Steven Universe: The Diamond Legacy

Beach City Blues

I slipped a few Gem-language magazines underneath the bathroom door.  "I thought you might  like something to read." I offered. "There's National Geographic, the Gem City Gazette, Bio-science Magazine, and G.H.E.M. These might help you understand Earth and how Gemkind lives here."

I saw a shadow move from underneath, but she didn't open the door. She didn't speak to me either, she hadn't since locking herself in there three days ago.

I sighed. "Have a good night, I guess. If you need anything, or you just want company, just knock on my door."

Later that night,  wrapped in my blanket reading my book by the lamplight, I jumped from the knock on the door. "Come in." I said, not even bothering to hide my excitement. 

"Hi Nora. Mind if I use your bathroom?" Grandpa asked in good spirits. "Sure." I said, trying to conceal my disappointment. I let him to it, reading my book when he hobbled out. "Thanks for letting me borrow it for a while." He sat on my bed, his leg was looking much better.

"No problem, it's the least I can do when it's my fault the other bathroom's occupied." I chuckled. "Amethyst told me Peridot used to hide out in there when she was first captured by the Crystal Gems, she called the whole thing serious Deja Vu. You think she'll stay in there as long?"

Grandpa shrugged his shoulders. "Not  a clue, you'll have to ask Garnet  that sorta thing." He patted me on the back, something I didn't like but he apologized when I drew away from him and explained.  "Don't worry about it, Nora, when she's ready to come out and talk to you, she will. You gotta give her time."

"That's what everyone keeps saying." I shrugged. " I just thought she'd warm up after a few days, she won't even let me into the bathroom, even when I have the spare key, and she won't talk to me or any of the Gems despite them apologizing for their threats."

I shook my foot as it hung off the bed. "I feel so bad for her. She's trapped in a cage by her own fear and  alone. I want to help her , but I haven't gotten anywhere with her since she  regenerated. She said I wasn't her enemy, but what does that make me to her? An acquaintance, an annoyance, or someone she she could care less about?"

I slumped my shoulders. "It's always been difficult  for me making new friends, why did I think a Gem would be any different?"

Grandpa placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Nora, you are doing everything right. You're  helping her just by showing that you care and that you'll be there for her when she's ready to open up.  Look, the Gems are having a tough time connecting to her, she won't even acknowledge them, but with you? I see her shadow at  the door when you talk to her, I hear her moving against the front wall when you approach the bathroom. She's not huddled in the corner of the room, she's trying to get close to you in the way she feels she can. You are making a difference for her and it's working."

"You really think so?"

"I know it." Grandpa smiled. " So don't sweat it anymore. You're doing a great job."

"Thanks Gramps." I hugged him. "You know what's annoying about the whole thing?"

"What's annoying?" Grandpa asked.

"That  I know it's  eventually gonna work out. Aunt Garnet keeps telling me that, but she always has this smarty grin, like she knows something I don't."