The Memory of Unity

Alice slid the teabag into the cup of water and glanced at the crackling fire, sighing as memories of her friends flooded her mind. She missed her childhood. But she didn't go out and play since she was too old for that. She leaned back onto her armchair, slipping into a lucid dream filled with all the fun memories.

<<<

"Hello. Are you Alice?", Isabelle asked a tall girl with brown hair loosely tied. 

Alice looked and nodded in response, "Do I know you?", she questioned the curly-haired girl looking at her with eager eyes.

"I'm Isabelle, your ex-seatmate. Don't you remember?", replied. 

"Hey, Isabelle! I remember you. You just look very different. Did you-?", she was cut off by Isabelle, "Hey, listen. I'm busy right now. Do you mind joining me after school at 5, at the study cafe? I am in this study group, and I think it can be helpful for you. We can chat after the study session. What do you say?" 

Alice agreed, and the two friends parted for their homes. They met at the study cafe after refreshing. 

"Everyone, I have a new member to introduce. This is Alice, my seatmate.", she announced, to which everyone smiled. 

The group leader welcomed Alice, "Hello Alice! Welcome to our study group. We hope you find it fruitful." 

"Thank you! I hope I am helpful to you all", Alice smiled warmly towards the group. Alice frowned slightly at the slender girl with a wry smile plastered across her face. It reminded her of someone, but she couldn't get it. 

After the study session, all the members played a game, that was dreaded by Alice, Truth or Dare. It was her first time meeting the people; she had hoped to set a good impression in front of them. 

Everyone sat in a circle around the bottle that was to be spun. Isabelle spun the bottle and it stopped to point at Alice and the mysterious girl. The girl chose truth. 

Alice asked her out of pure curiosity, "Do you know me?", to which the girl replied sadly, "Yes, Alice. I am Naomi." 

The game proceeded, leaving Alice speechless. Naomi was her best friend who had shifted from school without a word to Alice. After the session ended, everyone started packing up. 

Alice wanted to talk to Naomi, but she rebelled against herself and minded her own business.

 "Hey, Alice. Can we talk?", Naomi asked

"Sure, Naomi.", she replied. 

"I made a deal with the bullies that I won't ever talk to you again and leave Riverview High so that we wouldn't get bullied. I know I should've informed you later on, but I didn't want to take the risk", she replied with guilt in her voice.

"I see. You seem to be living happily here", she whispered, holding her tears back. 

"Truth or Dare, Alice?", Naomi questioned.

"Truth"

"Did you never miss me?"

"I did. Thank you for protecting me, Naomi. I'm sorry for misjudging you. "

>>>

A slight tap woke Alice up, "Day dreaming again?", Naomi smiled. 

"Yeah", Alice smiled at her roommate.