Chapter 2
The next day, I was still thinking of Annabel. I wanted to get to know her. I wanted to help her, to be someone she could talk to. I had no idea how to do that. What if she was scared of me? Why would she want to have anything to do with me?
But still, I wanted to get to know her. It seemed like there was maybe more to her than she let everyone see.
All that week, we sat on the wall, about 6 feet apart, never speaking. Sometimes I saw her glancing at me. I wondered how she thought of me, if she was still scared. Something about our daily proximity made me think she wasn't scared. This was good.
Then on Friday, something interesting happened. I saw her talking to the guy who made her sick. She was clearly very uncomfortable. She then turned toward the building, walking as quickly as she could without attracting too much attention. I thought she would probably be sick again. I hoped she could get to the building in time, but no luck.
Sophie snapped from behind Annabel, "What was that?"
Annabel stopped, stiffened, and looked sicker than ever. She didn't speak, or even turn around.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, Annabel?" Sophie moved closer to Annabel, hatred hanging on every word. I wondered what had happened between them.
"Didn't you get enough that night? You need more or something?"
Annabel started moving again, towards the school. I was thinking, what night? What happened?
"Don't ignore me! Turn around, bitch!" It was clear that all Annabel wanted was to leave. But then, Annabel snapped. She spun around, and shoved Sophie, who stumbled. Sophie said something low to her, loathing dripping from her mouth like water. "You're a whore. Stay away from my boyfriend. Do you hear me?" I couldn't imagine Annabel as any kind of slut. What were they talking about?
Annabel walked off, and then ran to the bushes. She got sick. Not surprising, after what had just happened to her. I moved towards her.