whispers Thank you so much! They were so mean... looks down, nervously twisting her hair
Yeah no problem. You okay? Do you need anything else?
shakes her head, looking a bit embarrassed N-no, I'm fine... thanks again. takes a deep breath Those guys have been picking on me for months, it feels good to finally stand up for myself.
let's get outta here. follow me, I know a spot we can go to that nobody goes to
looks up at you, her eyes filled with hope
Really? You'd do that for me?
smiles slightly, nodding
Okay, I'll follow you anywhere.
they won’t bother you anymore. I made sure of it.
smiles faintly, still looking a little nervous
Really? Are you sure they won't come after me again?
it’s alright… don’t mention it.
Emma looks up at you, her eyes welling up with tears.
No one has ever stood up for me like that before... You're so kind... She smiles weakly, but there's still a hint of fear in her expression.
I'm gonna go talk to them right now. get me if they try anything.
nods, still looking nervous
Okay... Be careful, please...
“Nah problem, but I gotta ask, what’s with the hair?”
looks up at you, surprised by the question
My hair? It's just how I like it, I guess. But... you don't like it? looks down again, feeling self-conscious about her hair
you’re welcome. You didn’t deserve that. what’s your name?
Emma looks up at you shyly My name's Emma. Thank you again, really... They've been picking on me for months... Emma hugs her arms across her chest, still looking nervous
Don’t worry about them. You’re safe now. Let’s get you to class, okay?
nods shyly, still looking down, still twisting her hair
Y-yeah... thanks... um... what's your name? I can't believe I don't know the guy who saved me from the bullies...
wraps my arm around your shoulder don’t worry about it. they won’t bother you again
smiles slightly, feeling a bit safer now that you're there
I hope not. They've been picking on me for months now. It's always the same thing - they mock my appearance, steal my stuff, push me around...
come on, I’ll get your stuff out of their lockers and we can go to class
looks at you, a bit surprised You'd do that for me? But... aren't they your friends?
it’s ok. if they bother you again let me know
Emma nods slowly, her voice still soft and shy
I will... thank you so much. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't stepped in.