Prompt: Write your character overcoming a weakness that had previously overwhelmed or prevented her from progressing.
Dialogue: "I take a lot of crazy shit from a lot of crazy people. But you are not crazy."
"Hannah, could you help me with this essay?"
"No problem."
"Hannah, could you help me find my wand?"
"Of course."
"Hannah, could you help me clean the common room?"
"Yes."
"Hannah, could you please help me deliver these flowers?"
"Sure."
"Hannah, could you help me prank Justin?"
"Yeah."
"Hannah, could you help me pick up this paper?"
"I guess."
Hannah collapsed on the couch after another day full of running around. She wished everyone would stop asking for favours, she was so tired. Hannah rolled onto her side and curled up, she just wanted to sleep.
"Hannah?"
Hannah almost groaned out loud, luckily she managed to hold it in. "What can I do for you Justin?"
"Nothing, are you okay?"
Hannah smiled, more than relieved that she didn't need to do anything, like move. "I'm fine, going crazy but I'm fine." Hannah closed her eyes and felt Justin sit next to her head.
"Going crazy?"
"Yeah, I've been helping people all day and I'm sure my brain is turning to mush."
Hannah heard Justin chuckle and he shifted on the couch, lifting her head and then laying it back down in his lap. "I take a lot of crazy shit from a lot of crazy people, you're not crazy."
"You're sure about that?" Hannah asked, enjoying the warmth coming from Justin.
"Positive, you just need to learn how to say no."
Hannah snorted, "easier said than done."
"It's actually quite easy. Here, I'll say it with you. Nnnoooo," Justin said, dragging out the word no.
Hannah slapped his leg. "Oh, ha ha. Seriously, I feel guilty when others ask me for help and I can help them."
"Well don't, you don't have to fix everyone's problems."
"We'll see," Hannah said softly, her voice drifting off. Maybe I should start saying no.
Hannah, again found herself exhausted on the couch the next day. She helped so many people she lost count. She almost said no, almost but the guilt she felt thinking about it was too much. Now she was enjoying her down time. She didn't want to do anything but sleep.
"Hannah?"
Hannah didn't move, keeping her eyes closed and hoping the person, whoever it may be, would assume she was already asleep.
"Hannah, I know you're awake."
Groaning, Hannah rolled over to face a second year, a lazy slump in her shoulders and a slight smile.
"Could you help me clean my room? It's a mess and it's going to take me a long time."
Hannah looked at the girl and for the first time saw what others were seeing. She was taking advantage of her, expecting her to say yes automatically.
"No," Hannah said without thinking about it. She was surprised to feel no guilt. The girls face fell, she look surprised.
"What? But you've helped everyone else. Why won't you help me?"
Hannah smiled at the girl, closing her eyes, "I've decided to be a no girl rather than a yes girl."
(w.c 500)
WolfWinks –xx-
