Friend or Foe

A young high school girl was sitting next to the window with her eyes focused on reading her open book. Her desk was far away from her classmates. They were all spread out in different cliques with their desks shoved next to each other. Noisy chatter and hysterical laughter filled the entire room. This girl’s name was Scarlet; she had long dark brown hair all the way down to her knees. There was a blue rose attached to her headband. Her eyes were glittering bright purple. She was very shy and during conversations, she could not look them in the eyes. Most find her mannerisms unexciting, and they ignored her.

The door to the classroom swung open, which caused the chatters to dissipate. The clomping of heels inched closer. The female teacher walked in with a student by her side. He had spiky silver hair and ocean blue eyes. His dress shirt had multiple creases and was unbuttoned around the neck. His eyes gently met with Scarlet's. Her eyes widened a little surprised and she turned her head away in embarrassment.

"Good Morning Class, we have a new student with us today."
The teacher looked at him bearing a small smile.
"Would you please introduce yourself?"

He nodded and grinned. He picked up a long piece of chalk and broke it in half. Then, he started to write his name on the chalkboard. The students squinted their eyes to try to make out his handwriting. 

He waved his right hand, "Hey, the name's Theo. I like playing chess and solving puzzles. Hope we can be friends!"

The students in the classroom squealed in excitement. All except Scarlet, who was unimpressed. She was more interested in the book she was currently reading. Her eyes sparkled as she continued flipping the pages. It sounded as if she was shuffling cards.

"Now, now class, settle down." The teacher said sternly. She turned to Theo.
"You can sit wherever is open."

He was strolling through the aisles. He started to turn down the seat offers from each student until he made his way close to Scarlet.

"Hi, can I sit here?" Theo pointed to the seat that was open right next to her.

Scarlet was still lost in her book when he asked. After a few tries, he found that the silence meant she was indifferent, so he pulled his chair back and plopped into the seat.

The school bell echoed the halls for lunch time. The students scurried like ants to make their lunch purchases. Among the commotions, Scarlet went to her usual spot away from the crowd. The rooftop of the school was her safe place where she could peacefully eat her bento. She had been packing her own lunch ever since her father passed away. He used to write her silly loving notes as he packed her lunch.

I know you will fail math, but I still love you. Enjoy your lunch.

You need to clean your room young lady. I put extra cucumbers for you since you love them.

Even though her father was a terrible cook, his love was all that she needed. She remembered the burning smell and the bitter taste from the burnt pieces of sausages. While reminiscing, Scarlet smiled.

"You have a cute smile."

Scarlet jumped and almost dropped her food. Her eyes widened and her body grew stiff.

"Sorry, sorry I startled you."
It was Theo, he bowed apologetically. His face squirmed while sweating profusely.

Scarlet breathed a sigh of relief while looking at her bento.
"That's okay.” She took her bamboo fork to stab a piece of egg. “I'm so used to eating alone, I didn't think anyone else will be up here."

Theo laughed.
"Why are you sitting by yourself?"

"I'm not really good at talking with people. Besides, I don’t think anyone here likes me."

He took a seat right next to her.

"You're talking to me right now."

He stared at her bento. It had 3 different portions: sausages cut up as an octopus, omelet, and fried rice. His finger sneakily reached for one sausage. His eyes glimmered in excitement.

"Hey!" Scarlet was flabbergasted.

Theo placed the sausage in his mouth and chewed triumphantly. The irresistible flavors of the sausage juices touched his taste buds.

"It tastes amazing! You sure know how to cook!"

Scarlet blushed and muttered, "Thanks."

"You don't have to sit by yourself anymore. Not while I'm here." Theo said.

It seemed like Scarlet had made a friend.

“You probably just want my food.” Scarlet cleverly smirked.

It was the first time, she was able to look at someone’s eyes. She could see her reflection in his like a fun house mirror. The more she stared, the more flustered Theo became.

Scarlet smiled. She extended her pinky toward him for a promise between them.

Curious, Theo in turn, hooked his pinky with hers.

"There you promised."
"I know, know."

Scarlet went home happier than most days. Her home was in a small apartment and she lived with her aunt and cousin. Her aunt rarely welcomed her home. There was a list of chores she would do each day. She picked up the yellow note for today from the fridge, it was scrubbing the floors in the kitchen and living room. Her cousin, on the other hand, was lying lazily on the couch and dead scrolling through the phone. Her cousin’s name was Ren, she had red highlights in her hair. She wore a tank top and raggedy jean shorts.

