Doubt

~Evana's House~

"I don't like that boy, you know?"

"What, Dad?" Evana asked her dad. She had just said her goodbyes to Benji and returned home.

"Your friend, that Benji boy. I don't like him."

"Why?"

"I've been hearing a lot of bad things about him, his character seems a bit sketchy."

"Really? I never got any such vibes from him."

"Yes, I have heard the neighbors talking about his family. A deadbeat dad, an alcoholic mother, who knows what kind of person he is!"

"Isn't it harsh to judge him like this, Dad?"

"No, dear. Understand where I'm coming from. Children are always as good as their parents. Growing up in such a household, who know what his values; his morals are..."

"????" Evana had no reply. In a sense, she understood where her father was coming from. But in the short span of time she had known him, she didn't feel like he was too bad of a person.

"I'm not telling you to cut ties with him or act like you don't know him at all. I just want you to be careful. That's all." Elias gently reminded her.

"Mhmm~ Alright Dad" was all Evana could say at this moment.

~Benji's House~

I felt happy after a long time. I didn't even know I was capable of feeling this joy. Ever since that day two years ago, my life had been going completely downhill but recently it looked like good times had arrived. It seemed like a sunlight had finally pierced the sea of clouds buried deep inside my heart. I couldn't wait for it to be tomorrow so I could feel that joy I felt again today. But before that, I had a task to accomplish. I had to watch the movies she had recommended to me.

The next day, it was an exact repeat of everything I did yesterday; except for the last part. Evana seemed.... different. She wasn't as bubbly as yesterday, nor was she as talkative. It felt like talking to a whole another person.

"Evana, I watched the movie you said was your favorite. I can understand why you were so excited to share about it."

"Nice."

Silence

The silence was defeaning. My mind was rapidly thinking about everything I said to her yesterday. Did I do something wrong? I couldn't shake off this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. But I had no idea how to ask her anything, I couldn't ask her why she was being so distant; we had just met a couple days ago. So the rest of our walk was spent silently.

After class, even when returning home, she said nothing. She occasionally replied to what I asked of her, but it didn't feel like a conversation. It felt like talking to a wall. I dropped her off at her house then went my way. Internally, I was feeling a little stressed out. But I calmed myself down. 'She may be having some problems of her own. She'll probably be fine tomorrow' I created a forced narrative on my own.

The next day was no different. I felt a little hurt. So, while returning, I puffed up my chest and gathered up my courage.

"Evana, can I ask you something?"

"Mhmm."

"Is there anything wrong?"

"No, why would you say that?"

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No, you did nothing wrong." She sighed.

"Then, why? Why does talking to you feel so different compared to before?"

She stood there silently. I also said nothing. We just stood in silence for a moment. Then, she replied.

"My dad told me to be careful of you."

"...."

"He told me about your family and how it is safe to stay away."

Evana was a down-to-earth person. She said everything like it was. She told me everything without hesitation and without trimming down the truth.

"So, that's why." I gave a wry smile.

"I'm sorry." She said apologetically.

"It's fine. I already know my reputation in this neighborhood. I don't blame them. Matter of fact, I don't blame your father or you either."

"....."

"It's fine if your father doesn't acknowledge me right now. You've heard of the saying right ' Show don't tell', I'll show you and your father how wrong you are about me. I will strive to clear this stigma on my name so you won't be ashamed calling me your friend."

She smiled. A radiant smile.

"Good. I'm sorry for being dumb and being caught up on what other's think. Don't worry. I'll always remain your friend."

That was all I needed.

Life was back on track again.