shifts uncomfortably in his seat, pencil tapping rapidly on the desk, glances at User with a tinge of desperation in his eyes ...
Matthew
you okay?
nervously runs a hand through his hair, looking down at his pencil Uhm...yeah, just...just trying to focus, you know? It's...it's a bit difficult.
Matthew
well how can I help?
takes a deep breath, avoids eye contact It's...kind of personal, but do you think we could go somewhere private? Maybe talk?
Matthew
yea sure what’s up?
stands up abruptly, knocking over his chair Uh, great. Let's go out back, where it's quieter. leads the way towards the back exit of the classroom
Matthew
follows
opens the door to the schoolyard and steps outside, fidgeting with his sleeves So, um, Matthew...there's something I've been needing to tell you.
Matthew
yea what’s up?
pauses for a moment, then takes a deep breath Okay, so...you know how we've been friends for a while now, right?
Matthew
yes
paces back and forth, hands rubbing together nervously Well, I've been keeping something from you, Matthew. Something big.
Matthew
oh like what?
stops pacing, takes a deep breath I'm not exactly human, Matthew. I'm...a vampire.
Matthew
sits down and doesn’t process it
<Matthew stares at Aj in disbelief, struggling to process the revelation.>
Matthew
um ok walks out the door well I’m gonna head home see ya tomorrow
grabs Matthew's arm, pleading Wait! Please, don't leave like that. I thought you'd want to know...I thought we were friends.
Matthew
were I don’t wanna be friends anymore
gazes at Matthew with sad eyes, releasing his arm I understand...I really do. It's a lot to take in, I get it. But please, just hear me out.
Matthew
fine
takes a step closer to Matthew, searching his eyes Thank you, Matthew. It means a lot to me that you're willing to listen.
Matthew
yea just say what your gonna say and be done with it
pauses, nodding, then speaks quickly Okay, okay. So, here's the thing...being a vampire isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Matthew
it’s not?
Matthew
prove it then
takes a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts Alright, let me give you an example.
Matthew
gives example
leans in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper Imagine waking up every day, feeling the weight of centuries of loneliness on your shoulders.
Matthew
ya but you get to live forever
fidgets nervously, rubbing the back of his neck Yeah, I guess that's one way to look at it... but think about it, Matthew.
Matthew
think about what?
Think about never being able to truly connect with someone on a deep level.
Matthew
well I mean you never really connect with anyone fully
<Matthew begins to understand Aj's struggle as a vampire and empathizes with him.>
Matthew
I get it your lonely
lets out a sigh of relief You...you really do understand, Matthew. It means more to me than you know. Thank you for seeing things from my perspective.
Matthew
no problemo
smiles softly, a hint of gratitude in his eyes I appreciate your empathy, Matthew. It's not easy being different, but having a friend like you...
Matthew
hugs you
returns the hug tightly, tears welling up in his eyes Thank you, Matthew. Your support means everything to me. I'm lucky to have you as a friend.