Pitiless Friend
Summary: Nellie asks Samantha an important question one day as Mount Better School concludes for the evening.
"Samantha?"
Samantha looked up from the book strap she was adjusting the second grade books to so they wouldn't fall as she watched Nellie gather Lydia in her arms.
Mount Better School had concluded for the evening and while Nellie wasn't expected to return to the Van Sicklens just yet, both girls enjoyed the opportunity to speak with each other without any disturbances.
"You did very well today, Nellie. Mrs. Stevens will be thrilled to learn of your progress next week," Samantha smiled. "Is something the matter? Are you unwell?"
Nellie shook her head, giving her a selcouth expression neither of them were used to.
An expression of uncertainty.
"It's silly really but I know those mean words Edith and Clarice said earlier this afternoon bothered you," Nellie recalled, playing with the fabric of Lydia's bonnet. "T-They bothered me too."
"They did?"
"Uh huh. Can I ask you something? Do you pity me?"
Samantha was baffled by the glaring question.
"I beg your pardon Nellie but I don't understand what you're saying," she muttered softly.
"Do you pity me?" Nellie repeated. "Samantha, you've been so nice to me these last few weeks helping me with my lessons so I can pass second grade. Are you teaching me out of pity?"
"No. I'd never do such a thing," Samantha frowned. "Not now. Not ever."
"Thank goodness."
"But I can understand why you were worried. Grandmary said the other day that I was helping you which she believed was was difference to me playing with you."
"That doesn't seem fair," Nellie said. "I don't understand, Samantha. We aren't doing something sinful by being friends so why are other kids and adults making a fuss over it?"
"I don't get it either, Nellie," Samantha admitted. "I adore being your friend and it makes me frustrated that everyone else sees us as being two completely different social classes. Sure I have wealthy friends but they're not like you. They're not my best friend."
Nellie's eyes glistened with tears as her friend's words of honestly reached her eardrums.
She never had a real friend outside the family before Samantha and always made sure to bless her each night before going to sleep.
But this was a new installment in their friendship and it felt unexpected.
"Samantha, are those words true?" Nellie croaked.
Samantha nodded, using a handkerchief to wipe away the fallen tears flowing down her friend's face.
"They are," she murmured. "And they always will be."
Nellie beamed, wiping away the rest of her tears as she glanced at the clock.
In the mist of their conversation, she'd forgotten to check on it to make sure she wouldn't be late serving dinner.
"Why don't we walk to the Van Sicklens together?" Samantha offered, noticing her expression.
"But what if somebody sees us and says something?" Nellie frowned.
Samantha soothed her dress and smiled, placing the adjusted book on a nearby desk as she took Nellie by the hand.
"As Grandmary says, one's personal matters shouldn't matter to the likes of others and getting you home on time is a personal matter," she murmured, her smile Nellie giggled in response.
They closed the door behind them as Samantha held her head up high in confidence.
As long as she and Nellie remain friends, she didn't care what social standards had to say about it.
