(AN: Hi everyone, sorry for taking so long on this update. I've been all over the place as I made my final decision for college and getting back to school. However, I do plan to return to publishing one to two chapters a week. Lastly, I'd like to thank everyone for supporting this story so far; it means a lot that people enjoy my work. Now without further a due, let's go to the chapter.)
Black Sheep's POV:
What a hell of a day.
It's now nightfall here on V.I.L.E Island, and I've got a lot on my mind. After cleaning up the mess in the infirmary, I was left wondering where my relationship with Sheena would go next. Learning that she was hurting herself made it difficult to set my mind on anything else. I knew that it was none of my business, yet still I was worried and saddened by the thought. My first instinct was to help, but I didn't really know what to do. How to support someone emotionally was NOT something that was taught in crime school. In fact, it was the other way around; any demonstration of weakness was strongly discouraged.....Wait..... Is that why she kept it hidden? Fuck how could I be such an idiot, of course, she would have to hide it. If the faculty were to find out it would be grounds for imidate expulsion. Shit, what am I going to do; I can't ask anyone here without possibly blowing her cover. Well, I guess it's a good thing I got a friend on the outside. I still have a few hours till curfew, I'll slip outside and make the call to my only friend in the outside world. Player
I found myself on an isolated rock outcropping away from the Academy overlooking the sea as the stars reflected over the ocean. I had to make sure I wasn't being followed or seen as left the campus grounds with my phone. I still can't believe they haven't found it after all these years. Right now I just hope Player can help me out.
Ring...Ring...Ring
"Hey, Black Sheep it's good to hear from you."
"You to Player."
" Not that I'm unhappy talking to my favorite mystery friend, but you usually don't call at this hour. Is something wrong?"
I let out a deep sigh before responding. "You could say that, I... I need your advice dealing with something."
" You know you can talk to me about anything, I might be young but I'll help in any way I can."
" Thanks, Player, well...... it's about one of my classmates. She always acts coldly toward me and everyone else. I thought that she was just...I don't know aaa, what do you call it?"
"......A Bitch?"
"Ya that... But today I discovered that she was just doing that to hide her pain. I-I don't know what's going on with her, but it's not good. Player, I-I'm almost certain that she is hurting herself. I didn't even know it was happening till today. I want to do something, but I just don't know what to do. And I'm worried." I didn't even notice it, but I actually began to cry while waiting for him to respond.
"...It's Sheena, isn't it."
"W-Wait how did you know?" I said surprised as I wiped away my tears.
"She was the only one I know who could get you this worked up. But more importantly, if she's hurting as much as you say, then she needs help. Shouldn't she talk to a counselor, teacher, or her parents?"
"The instructors at this school won't be able to help for reasons. And I don't even think she has any parents in the picture."
"Well, I'll take your word on that. Still, I don't know if you can help as much as you want if you say or do the wrong thing she could get worse. Especially if you don't already know what her past is like."
"I see."
" I guess all the advice I can give you is to try to be there for her. If what you said about her hiding it is true then you might be the only one who knows. Don't be forceful, just let her know that you are there and willing to help. She's gotten used to hiding how she's feeling; even if you can't get her to open up about her problems, you can at least let her know that she doesn't need to hide when it's you."
"Thanks, Player, It means a lot. You always know what to say."
"That what friends are for, don't be afraid to talk to me if you ever need help Black Sheep."
"Your the best, I'll talk to you soon Player."
"Til next time."
Once we hung up the call, I started making my way back to the dorms. It won't be long till curfew is in place and I don't want to get caught with my phone. But what Player said helped me out a lot. I now know how to help Sheena, let's just hope that I can. I'll put my personal feelings for Sheena aside, for now, I can deal with them later. Just keep calm and wait for a moment for us to talk.
Several hours later
No One's POV:
After that Black Sheep returned to the dorms as many of the other students were getting settled in for the evening. She caught sight of Sheena sitting on her bed but didn't get a chance to talk to her because of all the other people nearby. Soon enough the time came for everyone to go to sleep. The night was quiet, with only the distant sounds of waves filling the dorm room. Most of the students were fast asleep, however, one certain crimson shared young woman was having troubled sleeping. The day's events played heavily on Black Sheep's mind, especially since she didn't get a chance to talk to Sheena after the infirmary. It was around 3:00 am, when she woke up from restless sleep. She looked around the room and found that everyone was still asleep, except for the empty bed next to hers. She instantly knew that Sheena must have left the room when she was asleep. This wasn't the first time that she had disappeared during the night, but after the day's events, Black Sheep was especially concerned. She decided to go looking for her and quickly slipped her shoes on. Thanks to growing up on the island, she knew every inch of the place. Knowing that there were only a few places that Sheena could have gone, she started looking trying to stay quiet. Wherever she was, Black Sheep would find her soon enough.
Sheena's POV:
After failing to get any sleep, I decided to leave the dorms and get some fresh air. After first coming to this island, I found a hidden section of beach away from the academy. It was covered on all sides by rocks and had thick trees This isn't the first time that I've come out here to escape the thoughts in my head. I'd usually come out here, sit on top of this rock and cry out my issues without anyone finding out. But tonight my mind is a complete blank. I-I haven't gotten the urge to do That, which I usually would around this time. I let my hand graze my side where Black Sheep patched me up as I look out at the ocean. Fuck....Why do I have to catch feelings for someone like her?
I was out here for a while before I heard some footsteps on the sandy beach. I was worried at first and quickly spun my head around to see who it was, but I calmed down when I saw who it was. I just...turned to look back out at the sea.
"How did you find me.....Black Sheep ?" She just kept walking toward me and state down on the rock beside me.
"It wasn't hard......It's a small Island, there are only a few places you could have gone and gotten any privacy."
"Ha, just as perceptive as ever." I let out silently, trying to crack a weak smirk.
We both sat silently on the rock for a while, observing the moon reflect on the water. Finally, after a while, she spoke.
"Lisen Sheena, I know that we're not friends or anything like that and I'm not going to force you to open up to me. I don't know what happened in your past to make you try and cope in......unhealthy ways. That being said, I think I'm beginning to understand why you act coldly toward everyone and tried to keep it a secret. I hope that you believe me when I say that I won't tell anyone. And...If you ever do want to open up, I'm willing to listen to whatever you have to say."
To say I was shocked would have an understatement. For a few moments, I couldn't even speak as I look at the girl next to me. Those eyes...Those beautiful grey eyes are telling me nothing but the truth.
"W-Why do you care? Why would you care about me after I've been such a terrible person?" I asked looking at her with my eyes beginning to fill with tears. She was taken aback at first, but then her expression softened as she gently moved closer to me.
" I care about you because no one deserves to be in pain like you. It hasn't been long since the year started and yet I can see just how driven you are. You've been pushing yourself harder than everyone else here, but you deserve a chance to find peace."
"It's ok not to be ok Sheena." That is what she said before gently using her thumb to wipe away my tears.
She was so close that I couldn't help but lean closer. Before I knew it rapped my hands around her waist and set my head into her shoulder. To my surprise, she didn't push back or tense up. Instead she rapper her own arms around me, with one resting on my back and the other on my head. She slowly started to stroke my hair as we hugged. She was smaller than I was, yet she was so warm. In all my life I never had anyone show me any affection like this. Despite the fact that I would push anyone away from me, I think that deep down all I wanted was for someone to care. Maybe that's what makes you so special Black Sheep, maybe that's why I fell in love with you.
Even if you can't return my feelings, I'll be happy as long as we can be friends. After all, you were the first person to ever offer me
a helping hand.
