Stay

Chapter: Twelve

Scarlett

After my dance with Alex, I needed some air, which led me to where I am now; the steps outside of the school's back entrance. My legs are folded inside my arms and my head is resting on my bent knees. What Alex said just bothered me. It affected me because I do work too much, but it's not like it's my choice. My sister and I would be out on the streets if it hadn't been for my job. It just upsets me that I can't have a normal teenage life because of my home life. Things just aren't fair and I guess I'm just gonna have to live with it.

"Hey, what are you doing out here?" Chloe says from behind, startling me so much that I jump up from my seat. She steps back apologetically. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I just noticed you left the dance and I came to find you." She says and I shake my head.

"It's okay, don't apologize. I just came out here for some air." I say sitting back down on the steps. Chloe sits down beside me, making sure she doesn't get any dirt on her white dress.

"I saw you dancing with Alex before you ran off. Did something happen?" She asks quietly and I shake my head no. "So why did you come out here?" She asks and I turn to her to find a sincere look in her eyes. I sigh as I twirl one of my curls in my fingers.

"I just needed air, I'm not a fan of big crowds anymore I guess." I say and she nods but I can see a confused look in her eyes.

"Well when you feel comfortable to go back in let me know and we'll go in together." She says with a small smile on her lips. I smile but shake my head.

"It's okay. You can go without me." I say and she shakes her head this time.

"Nonsense. I'm not gonna let you sit outside alone." She says and I smile at her kindness. She barely knows me but she's making an effort to be my friend. She sighs and leans back on her arms. "It's such a nice night outside." She says despite the chill in the air. I look over at her to find her leaning backwards and gazing up at the sky. I smile at the sight of her because she looks like a model, and I can see why Noah is attracted to her, not to mention her sparkling personality.

"So, you must really love Noah huh?" I say and a smile spreads across her lips as I bring her boyfriend up. She glances at me with a look of pure happiness in her eyes.

"Yeah I do. He's been with me through everything over the past few years. I moved here three years ago, and it just so happens that I moved right next door to Noah. We became friends insanely fast. My parents forced me to go to the private school across town with all the snobby stuck up kids. So, after a couple of years being singled out and bullied at that school, I told my parents I wanted to go to the school Noah went to. They said no of course. The bullying just got worse so I ended up getting into some bad things to cope with the depression." She says taking a deep breath. I look at her to find her so composed as she tells me about the issues she had to deal with and it hurts me to want to tell her what I'm going through but can't because of what would happen to me and my sister.

"They finally realized what I was going through and enrolled me in River Valley High School. Noah helped me with my drug addiction and I've been clean for a little over a year now. He's the reason I got clean and the reason I've stayed clean. He has this effect on me that just makes me want to live and be happy. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me." She says and that smile whenever she talks about Noah comes back on her face. I slip my hand into hers and squeeze gently.

"Wow." I say speechless. She's so strong and she seems nothing like the person she described of herself a few years ago. I think of how brave and courageous she is to tell me that all. I want to tell her that I think she's amazing but I don't know how to. I smile at her hoping to get the message across and she seems to know how I'm feeling and she smiles back. "I'm glad you've found Noah. You and him are perfect for each other." I say finally and she smiles before pulling me into a hug and this time I don't hesitate to wrap my arms around her slim frame.