Theodore had been following Alice around for quite some time as she tried to enjoy her alone time in the natural area, and it really got on her nerves. She would walk through the trees, go on a beaten path, and even hide in bushes, yet he still continued to approach her, making her more and more angry. Finally, after quite some running away, she turned to face the boy, catching him a little off guard.

"What's your deal, Theodore!?" she shouted, red in the face, "Why do you keep following me around like this!? It's so creepy!"

"Ah!" he suddenly hopped back a few feet, but regained his composure quickly, "I dunno, I just wanted to talk or something..."

"Could you not tell that I wanted to be left alone? I've literally been walking away from you this whole time, yet you kept coming after me! It's...obnoxious!"

"I'm sorry! I just wanted to get to know you better, that's all. You seem like a pretty cool person, so I figured I'd try to learn what you're all about."

"What I'm all about?"

Suddenly, the expression on her face softened and she glanced away from him, turning back around and hiding her face entirely.

"...You don't wanna know that."

"Huh? Why not? Are you some sort of crazy, evil lady? Like a vampire or something? I think vampires can be hot."

"I'm not a vampire, I'm literally standing out in the sun right now, you doofus!"

"Oh...yeah, I guess that makes sense."

"Look, Theodore. I'm sure you're a nice guy and all."

"Thanks!"

"...Ahem...but you don't wanna bother getting invested in me."

"Why, though? You're totally rad and you care about the environment and other countries that you don't even live in! That's awesome!"

"...I'm not worth it, okay? I...can't explain, I just...you're better off spending your time with someone who's actually worth half a crap."

"W-what are you talking about? How could you say that about yourself?"

"...You wouldn't get it. Just leave me alone and go flirt with someone else...and get rid of the dye in your hair."

"...Okay. Yeah, I can leave you alone. I'm sorry I bothered you, I won't let it happen again."

Theodore walked past Alice, a sad look on his face as he passed her by, wondering what it could've been to prompt her to say that. She stood there, her arms cross and her eyes focused on the ground.

"Why would anyone want anything to do with me?" she asked herself, not bothering to look up at all, "I'm just a dinky little twerp who doesn't know what she's talking about."

She let out a sigh, walking over to a tree and sitting up against it. She buried her face in her arms, trying her best to control the wave of negativity that washed over her. Out of nowhere, she felt the grass next her moving, as if someone sat next to her. Sure enough, she looked over and saw Theodore, who was looking up at the sky in wonder.

"...I thought you said you'd leave."

"I did," he replied with a quiet voice, "But...uh...it sure is nice, staring at the sky. Helps me clear my mind and all."

"Can't you do that from anywhere?"

"I guess...but then who'd be here to get you to look up and clear your own mind?"

"...Eh?"

"You just seem like you could use some encouragement...or maybe just a friend."

"...You're a really bad listener, you know that?"

"Haha, yeah. I'm on three energy drinks right now, I can be kinda wacky."

He chuckled a little, causing her to let out a slight giggle before covering her own mouth. She rolled her eyes, eventually turning her attention to the sky that Theodore was looking at and relaxing against the tree.

"Hey, Theodore," she spoke softly, trying to hide her weakness.

"Yeah?"

"...Thanks."

"No problem," he replied, keeping his focus on the birds flying around, "No problem at all."