A friend in need is a friend indeed

" A friend to all, is a friend to none"

XAYDEN:

Eraya Haven. She's different, a good different. We haven't talked much till now and I wonder why didn't I talked to her before. Her company is peaceful, like you can be your true self and would be never judged for it. Now that I noticed her, I've seen how protective,loyal and dependable she is for her loved one's.

It was only yesterday, we were having English class, when miss Solane asked to open the book and for those who haven't brought it, to kindly excuse the class and go in ground and do ten laps of the field. Thanks the stars I had, cause that punishment was a total suicide. Then I saw Eraya taking out her book but she stopped abruptly in between and when I followed her gaze it was stuck at Ezra who had just stood up. Then she kept her book back inside the bag and stood up. I was surprised, it was just the first day and I've already witnessed two different sides of her. First was when she totally shut up those bastards which of so fucking satisfying and now this.

The class started but I was not able to focus on the words miss solane was saying. I shifted a bit and looked outside the window which had the perfect view of the field, and there she was laughing and running with her friend. Her laugh, I haven't seen her laugh so carelessly, freely and happily. I wonder how will it feel if I would be at the receiving end of her friendship. She had told those guys that they didn't deserve her smile and I wonder if one day I'll be able to deserve it. They were now panting real hard. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder and my head jerked in that direction and saw miss solane standing with raised eyebrow .

I was standing outside the class, punished for finding the field more interesting than miss solane's words. As the class ended I saw Ezra and Eraya walking towards class but it was mostly Ezra being dragged by Eraya as she looked on the brink of her death. When they finally reached near me, they stopped for a break. Ezra just crouched down limply on the floor. I looked at her, "you alright there?" I asked a bit concerned. She looked forward with so much effort and replied, "dude I can see the stairs to heaven. Sorry Rara for leaving you in this miserable world, but don't worry I'll beg the god to become your guardian angel and will always be there with you."

Eraya sighed with a being done look and looked at her then at me and passed a small smile while mouthing sorry she's a bit dehydrated out of her mind right now. She turned to her friend and replied to her, "Ez look clearly it's not heavens stair, it's hell. You know how you've waited to meet Lucifer. He's probably waiting for you on the other side to fry you in oil. I was controlling my laugh but it slipped a bit and I was met with Ezra's glare. She can be quite scary when she wants to. Xayden, what the hell are you doing outside the class? she asked. Her question took me back to my previous thoughts, shaking my head as if that action can clear my mind. I passed a quick glance towards Eraya then answered slowly, I was a bit distracted.

She was just about to say something when miss solane walked out the door, she looked at us and Ezra being Ezra said, " Mam, you know, today this country could have lost such a precious asset. Pointing towards herself. Miss Solane looked at her and replied sweetly, Ezra, you're sacrifice for the betterment of future would have been honoured. We all stood silently. she's one dangerous woman. Then she started walking while saying, " And Eraya from next time put your book on the desk rather than your bag." And we were all left dumbfolded. "Rara, I told you. She's a witch". Ezra mumbled.

That was all yesterday and now here I am doing laps rather than being in miss solane's class. What happened was Inaya forgot her book and Eraya passed her book to Inaya and when she was going to stand up, I slid my book to her and stood up. Well that was all about me being hero but this ground will kill me today. Ezra wasn't wrong when she was complaining. Sometimes I really wonder if miss solane is a sadist. I can't even cut shortcut, with PE sir monitoring us. He is so easygoing and goofy, one of our favorite teacher because he have so much fun with us together but right now it's like he's body is invasioned by miss solane's soul.

Finally the bell rang and students begin to disperse like ants all over as school's hour was over and I started walking towards the class half alive. The class was empty as I reached my desk to take my bag, I saw a bottle of juice under which a paper was tucked. I took the letter and it read,

xayden,

Sorry because of me you had to do the laps (which are suicidal in my opinion). I was waiting for you to thank you but Ezra had tution class and we had only one cycle so, I had to leave. I also wanted to say thankyou. You saved me from that torture. I really didn't want to do it again.

P.S - A small thankyou gift, not that it fits as a gift but they only had that left in the canteen. I hope you like the flavour. ( It's apple flavour) <⁠(⁠￣⁠︶⁠￣⁠)⁠>

Regards,

Eraya

I tucked the letter safely into my pocket. I haven't realised that I had a full blown smile on my face the whole time I was reading it. well it isn't bad to help someone, the laps were worth it, I guess. I took the juice, picked my bag and started walking. I opened the bottle and took a sip, liking it more than usual. I was nearly at the gate when I saw miss Solane standing with Roman sir, our PE teacher. She was looking at me and smiling. As I neared them and bid my farewell, I heard her commenting 'young love' but wasn't sure I heard right.

I rang bell of my home and heard small but fast footsteps approaching the door. Suddenly it was opened and I was attacked by a tiny figure. I greeted my little brother who was attached to me like a koala. Slowly I put him on the floor and he started talking about anything and everything, he stopped in the middle and I saw him eying the apple juice and I kept it far away from his reach. Noticing that he said, " big brother, me too , I want to drink it. I looked at him and said sternly, " No Niko, this is mine I can't give it to you. I'll buy you another one."

" But you don't even like apple juice", he countered while pouting. I replied patting his head, " well it was given to me by someone and now I like it. So sorry Niko not this one".

Then he ran towards the kitchen where I know he would be complaining to mom and just shortly after I heard a loud shout " Mama , see big bro is not giving me the juice." Then mom looked at me and said, " Xayden just give him a little sip. He's your little brother." " Mom, I'll buy him another one afterwards. Just not this one". I said with finality and went away to my room.

I safely placed the juice aside the same looking boottle and took out the letter reading it again, then kept it inside my diary along her thankyou note and locked it. As I laid on my bed I recalled the incident when we were in ninth grade, that time too she gave the same juice with note. I don't know why I kept it at that time too but it just felt the most sincere thing I have received after I've helped someone. She's someone who doesn't communicate much outside her inner circle and when she put effort to convey her thankfulness to me I felt that I've become a bit better person that day. Recalling the past I didn't know when I dozed off to sleep. I only felt someone draping blanket on me and lovingly caressing my head and sweet kiss on my forehead. The same routine performed by mom everytime, putting a smile on my face. As the light switched off and darkness flooded the room and I was swept away with dreams.