Scarlet did not complain about how her cousin was not given chores. She was still grateful for her aunt for taking her in. She changed into her old worn out clothes and started to clean. She took the broom and started to clean up all the dust particles. The dust accumulated into the air causing her to sneeze. Once those were collected, she dipped the mop into the bucket and then dragged it across the floor leaving a glistening trail of water behind. The floor shimmered and sparkled in the sunlight coming through from the windows. She was about to put everything away until her aunt returned. It was as if her aunt was watching her the entire time.

“Where are you going young lady? You are not done.” Her aunt started to point to different areas in the room calling them dirty. Scarlet was used to the criticisms. She held her head low.

“I’m sorry ma’am. I will do a better job.”

The aunt shook her head disapprovingly. “You’re just like your mother, can’t do a single thing right.”

Scarlet frowned slightly but kept her head low and started to clean for a few more hours.

For dinner, she made a simple meal of rice with peas and bacon, then brought it up to her room and ate quietly while finishing up on her homework. She was used to being alone, but for the first time in her life, she had a friend.

She moved to a kneeling position near her bed with her hands folded. She began her night prayer. This was taught by her father when she feared the dark. It was a comforting routine for her.

Lights to Light,

Darkness be fright,

I have a strong might,

Go away, out of sight.

After those words were recited, she climbed back into her bed. She missed her father. She then remembered the pinky swear she made with Theo as she closed her eyes to sleep.

In the next coming days, Theo and Scarlet were inseparable like glue. They were together when studying and at lunch. Although this was the most fun that Scarlet had in a long time, she noticed that whenever it was time to go home, she never saw Theo leave the school.

When the last school bell rang for the day, students started to go home, Scarlet waited to see if Theo left. She was hiding in one of the corners in the locker area and watched him closely. He was looking back and forth to see if anyone was watching him. Afterwards, he went down into the basement of the school. She was scared and confused as to why he was going there. Her legs shivered, but she struck them gently to follow him.

Theo’s feet were moving fast as if something was chasing him. Boxes were launching themselves in all directions trying to knock him out. He swiftly ducked and dodged them from left and right. Suddenly, there was a loud mocking laughter that vibrated through the room.

“You thought you could escape me?! Foolish one!”

Scarlet crouched behind a pile of fallen boxes and peeked through a small opening. She was so frightened and tried not to move.

She saw Theo with a sword pointed at his throat. The cloaked figure mercilessly moved the pointy part of the sword deeper.

Her mouth opened, but there was no sound coming out. She was stricken with terror.

Theo scoffed at the figure, “You don’t scare me. Don’t you know they are just using you?”

The cloaked figure laughed, “Even at your last hour, you still try to act superior. I was supposed to bring you alive, but I wouldn’t mind killing you myself.”

The figure started to move the sword.

No, Theo is going to get hurt!

“Nooo, stop!” Scarlet yelled, hitting the cloaked figure with an old large dictionary from one of the boxes. The figure fell down. Thud

“Scarlet?” Theo was surprised.

“I was so scared.” Scarlet was shocked that she did all of that herself.

Theo hugged her tightly. “What in the world are you doing here?” He looked at her with worried eyes.

The cloak figure got up. He shook his head a couple times.

“You got me good little girl.”

Theo stood infront of Scarlet shielding her. “Keep her out of this, I’ll come with you. Just leave her alone.”

“Very well, but no funny business.” The cloak figure touched his tattoo, it was in the shape of an X. It glowed a vibrant light blue, then a large swirling void portal began to tear open in the space. The cloak figure went in and disappeared. Theo moved toward the void. Scarlet’s heart was racing. She ran toward him and held onto him as they went through the portal.

She fell onto the ground on her back. She looked around and every inch of the town was unfamiliar to her.

She then saw Theo with the cloak figure.

“Theo, there you are! Where are we?”

Theo had an angry expression on his face and signaled his hand, ordering the cloak figure to block Scarlet from getting too close to him.

She was taken aback by his actions.

Why is Theo treating me like a stranger and why was the cloak figure obeying him.

Theo slowly moved toward her and secretly slipped a folded piece of paper into her hand.

“You’re in Wisteria, the perfect Utopia.” Theo’s eyes beamed.

“Now if you would excuse me, I have other matters to attend to.”

“But, Theo!” Scarlet exclaimed. She tried to move her legs, but she could not as if there was a force that prevented her from doing so.

Both Theo and the cloaked figure left and disappeared in the distance.

She cried that she was alone again.

Oh wait.

Then, she remembered about the piece of paper and slowly unfolded it without tearing.