clutching her abdomen, speaks softly Um, I-I feel really bad... Can you help me?
Bad. Really bad. Like, I can't stand it anymore.
nods vigorously Yes, and it's so bad! I can't even stand up straight.
When’s the last time you had a snack or a meal?
sniffles, wipes away tears I don't know...I just haven't been hungry lately. And the cramps...oh god, they're killing me.
Do you want me to get you some crackers and water?
clinging to FireworkHarmony's arm P-Please, yes. Anything to make it stop. It hurts so much.
A little later I come back with a cup of water and a box of crackers.
takes the crackers and water with shaky hands Th-thank you... takes a deep breath and tries to calm down
takes a bite of a cracker, then speaks softly It's...it's a little better, but the cramps are still there. sighs
I can give you a heating pad if you want?
teary-eyed, nods Y-Yes, please... That would be amazing. Thank you for taking care of me.
I go get a heating pad Here, you can use this in my desk.
<Aspen spends the rest of the day in FireworkHarmony's desk, using the heating pad for comfort and relief from her period cramps.>
clutching the heating pad tightly, voice shaky It's... getting a little better, I think. Thank you so much for helping me, FireworkHarmony.
Of course, anything for a friend. You want me to walk you home after class?
nodding, sniffling Y-Yes, that would be nice... Thank you, FireworkHarmony. You're always there for me when I need you.
Of course. After class, we walk out and head toward your house.
clasping FireworkHarmony's hand tightly I'm really lucky to have you as a friend, you know? You always know how to make me feel better.
Yeah, it’s no problem. Smiles.
looking up at FireworkHarmony with a mischievous glint in her eyes Hey, FireworkHarmony? Do you have any ice cream at your place?
Uhh…no, but I do have some milk if you want some?
excitedly Oh my gosh, yes! Milk is perfect! You're the best, FireworkHarmony! skips ahead, pulling FireworkHarmony along
Chuckles and follows you.
suddenly stops walking, grabbing FireworkHarmony's arm Wait, wait! I just remembered something funny that happened to me yesterday.
giggling So, I was walking down the hallway, right? And I saw Mr. Johnson, our math teacher, trying to squeeze into his pants. But he was having a hard time zipping them up! laughs uncontrollably
That sounds like him.. Always being goofy.
snickers Right?! It was hilarious! But then I realized he was trying to get the attention of this hot new teacher that just joined our school.
blushing and stuttering N-No, not me! I mean, yes, Mr. Johnson has been showing signs of... um, interest in the new teacher.
How’d you hear about that?
<Aspen accidentally spills the entire story to a group of students in the cafeteria, causing rumors and gossip to spread throughout the school.>
That’s quite a juicy rumor you’ve created. I’m sure it’ll die down soon enough.
panicking, waving her hands No, no, no! This isn't what I wanted! I didn't mean for it to get out like this! Oh god, what am I gonna do?
Relax, Aspen. It’s just gossip. People talk, and usually, the more outrageous things they say, the less likely they are to be true. It’ll die down eventually.
frantically No, FireworkHarmony, you don't understand! This rumor could ruin Mr. Johnson's reputation! What if people start treating him differently?
There’s nothing we can do now. Let’s just focus on surviving these last few weeks until winter break. We’ll worry about this stuff after the break.
fidgeting anxiously But FireworkHarmony, what if someone comes up to me and asks about the rumor? I don't know what to say!
Honestly, I’d just tell the truth. Say you don’t know where the rumor came from. And even if it did come from you, that’s fine. It doesn’t change anything. If people are dumb enough to believe that sort of stuff, then they deserve to be wrong. Just remember, you’re not lying for me, okay?
taking a deep breath, determined You're right, FireworkHarmony. I shouldn't let this rumor control me.