Our Strange Connections through Internet Life (Closed//Stalkers Enabled.)

Cleo sighed. "That's really terrible."

"What?"

"Having to defend yourself from your father."

"I guess." Alice shrugged.

Cleo shook her head.

"Is something wrong again?"

"No, I'm just getting progressively more concerned for you."

"Cleo, it's fine."

"No, it's not. He gave you that bruise, didn't he?"

"No…" She lied, looking away

Cleo shook her head and finished her slice of pizza, frustrated by her friend's lie.

Alice finished her slice and took a sip of her drink.

Cleo drained her cup and relaxed back into her chair.

Alice finished her drink and fiddled with the hem of her shirt.

Cleo stood. "Do you want more soda?"

"No, I'm good." Alice stood up and smiled at her.

Cleo sighed and smiled weakly back.

"Well, I'm glad I met you."

"Going already?" Cleo's face fell.

"Yea, I'm sorry, I have to go."

"Alright. See you later? Here, take my address and my number." She scribbled it down on a napkin with her trusty pencil. "In case… you have to run away or something…"

"Okay then, thanks." She smiled at her again and put the napkin in a pocket.

Cleo smiled back. "Look… stay safe, okay?"

"I will."

Cleo nodded. "See you."

Alice nodded. "See you later."