try to socialize, but when she thought about it, she never did. She woke up, took a shower, and had breakfast before walking to the bus stop like she always did. And when she stepped outside the front door, her mother yelled, "Stay safe, honey." Before she closed the door.

Usually, whenever she went to school, she felt as if there was a big fat rain cloud right on top of her head, making her feel heavy and burdened. And the rain cloud would only leave if there was art class, or when it was time to go home. But today, it felt as if a ray of sunshine had entered her mind, clearing the said rain cloud away and leaving her less worried than usual.

At the bus stop, her thoughts wandered about what she thinks was going to happen today. It was Friday, the last day of the week before she got to enjoy Saturday. She sighed, Saturday was the only day she got to relax completely. Because on Sunday, she would have to worry about school starting again the next day and she will have to face Rebecca and her mindless mob of popular girls.

Finally, after ten minutes of waiting, the bus arrived. Lena placed both her headphones on her ear, ignored the stare of the bus driver, and walked over to her usual seat in the middle back row.

In the bus, it was the same as always. She would sit as far away from her enemies in her seat where she could lean her head on the window as she watched the road unfold before her eyes. The sound of music from her headphones helped set the current mood. But today, something was different. As she was busy minding her own business, someone tapped her shoulder lightly making her jump with fright, thinking it was Rebecca.

It wasn't her thankfully, it was one of her classmate Pandora. "Can i sit here?" She asked. Lena nodded slowly, though she wasn't sure why anyone would want to sit with her. She tried to calm herself, telling her mind that this wasn't one of Rebecca's trap because Pandora herself never talked to her so-called enemy, let alone befriend her.

Pandora then sat in the seat next to her and started rummaging through her bag until she pulled out a novel and started reading. By everyone's standards, she was pretty. She had long, wavy mahogany brown hair cascading smoothly down her shoulders, with emerald green eyes that always looked friendly and happy, her skin was olive colored and her freckles gave her a sun-kissed look. She was smart too. She mostly got A's in her report card, and were most teacher's favorite student.

After a few minutes of silence, Pandora looked up from her book. "I hope you're not bothered with me sitting here and all," said Pandora. "I mean, you always look like you enjoy being alone." she continued. Lena shook her head as a sign for No, its fine. You can sit here. and went back to watching the road.

Pandora closed her book and stared intently at Lena. Lena squirmed quietly in her seat, she was not used for someone to look at her like this. "I saw what Rebecca did to you yesterday, why didn't you say anything?" Pandora asked. Lena took a deep breath and mumbled. "Yeah, but if i tell on them, they'll get mad, and it'll be a lot worse."

Pandora raised her eyebrow in a confused manner and shook her head in disbelief, messing up her hairdo. "Lena, all this stuff happening around you is just making your head spin, and it seems to have taken a toll on your emotions as well. No offense but, um, i think you're gonna need some help." Pandora concluded.

Lena was shocked. Need help? she thought. What's wrong with me? she wanted to ask. But instead, Lena nodded her head slowly and asked, "Well um, what kind of help? Do you think I'd end up like uh, like some kind of depressed person?" she asked with her voice slightly shaking from part curiosity and anger---no, that was not it, it was annoyance.