(Moonlight Talk)

*December 1st, 1941*

*11:45 pm*

*Miller Manor*

Anya and Judith stood on the balcony, staring at the beautiful moonlight sky, which was covered by some clouds, indicating that rain was coming as they were ready to discuss everything.

"So, what do you want to talk about? Perhaps you want a kiss from me, hm? Well, It's not happening." Judith asked Anya teasingly while making a smug face as Anya chuckled at what she had just heard.

"Oh no, we're just going to talk, that's all. Did something happen between you and Emily?" Anya responded with a mixture of concern and relaxation in her voice while she waited for an answer. Judith sighed before finally opening up.

"Well, Emily and I were talking with each other; however, she told me I was worthless and that my mother should have never had me, and this led me to tackle her to the ground and fight her, but let me tell you something, I don't feel guilty at all so don't bother trying to change that" Judith responded in a more serious tone while looking at Anya.

"How horrible. Emily should have never said those awful things to you, and you had every right to defend yourself, so don't feel bad or let anyone tell you otherwise, okay?" Anya responded while Judith laughed at what she had just heard as she spoke.

"Guilty? As if! Emily deserved it, like you said, so feeling guilty is the least of my concerns, but thank you for taking my side. It means a lot to me; however, what else do you want to discuss? I may as well vent to you since we're alone.." Judith responded rather confidently while smiling back at Anya, waiting for whatever was asked of her.

"Well, it's bullying. Why do you bully me and my friends? If I can find an answer, perhaps we could work something out together and hopefully move on from this ugly chapter." Anya asked Judith, staring at her. This made Judith smile back.

"Well, I mostly bullied your friends because I wanted to, that's all. I only bullied you for the fact that you had taken Calvin away from me…" Judith responded confidently, slowly becoming ashamed as she looked down at her side.

"That's what I would say if I were being a lying bitch. The truth is that I bully others mostly because of my shame and guilt. I constantly get bullied by Emily while my grandmother calls me a disappointment because I'm unsuccessful like Emily. I have a good relationship with my father, but even that's rough due to how strict and demanding he can get. I don't have a good relationship with my mother due to my behavior.." Judith vented, feeling the emotions welling up while Anya nodded, signaling her to continue.

"I-It's just hard. I know it's no excuse to cause pain to others, but I feel like bringing others down is the only way to make myself feel good about myself, and Calvin was one of the few people who enjoyed my company. He never mocked me and even defended me from Emily.." Judith continued to vent while Anya nodded understandingly as she began to speak.

"And that could change. You don't have to be this awful person who hurts others. Today, you can become a kind and better person, what do you say? Let's become friends, ' ' Anya advised Judith while reaching out her hand to the girl in hopes of the offer being accepted. Judith stared at Anya, unsure whether to take the offer due to her slow-rising guilt, as she began to speak again.

"I-I don't know. What about your friends? They'll hate me, and they have every right. I've burned Emma's diary, insulted your friends, and other such horrible things. I don't know how I can show my face.." Judith responded with guilt while having her head down while Anya slowly walked toward her, gently touching her shoulder.

"It's okay. Not everyone will forgive you; however, just know that correcting your mistakes and apologizing to others are the most important things. Even if my friends don't forgive your actions, you apologize maturely, showing your character. It's never too late to change.." Anya advised Judith, smiling at her as she continued to reach her hand out to Judith.

"Y-You're right, but I almost said I wanted you to die. Remember that? It was during the after-party when you were with Cynthia; however, you stopped me right before I said it.." Judith responded, feeling more guilty; however, she looked up to see Anya smiling back.

"You didn't mean it, and I know you were going to say it; however, I know you don't want people to die, but just know that I forgive you for that. I forgive you for everything.." Anya responded to Judith once more as this seemed to make the girl slowly tear up, speaking once more.

"I-I'm sorry...I'm sorry for everything. I'm a horrible person who's better off dead..' Judith apologized, crying softly to herself while she hugged Anya warmly.

"You're forgiven, and Don't say that. That's not true. You can still change and grow, Judith. The actions you've done were horrible; however, that doesn't mean you should die. Don't listen to yourself and Emily, okay?" Anya responded, hugging Judith back as she felt Judith hugging her more tightly.

Anya and Judith hugged for a few more seconds until they released each other from the hug, staring at each other.

"Thank you for giving me a chance. You should have rightfully rejected my apology, yet you didn't. I will always be grateful for that.." Judith spoke to Anya, smiling warmly at her while both girls smiled warmly at each other.

Soon, tiny raindrops fell on both girls' heads, alerting them of the upcoming rain; however, this didn't bother Judith as she began laughing joyfully.

"Anya, did you know that I love the rain? The overall look, feel, and everything else always brings me peace and calmness." Judith spoke to Anya while reaching her hand out to feel the raindrops touching her. Anya did the same.

"That's wonderful! I love the rain as well. If you're bored, it gives you a good time to read stories or nap." Anya responded, chuckling at Judith while she and Judith began to laugh with each other.

The sounds of Anya and Judith were joyful as both girls finally put aside their differences, thus becoming less tense toward each other.

"F-Friends? Only if you want. I don't want to be pre.." Judith attempted to ask Anya; however, right before she could finish her sentence, Anya nodded with great interest.

"Of course! I would love to be friends with you," Anya responded joyfully as she walked over to hug Judith again, which Judith accepted.

"I-I'm glad. I hope we can be good friends. I've done many bad things to you and your friends, so that I will compensate for it. I swear on my life." Judith spoke to Anya with motivation in her voice.

"Glad to know. I'm glad we were able to have this conversation as well. I can tell it helped you a lot." Anya responded while Judith smiled back.

"It did, and since we're being honest, I was jealous of you. I didn't want you to be around Calvin because of my insecurities. You represented everything I wanted to be, and I can tell Calvin wanted you more than me, which led to bitterness toward you; however, that's all in the past, and you and Calvin are free to date." Judith responded to her new friend as this surprised Anya, mostly what she said in the final part.

"A-Are you sure? I-I don't want to mess that up since we're friends now. I know you loved Calvin, and I don't want to mess it up further." Anya asked Judith curiously and concerned; however, she felt Judith gently grabbing her hand.

"It's okay! I still love Calvin; however, I know it won't work out due to my demanding family, save for my mother, but I know he'll be happier with you, my friend." Judith explained to Anya, giving her a thumbs up while Anya smiled back.

The raindrops slowly began to wither down as Anya and Judith were slightly wet from the rain; however, both girls didn't care, as tonight marked the beginning of a new friendship.

"We should head back now if you want, of course." Anya spoke to Judith, looking at her while her new friend shook her head before speaking.

"Maybe we should continue hanging out like this, just a little longer." Judith responded, gently grabbing Anya's hand tighter to show warmth for her new friend.

"And that's what we shall do, my good friend." Anya responded before smiling back as both girls spent the rest of their time watching the moonlight sky on the balcony, filled with new hope for their future together.