Chapter 13: Star-Crossed Encounter

Nyara Pov

A flutter of nerves danced in my stomach as I got ready to meet Halle and Sarai. It had been five long years since I had seen them in person, and despite our constant phone calls and video chats, I couldn't shake the feeling that things might have changed. Would we still click? Would they still see me as the same old Nyara, or would the Alistair wealth and privilege have created an unbridgeable divide? I was wearing a long-sleeve cute top and some pants but I am thinking about if I should change I want to look good.

I glanced at the clock, a surge of excitement coursing through me. It was almost time to go. Throwing on my favorite jacket, I grabbed my purse and headed out the door, a mix of anticipation and apprehension swirling within me.

The park was bustling with people, families enjoying the warm weather, kids running and laughing, couples strolling hand in hand. I scanned the crowd, my heart pounding with each passing second. And then I saw them. Halle and Sarai. They were standing near the fountain, their faces beaming with smiles that mirrored my own.

"Nyara!" Halle squealed, throwing her arms around me in a bone-crushing hug.

"Look at you, girl!" Sarai exclaimed, squeezing my hand tightly. "You haven't changed a bit!"

"Neither have you guys," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "It's so good to see you."

We spent the next few hours catching up, reminiscing about old times, and sharing stories about our lives. It was like no time had passed at all. They still got me, they still understood my quirks, my insecurities, my dreams. They listened patiently as I talked about my family, about my art, about the ever-present feeling of being an outsider. They didn't judge, they didn't offer unsolicited advice, they simply listened, their presence a comforting balm to my soul.

"You know, you should come to the celebration fair tomorrow," Halle said, after a lull in the conversation. "It'll be fun! We can all hang out."

"Yeah, come on, Nyara," Sarai chimed in. "It's been too long since we've seen you let loose."

"I don't know," I hesitated, the thought of the celebration filling me with dread.

"So besides, it's not like you have anything better to do." Halle said, playfully punching my arm. I laughed, my reservations melting away. "Okay, okay, you've convinced me. I'll go."

As the sun began to set, we exchanged hugs and promises to meet up at the celebration the next day.

"See you tomorrow, girl!" Halle called out as they walked away.

"Can't wait!" Sarai added, waving enthusiastically.

As I walked out of the park, a sense of lightness filled me. Seeing Halle and Sarai had been exactly what I needed. They reminded me that I was more than just an Alistair, that I was a person with her own dreams and desires, with her own unique story to tell.

But then, as I reached the edge of the park, I noticed something that brought my good mood to a halt. A little girl was sitting alone on a bench, her face streaked with tears. A group of older kids stood around her, taunting and teasing her, their words sharp and cruel.

The scene struck a chord deep within me, reminding me of the countless times I had been bullied and ridiculed for my birthmark. A surge of protectiveness washed over me, and without thinking, I marched over to the group of kids.

"Hey! Weave her awone!" I said, my voice firm and unwavering.

The kids turned to face me, their expressions a mix of surprise and annoyance. "Mind your own business," one of them sneered.

"It is my business when I see you booolying someone," I retorted, stepping closer. "Now, get out of here."

The kids hesitated for a moment, then, with a final glare, they scurried away, leaving the little girl alone on the bench. I walked over to her, my heart aching with sympathy.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked, gently.

She looked up at me, her eyes wide and tearful. "They were being mean to me," she whispered.

"I saw," I said, offering her a small smile. "But don't worry, they're gone now."

I helped her up from the bench, noticing that she was wearing a little flowery jumpsuit but it was long sleeve. I thought for a second who wears long sleeve clothes in summer a kid at that. Shaking my head.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Iyla," she said, her voice barely audible. "I'm five."

"Well, Iyla, I'm Nyara," I said, extending my hand. "It's nice to meet you."

She shyly shook my hand, a small smile gracing her lips. "It's nice to meet you too."

"Don't let those big kids bully you again," I said, my voice filled with encouragement. "You should fight back."

I glanced down at her feet, noticing that her shoelaces were untied. I knelt down, carefully tying them for her. "There you go," I said, patting her knee. "Now you won't trip."

"Tank you," she said, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Will you pway with me?"

"I don't have time to play right now," I said, my heart aching with guilt. "But you shouldn't be afraid to make friend you will make a friend one day" I said.

She just said "Ok miss"

"It's time for me to go now" she said as she ran off waving by to me. I waved back smiling as I walked to my car. Sighing tomorrow is going to be a long day.