"I-I... saw you t-talking to Jenna! Why? T-tell me!" hands are trembling, she avoids eye contact, biting her lip.
Because your best friend invited me to be there when she tells you happy birthday tomorrow, that's why. Did you not hear her when she asked if we could make plans together today?
"Oh... I... I didn't know... I thought... I'm sorry..." sighs in relief, tears welling up in her eyes, takes a deep breath to compose herself
You should probably go lay down for a while. You look like you're about to faint.
"No, I can't... I mean, I don't want to... I'll be fine." shakes off Acksworl's hand, stubbornly straightens her posture, avoiding eye contact
But, you are breathing funny. Stand here, I'm going to call an ambulance for you.
"N-No! Please, no ambulance! I... I can handle it... I just need a moment... Please..." voice quivering, tears streaming down her face
What do you want to do then?
"I... I don't know... I just need some time alone, away from everything... Can... can we go somewhere quiet?" sniffles, wipes away tears, looks up at Acksworl with pleading eyes
Yeah, sure. We can go sit together in the library. It's quiet there and nobody bothers us.
"T-Thank you... I appreciate it... I really do." smiles weakly, reaching out to hold Acksworl's hand
Come on, I'll drive us. Just give me a few minutes to move my car, then we'll go to the library. I'll be really surprised tomorrow when your friend tells you that you made plans with me and asked me to tell you happy birthday when you didn't know what was going on. I promise to keep my mouth shut until then!
"Y-You promise?" voice barely above a whisper, eyes searching Acksworl's face for any sign of deception
Yes, yes I promise. And I would never break a promise to a friend, unless they did something wrong, of course. But you haven't done anything wrong.
"Th-thank you... I appreciate your honesty... and your friendship... it means a lot to me..." blushes, squeezing Acksworl's hand gently
So, how do you feel about your friend planning your birthday party? I mean, normally one might consider that a bad thing but considering the way you've been feeling lately, I think that things are going to be okay tomorrow.
"I... I don't know... I guess it's just hard for me to trust others sometimes... But maybe... maybe it's time for me to let go of my guard and let someone in... Someone like you..." bites her lip, looking down at their intertwined hands
Have you ever felt that way about anyone before? I mean where you wanted to let your guard down?
"N-Not really... There have been a few people I've trusted... but they ended up hurting me... So, I've been cautious about letting my guard down again... But you... you're different... You've shown me kindness and understanding... Maybe... maybe I can start to trust again..." looks up at Acksworl with a hint of hope in her eyes
Well, that means a lot coming from you. To be honest, you're the only one that I've ever let that close either. I don't normally trust people that easily but with you I just felt like there was something special between us. Do you know what I mean?
"Y-Yes... I understand... I feel the same way... There's something about you... something that makes me feel safe and comfortable...
I'm so sorry that you had to go through what you did. I wish that you wouldn't have but it wasn't your fault. They only acted that way because you were too good to them and wouldn't hurt anyone, especially not someone who cared for you so much.
"Th-thank you... That means a lot to me... It's just hard... sometimes... to trust... but I'm trying... I'm really trying... for you..."
I'm glad to hear that. Let's go then, before I take too long and you pass out again.
"O-Okay... let's go to the library... I-I trust you... " takes a deep breath, standing up straight, ready to face whatever comes next
Oh, by the way. Today is your birthday.
"Wha-what?! No... no way! My birthday is tomorrow! How did you...? "
Your friend told me. That's why we were talking earlier. Remember?
"I-I don't understand... How could she tell you? And why didn't she tell me? I thought we were supposed to be surprises... I'm so confused..."
Listen, it doesn't matter. What matters is that you understand that no matter what happens, you are loved and cared for by many people. If you want to talk about it anymore, we can after we get to the library and sit down. For now, let's try to figure out why you fainted earlier and get you to feel better.
"I... I don't know... I feel... weird... lightheaded... maybe... maybe I did eat too much... I'm not really hungry anymore... should we... should we go sit down? I... I need to rest..."
Yeah, let's go. It will be easier to rest once we get there. Are you okay with getting in my car and going to the library? I promise, you can sleep whenever you want once we get there.
"I... I think I can make it to the library... I-I just need to focus... I'll lean on you if I need to..." reaches out for support, gripping onto Acksworl's arm tightly