Rosalia felt a cold sweat overcome her as Valie interrupted her inner rambling. "What am I thinking, we should call the police, or at least your parents. You were hurt, and even if you can't remember anything just describing what you can remember can help." Valie was getting ready to dial until Rosalia quickly grabbed the phone and began to beg as if her life depended on it. "No! you can't! I-I can't let them take what little freedom I have left, Valie", she screamed as her face was doused in panic. Valie's face showed concern, but internally, she was relieved. She didn't want to call the cops, but it would be suspicious to at least not bring up the option, also, she was really against leading the cops to the bleach-smelling body in an alleyway. Everything was too suspicious, and she'd rather keep everything simple. Valie took her phone back and placed it in her bag, she grabbed Rosalia's hands and gave her usual warm smile. Rosalia felt reassured as it seemed like an invitation to vent.

     Rosalia took a deep breath a saw the person in front of her. The person who bandaged her, fed her, saved her. The only person she felt was really being selfless and had her best interest in mind...so...she decided to confide in her. "I-I remember for, the most part, how today started. I just...my friend and I have been together for like forever...but...she's been acting out, and tonight-tonight she took it too far", her stammering hid the tears she was attempting to hold back. "It was fun went we just let loose together, but, she started to talk to a guy and she decided to meet him. I tried to talk her out of it, but, she wanted to...and I can't say no to her...so I went with her." Valie listened as she attempted to imagine the scene and wanted to laugh a bit at the stupid decision Rosalia had made. Valie could only see this Rosalia as a pushover and the other one as gullible. Rosalia kept on as Valie relaxed her expression. "Then, next thing I knew, we were in a bar with a creepy guy in his 20's or 30's. He kept talking and talking about something, but I was so anxious that I just kept staring at my friend. She didn't notice. She kept fawning all over him calling him cute and just laughing at every stupid thing that he said", Rosalia was beginning to become upset recalling those moments, but it quickly dissipated as she continued. " He then sent my friend to the bar to get him something to drink, even though, there were multiple untouched drinks at our table. We were not even alone for a second after my friend left, and he just starts to comfort me or something. His voice is so irritating in my ear. He keeps on telling me to relax and saying something like he 'likes younger girls so it's alright. I had enough, I got up to leave and he just pulls me back and tried to force me to drink something. I swallowed only a bit but spat the rest in his face. He got angry and pushed me down. My friend rushed over... and she asked what happened...and this asshole spat out some stupid line about trying to seduce him and taking him away from her. I thought she would defend me, I thought she would see how creepy all of this was and take me and leave. But all she did was get into a homicidal rage and started beating me and throwing the glasses into my face. Then, everything just got blurry and I just remember running..." Rosalia sighed as a few tears escaped her grasp. Valie gave her a tissue and remained silent. "My parents always said she gave them a bad feeling. I didn't believe them. How...how were they right? We were closer than sisters, and she just threw me away for some guy she just met. I just thought I was worth more".

     

     Valie paid the bill and walked side by side with Rosalia. They arrived at a bus stop and Valie glanced at Rosalia. She had to admit that Rosalia was not as much of a pushover as she thought. Then Valie brought up an odd question," Hey, do you remember the guy who met up with you two?". Rosalia looked perplexed but Valie explained herself, "I just want to keep a lookout if we see someone similar. It's better to be safe and make sure no one is following us". Valie smiled with her usual warm smile and she saw Rosalia relax. "Wow, you think of everything. I uh... I just remember he had a really wired neck tattoo". Valie's eyes twitched as she let out an "Ah". "Well...one less thing to worry about. Didn't think it would be that easy...oh well", Valie thought as a bus came to a stop.

     The girls sat side by side and this time, Rosalia started the conversation. She was more open than Valie thought. Rosalia made Valie talk about her interest, school, fashion, shows, crushes, the little moments that brought them joy. Rosalia then stopped as if to ask a question.

     "Hey, Valie", Rosalia asked shyly

     "Yea".

     "You told me to call you by your nickname, so could you call me by one too".

     "Like give you a nickname?"

     "Sure".

     Valie thought about it for a moment and smiled, "Hmmm, Rosie." Rosalia smiled, and for the first time, Valie saw a ball of sunshine for a brief moment. 

     The bus stopped but only Rosalia stood. She wanted to say something but nothing came out. "Stay safe", Valie's voice cut through the silence as Rosalia built up the strength to nod rapidly with a smile on her face.

"Bye, Valie", the girl giggled.

"Bye, Rosie".

Rosie stepped out and waved goodbye, her face hiding the tears that were building up until the bus left. 

For the rest of that summer, Rosie never stumbled upon anyone who vaguely resembled Valie. She sometimes felt she dreamt the entire encounter, but that scar under her eye was more than a good affirmation. Then, as the first day of high school came rolling in, Rosie saw her. Long brunette hair, a face that seemed a little freckled, and dark eyes that almost appeared black. Rosie was nervous, but, she walked toward her. Then, as they locked eyes, there she was again with that big warm smile. "Hi, Rosie".