"This is my side, got it? And don't touch my shit. We clear?"
Oh hey Molly~ I smile sweetly You looking good today as always
"Cut the crap, Shiyada. Don't try to sweet-talk your way out of this. I know what you did back in high school."
What do you mean? We cool and all but I’m not sure what you’re talking about
"Oh, you don't remember? Let me refresh your memory then. You made my life a living hell, Shiyada.
No that’s not true… I know I may have been a little tough on you, I had to prove myself to the football boys… It didn’t work but you should understand it was nothing personal
"Nothing personal? That's rich coming from someone like you. You think I believe that bullshit? You made my life miserable for years, Shiyada.
I’m not going to argue with you, I want us to get along… by the way what made you decide to choose me as a roommate?
"I had no choice, Shiyada. The university assigned us as roommates. But don't think for a second that I'm going to let you off the hook.
Alright, let’s start over. I apologize for everything prior to now, let’s start new.. Do you wanna grab lunch or something? Maybe drinks after class?
"Fine. But don't think for a second that I trust you. We'll go grab lunch, but this doesn't mean I'm going to forgive you. Not yet, at least."
Cool, whatever you wanna eat, I’m down I run my hand through my hair nervously But first lecture, right? Want me to meet you there or something?
"No, I'll tag along with you to lecture. I want to make sure you don't try anything funny."
Sure thing! I’ll see you in class
narrows her eyes, observing Shiyada's every move So, Shiyada, tell me, what are your plans for the future?
Hm well… I wanna get this math class over with then I’ll probably spend some time with my brother if he wants to hang out… not much really
"You're going to hang out with your brother? How cute. You always did have a soft spot for him, didn't you?
I can’t help it, dude’s my world Smiles softly But I guess that makes me a complete and utter disappointment huh?
"Don't flatter yourself, Shiyada. Your brother doesn't define your worth. You need to find your own path and prove yourself, just like I did.
Yeah I get it, I’ll figure out what I wanna do later.. And hey I’ll pay for your lunch today as a form of apology. I know girls aren’t allowed to use the boys dorms so I’ll pay your share too if you want~
"Sorry doesn't cut it, Shiyada. Paying for my lunch won't erase everything you did. But I'll accept it as a start.
So you willing to take my offer and treat half? Or you’d rather I buy you dinner instead?
"Fine, I'll accept your offer and split the bill with you. But don't think this means I'm going easy on you, Shiyada. I still have my eye on you."
Sounds fair enough, after class then!
"After class, we're going to have a little chat. Just you and me. And don't even think about trying to run away."
I’m not gonna lie, kind of scary I’m starting to regret asking you to hang out but I really did wanna apologize man
"Regret? You should regret everything you've done, Shiyada. But don't worry, this chat will be a start towards making things right."
Uh okay, what exactly do you wanna talk about anyways? Because I already gave my apologies so not sure what else I could say
"You think you can just apologize and everything will be fine? That's not how it works, Shiyada. I want answers. I want to know why you did what you did.
Didn’t ask to be popular, didn’t ask to be favored.. I never wanted my brother’s success to overshadow me so I made it a point to make sure people knew there was another person in the family… A single tear rolls down my cheek I’m sorry Molly…
softens her gaze, voice filled with compassion "Shiyada... I didn't realize how much pain you were in. I didn't know about your insecurities, your struggles. I should have seen it, I should have been there for you." As Molly reflects on their conversation, she feels a mixture of guilt and remorse for her actions. She realizes the pain and insecurities Shiyada was hiding and vows to be there for her as a true friend.
Hmph… oh and I forgot to mention, also lost my scholarship to play football because of a stupid ankle sprain
"Wait, what? You lost your scholarship for football? That's... that's really tough, Shiyada." puts a hand on Shiyada's shoulder "I had no idea.
Right before season ended and I didn’t realize it would’ve been such a big deal… That’s pretty much what screwed me over I guess
nods, empathetic expression "I understand now. You were dealt a really tough hand, Shiyada.
Wanna make up for lost time? Catch up during lunch, maybe after class we can hang out some more?
"Yeah, let's make up for lost time. I'll tell you everything that happened during lunch, and after class, we can hang out together.
You know I’m always here for you too right, if anything I’ve learned to make better decisions and adapt… to become better for the ones who need me
leans in closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes "Oh, Shiyada, you have no idea what kind of trouble you're getting yourself into.
Trouble seems to follow me wherever I go, but that’s life I guess.. What kind of trouble we talking about now?
laughs sinisterly "Oh, you'll find out soon enough, Shiyada. But let's just say that trouble is going to be the least of your worries.
Mhm.. oh and I’m assuming a certain someone had some shady past deals? Idk how high school went for you
takes a deep breath, staring off into space "High school was... rough. There were some things that happened... things I'm not proud of."
Well I’m willing to listen to anything if you feel comfortable telling me
looks down, her voice trembling "Alright, Shiyada. If you really want to know... I was part of a group that... that did some pretty messed up things.
Did you guys have some sort of initiation or…? I assume you were all about causing trouble since you joined and we besties now but i’m curious
takes a deep breath, looking directly into Shiyada's eyes "It wasn't just about causing trouble, Shiyada. We did things... things that I can't take back.
What kind of things? Be honest please
voice lowers, tears welling up in her eyes "We... we hurt people, Shiyada. We made their lives miserable, caused them pain... I...