Monique

Rosalie Ravenclaw

Monique isn't looking for a friend. She's just bored. It's been three days since she left the hospital, dragging her stack of We Love You cards, and teddy bears with her. She's been sitting around all day in the backyard doing nothing. She's immobile. She can't go running or do anything strenuous. She swears she's put on some weight.

People have been arriving at her place to see how she's going. Monique hates it.

They've already started to talk. The incident also appeared on the news. Someone even made a Facebook page hoping she'd get better soon. Her entire wall and inbox has been overflowing with heartfelt words from people she knows and complete strangers. Monique just wants them to disappear. She doesn't want anyone's pity.

She tells her mum to take her to Rosalie's shop. She doesn't have to beg. Her mum complies. She drops Monique off in front of the shop and promises to be back in another hour. Monique takes a deep breath before entering the building. Rosalie is on the phone, talking to someone about cocoa powder. From the sound of it, she's annoyed. Very annoyed. It's confirmed when she slams the phone on the table and begins swearing. Monique sits on the chair watching the entire scene unfold before her.

She has never seen Rosalie angry before.

Rosalie looks up and her eyes widen when she sees Monique. "Hello Monique," she says as she walks out from behind the counter. "It's nice to see you again. How are you?"

"I'm fine."

Rosalie pulls up a stool and sits next to her. "So how is life treating you?"

"Shit. It's boring."

Rosalie laughs. "At least you're alive."

"I feel like a dead person," Monique replies as she runs her hand through her hair.

"Wait here. I have something that will make you feel better." Rosalie announces as she hurries to the back of the shop. She comes back with a large bowl of chocolate. "Tadah!" She places the chocolate on the table between them. "Chocolates are a girl's best friend."

"How much do I have to pay for them?" Monique asks as she takes one.

Rosalie shrugs, "They're free. Consider them a present. You're the only one who comes in here and talks to me."

"So you're an introvert?" Monique queries as she chews a chocolate.

Rosalie shakes her head. "No. I guess not many people like me."

"I can relate to that sometimes," Monique mumbles.

"What?"

"It's nothing." They eat in silence for a while until Monique says, "I need your help."

"What's wrong?" Monique looks her straight in the eye for a moment. It's the she knows she can trust Rosalie. Maybe it's because she gives her Blood Red. Maybe it's her big green eyes. Monique doesn't know. "Let's say you like a guy and then he suddenly starts ignoring you and pretending you don't exist. What would you do?"

Rosalie's eyes darken, "What would I do?" She plays with a chocolate wrapper. She beams. "I'd make him pay. I'd go out and show him I can do just fine without him. After all, the world is your oyster and there are many men out there."

Monique places a Blood Red in her mouth.

Rosalie's answer doesn't seem like a bad idea.