The New Girl

Glad We Had This Talk, um, Friendo?

My mother sits in silence, staring deeply out of the windshield, as though she would miss something important if she blinked. My eyes stay focused on my inward pointing feet and anxiously bouncing knees. I glance over at her, waiting for her to either start the car or scream at me. Instead, she throws her head on the steering wheel and begins to cry ferociously. I reach over to grab her hand, in which she reacts by pulling me into a hug.

"I thought this would all be over if I gave you a fresh start," she sobbed into my shoulder. "I thought you could start to forget-"

"Mom, I am never going to forget what happened to me."

"That's not what I meant, baby," she replied. "I just wish that there was more that I could do, to help you forget."

"You already do so much, and I appreciate everything,"I say. "However, six months isn't enough time to make me forget."

Especially with all of the threats I received from him up until we moved away, I thought to myself, not wanting to cause my mom anymore worry.

"I know it is not, but I hate that I can't do more," she wept. Her eyes met mine and were pleading. "Please, I know a great counselor that I can-"

"No counselors," I interrupted. I can't afford to tell another person that could get police involved. Especially if it is going to hurt my family even more.

"Why, dear? They are someone that won't know anything about your personal life, and will help you learn how to cope with the anxiety and nightmares."

"Mom, I'm sorry, but no."

"But if they know the situation, they can get others invo-"

"And that is exactly what I don't want. I have been doing fine on my own, and it will get better over time." I say, knowing very well that I was not only lying to her, but myself as well. "Please just drop it for now."

Mom starts sobbing harder, and grips me into a tight squeeze. I hug her back, my own tears starting to form. I open my eyes to see a confused Aidan heading in our direction. I pull away from my mom, which she immediately reacts and flips her head. She sees him and sighs in relief, trying to clean her messed up mascara with tears still streaming down her face. I unlock the car and climb out. Aidan spots me and starts to jog over, in which I meet him about halfway. I notice a small bag in his hand, trying to hold myself back from snatching it right out of his hand then and there.

"Hey, this fell out of your bag when you walked out," he said holding out the teal and purple bag. I reach for it, in which he pulls it away teasingly. "Not yet, sweetheart. First tell me what caused you to pass out in there."

"Lack of food, now give it to me," I say reaching once again for the bag. He holds it behind his back, dodging every attempt at taking it away from him.

"I don't believe you, " he says.

"Aidan seriously, I am not in the mood. Just give it back and your precious genitals will stay safe." With that he covers his area with both hands and I reach for the bag, yanking it away from him. He takes a step back before smirking.

"You are sure are quick in reaching down there, " he says, causing me to blush.

"Y-you know that's not what I meant." I go to turn away and walk back, but he puts a hand on my shoulder.

"Wait." I turn to meet his gaze, in which he is staring over my shoulder and at my car. "Why is your mom so upset?" He asks, staring directly at her. Shoot.

"She is, uh, just, having a, uh, bad day," I stutter.

"Dude, she was literally fuming when she came to pick you up, and you clearly looked distraught." He said, his eyes flickering back and forth between my mom and I. " I thought I was going to have to distinguish your mom."

I chuckled nervously. Clearly he was trying to lighten the mood, but his eyes showed sincere concern. My mind wandered. He treated me like I was nothing whenever I first met him a few weeks ago. So why does he act differently now, like he actually cares?

"Listen, Aidan," I pause, debating whether or not to say anything. My tightened chest loosens, as if the guards of my heart were insisting on trusting him. "There are things that I want to tell you. But for now, can you please trust that I will tell you when I am ready?"

"Oo, sounds... kinky," he jokes, winking. I smack his arm, to which he brings his hands up in defense and lets out a laugh. "Hey, hey! I couldn't help myself, I'm sorry. But listen."

He smiles genuinely, making my heart leap.

"When or if you are ready to tell me, or if you ever need to talk to anyone, I am here for you, Ash. I don't know much about you, but I would like too." I am taken back by his words, and he seems to be too.

"I never knew you felt that way!" I say, hinting loads of sarcasm. "Especially since you dropped me off at the front of the school and told me never to talk to you. And tried to downsize me in front of the student body, oh and-"

"Alright, I get it Blondie," He cuts off. "Listen, I never said that I wasn't a dick at times."

I raise my eyebrows at him, crossing my arms.

"Or most of the time." He looks at the ground and then back up at me. " Ash, I really am sorry. I do want to be someone you can trust, and clearly I am not off to a great start. You are one of the most real people I have met in a long time, and I do enjoy spending time with you."

I can't help but smile like a goofball. "I'm glad we actually agree on something. About you being a dick, I mean."

He gasps, bringing his hand dramatically to his chest.

"Hey, I'm kidding!" I laugh. "I'm sorry for ruining the moment. But, I feel the same. I was honestly just too stubborn to admit it, and you did it first so I don't have too!"

He shakes his head and grins. I feel my phone buzz in my back pocket so I pull it out to see three missed texts from my mom.

"I have to go before my mom jumps through the phone and strangles me, but I am glad we had this talk, um, friendo."

"Chill out Blondie, no need to go to weird extremes." He chuckles.

"Phew, see ya later then, ape-shit." I say quickly before turning towards the car. I can sense his mouth upturning into a smirk, as mine does the same.

"Bye, Blondie."