I opened my mouth ready to spill my secret when I hastily shut it again. A new thought had crossed my mind; one that made me have doubts about telling Riddle. I watched his eyes narrow to small slits as he readied himself for a chase, "you promised" he reminded.
"I promised, yes" came my reply while I was in thought, "but how can I trust you?"
This question he wasn't expecting and it showed; his face drained of all colour. There was a mixture of confusion and fear on his face and he stood like a statue, horrified by the idea of trust.
"You say you can hurt people, you say you are different….what are you?" I said standing firm.
His features quickly adjusted and movement came back to his limbs, his expression; emotionless, "why should I tell you?"
A smile spread across my face. I saw right through his expressionless face and hidden somewhere in the depths of his eyes was the unmistakable sign of excitement; he wanted to tell me.
My smile broadened, I decided to play on this, "are you human?"
He twitched desperately trying to hold his tongue "yes I am"
"You don't act like one" I added laughing lightly.
This made him look joyous and even more excited, "really?"
My smile struggled to stay in its place as I was revolted by his tone. My voice came out sweet and tender "how is it you can hurt people just by holding them firm?"
He was buzzing with anticipation; it wouldn't be long before he wouldn't be able to control himself, "I don't know if it's true", he leant close his eyes sparkling, "I was only told a week ago"
"Told what?" I added, taking my voice up to angelic tones.
He frowned suddenly and pulled away almost alarmed at himself "I can't trust you"
My smile broadened "then we are in the same boat, without trust neither of us can tell each others secret"
He gnashed his teeth together raging inside at being tricked in such a way. He knew it was true so he paced back and forth in a silent fume; deep in thought. I watched him walk to and fro proud I had got him where I wanted him.
Suddenly he came to an abrupt halt; right in front of me. Eyeing him apprehensively he held out his hand "My name is Tom Riddle"
"I know who you are" my hand didn't shake his; my voice was icy cold.
"But isn't trust started upon introduction?" he asked puzzled, looking down at his outstretched hand.
"Not always; depends on the impression you first make" he looked up at me then and he knew I was hinting subtly to our first meeting.
"Well I am starting again; creating a new impression" he wiggled his hand at me and reluctantly I took it, "Bethany Miller"
He smiled, forcefully, "pleased to meet you" he didn't sound like it.
This was ridiculous! Standing here shaking hands, pretending not to have met.
"Okay, stop!" I pulled my hand angrily from his "this isn't going to change things; I can't just forget"
He mused for a second "hmmm….what to do"
My reply I bit back, I would have loved to have told him what to do.
"Why don't we start a friendship?" this question threw me completely. Not that I haven't been asked that before but he was not the friendly type. No way! There was no room in his life except for him as far as I'm concerned.
"Do you have any idea what that involves?" I enquired matter-of-factly.
"Hopefully trust?" came his smart reply. I couldn't help but smile at his naivety. Such a reply would only come from one who has never experienced friendship and although I felt I should have pitied him I didn't because it was his fault for isolating himself from everyone else.
"You have no idea" I mumbled half-smiling.
His anger started to grow again at my amused smile "well at least give me a chance!"
"You had plenty of opportunities to offer your friendship instead you lure me here push me around and threaten death!" he was trying not to smile; I on the other hand was fuming.
"And now I offer friendship" the smile didn't leave his face. I was using all my energy to stop myself from hitting him, he watched me, and no reply came so he added with delight "wouldn't you prefer friendship to death?"
Such control made my head ache and I blurted "I hate you"
This wiped the smile form his face though not completely.
"You're only doing this so that you can gain my trust and discover my secret! What friendship is that!?" I cried.
"It is an interesting one with an unlikely beginning and probably and unlikely ending" he replied; his smile back in place.
No words could come from my mouth I was in too much shock. He waited for nothing and grabbed my wrist insisting we return to the beach. The whole journey I kept in a silent fury, all the while wishing he were dead! The nerve! The cheek! Whatever he forces upon me, I will not endure his friendship!