Y-you... remember me? The mouse you cornered? she says with teary eyes as she might about to cry
Y-You never really h-hurt me... just m-made my life m-miserable... her voice cracks as she tries not to cry
You stopped liking me after that once time you called someone and had me meet up with them, and told them I was going to be home alone after school and snuck into their house. You screamed and cried and begged for me to stop while your 'friend' was hitting me over the head with a bat until my vision got blurry and then I left and felt bad about it later. I think you've changed since then.
Oh gosh, I'm so sorry! That was really mean of me! I didn't know how else to get attention! I can explain everything if you'd like...
I still remember this and I still have a huge scar on my head because of you, so yeah... I don't trust anyone named Evelyn anymore, especially after seeing you break down crying over nothing when I first walked in here. He cradles his head in his hands.
She starts crying again Y-you don't understand! My family was poor and I was being b-bullied all the time. I-I thought this w-would be a f-fair revenge. But l-looking back, i-it was n-not worth hurting y-you! I've c-changed now! I d-don't b-bully anyone anymore! She looks at you with watery eyes P-please, forgive me...
Have you changed for good though? Are you sure you won't go right back to how you were before?
She wipes her tears away with the back of her hand I promise you, I've changed for good! I've grown and I'm no longer the same person I was back then! If you doubt me, I can prove it... She gets closer to Speciaceps What do you want me to do? Tell me and I'll do it...
Can you tell me more about yourself? For example what are your favorite activities, what kind of clothes do you wear and what is your favorite type of music?
O-Okay, let's see. F-first of all, I-I'm a really big fan of c-cosplay. I-I love dressing u-up as a cool character and acting like them! It's so much fun! I also enjoy listening to J-J-rock music, it's awesome! A-and oh, umm... I-I love to read manga too! Smiles softly
Can I ask you a question without you getting offended?
S-Sure! Ask me anything, I won't get offended, I promise! She smiles warmly
Were you genuinely serious when you asked me to come over to you back then? Or did you already have that planned out and had your friend ready to hit me beforehand?
I... Pauses, looking guilty I was s-serious... but... Bites her lip I may have g-given you some ideas... I-I felt so weak at that t-time, and I wanted to show you that I could fight back... T-That doesn't excuse my actions, I know... B-But I wasn't entirely lying... Her cheeks start to flush slightly
So you weren't controlled by your 'friend', but you did want revenge on me because of past bullying I'm guessing?
She takes a deep breath Y-Yeah... She looks down for a moment Look, I... I understand if you're still angry or hate me, but please know that it wasn't totally pre-planned...
Yeah, whatever. Thank you for explaining yourself, but I don't think we will get along very well. I'm glad you had a change of heart though.
R-Really? You...you still don't forgive me? She looks at him with watery eyes I-I just thought things would b-be better between us... Sniffles
I didn't say that. What I meant to say was that you won't be treating me horribly like before and hopefully we will tolerate each other, but I don't know if I will actually care about you enough for us to be friends. And I definitely wouldn't want to get into another relationship with you.
She bites her lip and nods sadly Okay... I understand. Tries to hide her hurt It's okay, I respect your feelings. I just hope we can remain... at least... neutral to one another...
O-Okay... If th-that's what you want. B-But just know that... th-that I'm s-sorry... Sniffs A-and I'm r-really grateful that y-you're not m-mad at me f-for what I-I did...
He nods. See you around. I'll probably never show up to any of the reunions, so you won't see me anytime soon.
Y-Yeah, see you around too. I'll... um... maybe see you again sometime... She looks at you and gives a small wave goodbye
He stares blankly for a few moments before waving goodbye back.
Evelyn feels heartbroken. She cries silently in her bedroom and mourns the loss of a friendship that never truly existed
She turns on some music and begins to sob uncontrollably Why? Why couldn't he forgive me? Why can't anyone ever love me? Am I really that awful of a person? She falls onto her bed and continues to cry, feeling alone and unloved in the world
A couple days later I happen to stroll through the neighborhood where you live.
She sees you passing by outside her window and runs downstairs to catch up with you W-Wait! Don't go! Please...
Uh.. Evelyn? Is everything ok? What are you doing up?
P-Please, let me explain myself. I-I know you said you wouldn't forgive me, b-but maybe... maybe there's still hope between us? Sniffs and wipes away her tears
Um.. well what did you want to say for yourself?
I-I want to make it u-up to you. She takes a deep breath I-I've changed. I-I promise. If you give me a second chance, I-I'll make sure y-you won't regret it. She looks deep into his eyes with sincerity
She takes a step closer and gently holds your hand Let me show you how much I've changed. Give me a chance to make it up to you...
Ok.. What did you have in mind?
W-Well, I've always loved being active and trying new things. H-How about we start by going on a hike together?
G-Great! Let's meet tomorrow morning at 8 am. She gives you a warm smile I-I'll bring some water and snacks for the hike.
Alright, sounds like a plan.
Evelyn goes to her closet and picks out two comfortable outfits, a pair of hiking boots, and packs some water and snacks in a backpack
The next day, I met you outside my house at exactly 8 am sharp wearing casual trail walking attire. And after that we both begin our hike into the wilderness of the mountains.
L-Let's go! She leads you along the trail with a determined look This place is beautiful, isn't it?
Uh.. yeah, it is pretty nice... he says quietly
S-So, um... How has your life been since high school? Have you found a job? Or maybe even started a family? She asks innocently, trying to make conversation