Chapter 4: Trust

"Welcome to Hawk Wireless," the tired-looking employee greeted. "My name is Sangok. How can I help you?"

"I need a new phone. Mine was stolen last night…"

"Ah man, that's a bummer. Let me see what I can do for you." He pulled out his employee phone. "What's your account number?"

Azula stared at him blankly. She had been on her father's family plan with her brother, but ever since her father went to prison for embezzlement and she was forced to live with her estranged mother, she wasn't quite sure of her phone plan's status. "I don't know."

"Okay. Do you have any photo ID? Maybe we can look it up."

"Yes, here's my driver's license." She handed her ID over, thankful for her one lifeline.

"Oh damn!" His eyes widened with surprise. "Are you Governor Ozai's daughter?"

Her mouth thinned into a line. She hated being recognized. "Unfortunately."

"Alright, Azula," he said, handing back her ID, "looks like you're on Noren's phone plan – "

Guess her stepfather had been paying the bills.

" – we can go ahead and deactivate your old phone and get you set up with a new one. How will you be paying?"

"I – " she froze. "I don't have any money – my credit card was stolen too, but – "

"I can't just give you a phone…"

"I was robbed! There must be something – "

"Do you have a police report?"

She sighed heavily. That would have been the smart thing to do first. "No."

"Is there anybody you can call?"

"I don't have a phone!"

"Oh, right. That's why you're here."

It was getting harder for her to keep her cool. "Could I please use your phone?"

"Sorry, it's against store policy to let customers use employee phones."

"Okay, well can't I just use any of these phones here in the store?" she asked, gesturing to all the mobile devices around her.

"You could, except that these phones are for display only. They can't make outgoing calls."

"So basically, you can't help me at all."

"Yeah, basically."

"Well, that's just great. Thanks for nothing." As she stormed out of the store, she realized her dramatic exit was probably premature. She'd probably need help getting a new Airlyft. There was no way that Sokka guy was waiting for her.

But there he was. Right where he said he'd be. She couldn't believe it. She had grown so accustomed to people abandoning her throughout her life. First, it was her mother, who left when she was eight years old. Then her brother, who chose to live with their uncle when she was 11. Finally, her father, whose white-collar crimes landed him in prison during her high school years. She never imagined that a total stranger would choose to stay by her side.

"You're here," she whispered.

"You seem surprised."

"I… thank you." She wanted to hug him but deemed it inappropriate. "Thank you, thank you."

"I take it you weren't able to get a phone?"

She shook her head.

"Why don't we head over to the police station?"

"That's a great idea." She started opening the back door, but he stopped her.

"You can sit in the front if you'd like. I'm not charging anything," he said, nodding at the meter, which was turned off, "so you're not my customer anymore."

A sense of calm washed over her as she sat next to Sokka in the front. He was someone worth trusting. And after getting robbed last night, she really needed someone she could trust.