Isolated

Chapter 1.

Rian came over on the 2nd of March, the worst of the rain coming to a hault as Spring graced the skies. He was joined by two bakery bought sandwiches and a cinnamon roll. That man was truly God's gift to the world.

"Andrea."

I was in for a serious discussion, Rian never used my actual name. My mind filtered through all the possibilities it could be about, what did I do wrong? I choked on a piece of lettuce as my breathing temporarily paused before thumping my chest and looking worriedly at Rian with watering eyes, "yeah?"

"I'm worried about you."

Of course he was. He had every reason to be, I completely understood that. I knew my situation inside and out, I was messed up inside and my life itself was a complete mess. And because he was my best friend I wasn't going to lie to him and tell him I was fine.

"I'm fine Rian, really. There is nothing to worry about."

Rian reached over his armchair and reached for me, placing his fingers gently across the back of my hand, "I know you Andie, you're not fine. It's been nearly ten years since you've locked yourself away from the world, you need to get out there. Meet people, see things, experience life."

"Rian," I pulled my hand away from his and placed the plate balanced on my knees on the coffee table in front of us so I could turn my entire body towards him, "you know it's not that easy for me. I appreciate you and your effort but this is my life, I'm experiencing it my way."

"I know you want to experience it differently."

"And I do, trust me, I'm not going to lie. But I can't change this, I've tried. Nothing works for me."

I sighed and pulled my legs up onto the arm chair while folding my arms around my knees, "Rian I really appreciate the attempted motivation, but the last time you had this chat with me you wanted me to come to Effys first birthday, and before that your wedding. Are you having another child you want me to see?"

Rian shook his head and leaned forward to pull something from his back pocket. He handed it to me, a small flyer in the all too familiar blue and white colours. "They're having a High School reunion for the class of '07, I wanted to personally invite you, and I know it's not your cup of tea--"

I raised my eyebrows at him and chuckled, "you think?"

"But, it is familar faces, and people you know. And Lily and I are more than happy to escort you in a blacked tinted window car to and from the venue so no one can see you and vice versa."

"Rian, I can't. They may be familiar faces, but some of them are an addition the reason I'm like this. No one even remembers me, I'm totally sure everyone thinks I'm dead. I haven't taken a single step out of my house for nine years, not even for your wedding! Do you seriously think I can do it for an auditorium full of people that I hated in high school anyway?"

"It's three months from now, I want you to think about it. Baby steps."

"You call a high school reunion baby steps?"

"I call a room full of people you know 'baby steps.'"

"Rian Watts, you are unbelievable."

Rian leaned back in his chair, "no Andrea Stone, I am your best friend and I am trying to help."

And he was, he truly was. I still felt awful about declining his wedding invitations, but I knew he understood completely. So far, it was my biggest regret in life. What person, ill or not ill, turned down going to their best friends wedding? One of the most important dates in ones life. I promised myself I would make it up to him one day, in the best way possible.