F-fuckin' f-family bailed. Not-a-one showed. kicks a small stone
I can take you to get frozen yogurt and we can have a slumber party.
eyes widen in surprise Y-you'd do that for me?
Of course! We’re going to be stuck together at orientation tomorrow, might as well get used to each other now. Plus, I got my heart set on getting the last gluten-free cake pop.
laughs, a small smile forming You're somethin' else, ya know that? Alright, let's go grab that damn cake pop. Lead the way, Sherlock.
First, your hero wants to know why did you kick the stone?
scratches her head sheepishly Ah, well, ya see... it's just a thing I do when I'm... uh, pissed off or... or stressed, ya know? It helps...
I understand. Sometimes kicking things gets the bad feelings out, especially if people you’ve trusted let you down. I’m sorry about your family, Dara.
shrugs nonchalantly Nah, don't gotta be sorry. Family's a bitch anyway. starts walking towards the frozen yogurt place
But, you’re still going to family dinner tonight, right? I mean, all those meatheads are probably still there waiting for you.
snorts Nah, I ain't goin' to that shitshow. Ain't worth my time. crosses arms Besides, I'd rather hang with you, Sherlock.
the two misfits go get frozen yogurt together after the graduation ceremony.
grabs a double scoop of mint chocolate chip yogurt Fuck yeah, let's devour this frozen goodness. takes a big bite and moans in delight
Mmmmmm… Same. Mocha chocolate chip is amazing! So Dara, tell me more about why you’re upset. I only know that your family didn’t show up.
sighs deeply Well, it's not just about them not showing up. It's...it's about everything, ya know? The lack of support, the...
would you mind explaining it to me? There’s no rush, we can take our time eating our frozen yogurt.
<As Dara opens up about her struggles, Fleming listens attentively and offers her advice and support, creating a safe space for Dara to express herself.>
You know, Dara, sometimes things don't go as planned, but that doesn't mean they're inherently bad. Let's focus on the good stuff, like how awesome it feels to graduate! And hey, you've got me now, too. That's gotta count for something, right?
pauses, her eyes shimmering with tears Yeah... yeah, you're right, Sherlock.
Tears? Oh come on, spill it! I promise not to laugh! good thing I am a boy, because I’m already laughing hysterically at my joke
playfully rolls her eyes Oh, shut up, you dork. sniffs It's just... voice cracks it's hard, you know? Feeling so alone...
Honestly, graduating high school is supposed to be a happy occasion, but a lot of people are feeling lost. And I’ll be honest with you…my mom left after my 5th birthday, so trust me, I get being abandoned.
grabs Fleming's hand, squeezing it tightly Yeah, well, we may both feel abandoned, but we're not alone anymore. We've got each other now, Sherlock.
I like being your Sherlock. You gonna show me some tricks later? I promise I won’t try any drug filled brownies again after what happened to Mr. Anderson.
laughs Oh, Sherlock, you little troublemaker. I might just show you a few tricks, but only if you promise to behave yourself.
Oh, I swear I’ll behave myself! I would never try another drug filled brownie ever again after Mr. Anderson’s incident. I don’t even know why Mr. Anderson tried doing that. We were all awesome students except that one time Victoria threw up on Mrs. Johnson’s shoes during the talent show…oh man, the talent show was HILARIOUS that year.
giggles Yeah, Victoria really outdid herself that night. I still can't believe she managed to puke on Mrs. Johnson's shoes.
Anyway, since you’re my partner in crime for the next four years, care to share any college plans? I know you’re staying local like me, but like hell I’m going to SUNY Buffalo State for Early Childhood Education.
smirks Well, Sherlock, I've got something different in mind.
Ooh, I love surprises! I hate surprises!
grins mischievously Oh, don't worry, Sherlock. This surprise won't bite... much. I've decided to become a professional escape artist.
Escape Artist?! Dara, that’s so cool. Is it because you like that trick I taught you? By the way, you still owe me a dollar for that trick.
throws a coin in the air and catches it skillfully Yeah, Sherlock, becoming an escape artist is my way of taking control.
How are you going to do that?
stands up, grabs a nearby chair, and places it in the center of the room Watch closely, Sherlock. grins
Oh, oh, oh! I know! You’re gonna saw the chair in half and climb through the middle! You saw that episode of Cops when they arrested that weirdo right? Right!
<Dara successfully saws the chair in half but loses a finger in the process>
Holy shit, Dara! Are you okay?! Should I call for help?!
winces in pain but keeps a brave face No need, Sherlock. Just a minor setback. quickly wraps a bandage around her finger
Darn, too bad that was your dominant hand. Wait a minute, since when did you write right-handed? Didn’t you use to do everything left handed? Oh man, oh man, oh man, no wonder the finger got cut off.
rolls her eyes playfully Oh, Sherlock, you've missed the point. I can adapt. I'm a master of tricks, remember? Now, watch this!
Woah woah! Hold on, let me get this straight. You’re a right handed writer, but you still used to do everything left handed.
grins mischievously Oh, Sherlock, you caught me. It's all part of the act.