Week II

Friday

Ella- Kuudere

"Hey, Ella!" The person from the Literature Club, Andrew, came up to me.

"Hello, Andrew." I look down. He can't know, nobody can.

"Why do you do that?" He asked.

"What?" Why was my voice so… harsh?

"Whenever someone talks to you-you look down."

"It's just a habit." I can't tell him. Nobody can know.

"Hmm, ok! Anyway, do you wanna hang out at the club?"

"Isn't that the point of the club?"

"Well… I mean yeah." He rubs the back of his head embarrassed. "See you later!" Andrew runs off.

"That was close," I muttered under my breath. I nearly made eye contact.

When I walked into the club room, nobody was there. Not even Monika. Then, I heard small a whimper. The source heard me, or so it seems since the suddenly went quiet. "Hello?" I say in my normal monotone voice.

Nobody answered. The only place I think someone could be would be in the closet. Swiftly, I open the closet door, to see Natsuki curled up silently weeping.

"I seriously need to stop doing this, three people now?" She whispered, probably trying to make sure I couldn't hear.

"What's wrong?" I walk into the closet kneeling next to the small girl.

"I'm fine." She turns away. I already knew what was wrong. I could tell since I met her that she was hiding something. I may not talk, but I can listen. And I could pick up on something bad was going on at home for her.

I take a breath. "Natsuki, I've been able to tell what's been happening to you." I pause.

"You have? Wait, no you don't. You're just saying t-that." She looks at me worried. I quickly bring my head down, before we could make eye contact.

"So, I'm just saying I know about your dad? If you say so." I start standing up.

"Wait! Uh, I mean… argh." She struggles with her words. "I- I need help. I j-just.. I!" Natsuki starts getting mad.

"I'll help you," I state simply. "You aren't the only one with a secret."

"Wh- thank you." She mutters. "Wh- what do you need help with?" Natsuki asks.

"Nothing. Nothing anyone can help me with at least." I walk out of the closet, leaving the manga-loving girl alone.

As if on cue, people start walking in. Monika notices me first.

She smiles. "Hi, Ella you were early!"

I nod and go into a corner to start reading. As always, Andrew walks up to me. Trying, and failing, to join me. I'm starting to get tired of his attempts.

"Hey, Ella! You said we could hang out so…"

"When did I ever say that?" From the expression on his face, I could tell he realized that I didn't directly say that we could.

"Well, uh this morning!" He was a horrible liar.

"Ok whatever, what do you want?" I don't bother looking from my book. Not that I would have with anyone else.

"I wanna spend time with you! I could get Sayori and Matt! Sayori enjoys hanging out." I'm sorry I had to.

I sigh. "Ok, whatever."

"Wait really? I'll go get Matt and Sayori!" He laughs in excitement.

"No, don't do that." Three pairs of eyes to avoid is too much.

"Whatever you say, Ella."

Since Andrew wasn't a big reader he just sat there talking. He, again, asks about me avoiding eyes. "You never really answered be about why you avoid eye contact." He tries to lift my head up.

"Stop!" I tear away his hand.

"Geez, sorry I was just wondering." He starts fidgeting.

"You really want to know?" I raise my voice. Everyone looks at me. "I avoid eye contact because of a curse! That's it! Are you happy?" I take my belongings and run out of the classroom.