1 Fateful Encounter

Alone in a classroom, the setting sun being cast over her whole being as she sat at her desk. Head on her arms, gazing out the window. Scattered paperwork under them, she seemed to be finishing something but lost interest along the way.

A cheery voice echoed throughout the emptiness of the classroom. Light steps moving towards the girl as her head slowly raised to see her friend. "You waited after all!" A bright smile spread across her perfectly structured and beautiful face. Her arms behind her back as she leaned slightly towards the desk to check the paperwork. Curiosity catching the better of her like normal.

Before she had the chance though they was soon all swept into a pile and the sound of a chair scraping across the ground could be heard. Standing straight she let a heated sigh escape her lips. "You took your time, Minene." Her tone wasn't one you'd expect from a teenager. Being filled with coldness and emptiness. But still, a faint smile could be seen on her face at the site of her friend. She ignored her friends curiousity hoping she'd not have seen anything and planned to leave without being questioned.

Minene frowned slightly though. Her eyes caught glimpse of the papers before they was swept away. "Ai.. you know you don't need to keep pushing yourself.." The papers was for part-time jobs. "You work way to much already.. Why are you trying to put more onto your plate? Plus school.. You can't keep doing everything. I've already said before, haven't I? You can always live with my family till you finish school and start college." Her voice was filled with worry and frustration. Having said these words so many times to her and being blanked.

Ai's gaze moved towards hers for a moment before shaking her head. "I don't need the help. I'm fine." With those words she put the papers in her bag and picked it up. Putting it over her shoulder. "Let's go. We can get something to eat if you want." As she wasn't leaving the conversation up for discussion she soon started to leave the classroom. Noticing Minene's hands had been balled into fists and held tightly. Ai didn't see the expression she had as her hair clouded her face. But she did hear a slight mutter of the words, 'Idiot'.

-- A restaurant in the city --

Minene put the incident behind her as she ate her meal. Gazing at Ai for a moment as she placed the chip in her mouth. Eating in silence.

Ai had been gazing out the window. Simply staring at the people who moved past with a blank look. There lives seemed happy and easy compared to hers. Ai's parents had passed away in a strange accident a few years back. No one in her family wished to take her in so she lived by herself since. With little friends and money she struggled to keep herself alive. Her aunt sent her enough for rent and food. At least till she reached the right age for work. That's when the funds lessened to simply help a little. Minene was her only friend, even if she suffered some abuse because of it.

Minene's phone buzzed. She gazed down at the screen and sighed. "Ah, sorry. I have to be heading off now. I'll see you tomorrow, Ai!" She quickly finished her food and stood. Lowering her head apologetically before dashing off.

Ai simply nodded and waited awhile before she stood herself. Placing money onto the table and sighing. Grabbing her bag she left and started to head home. Walking through the silent back streets. An onimous feeling seemed to be in the air as she walked. Her gaze was on her phone though. Scanning through the interwebs as she moved.

Her attention was turned to the side alley near her as what seemed to be a homeless and elderly man sat. She couldn't see much due to the dark and badly light streets.

"Do you.. have money to spare?" An old voice filled the silence of the streets. Slowly creeping out the shadows a hooded man appeared. His arm extended and his hand opened. His hands seemed wrinkled yet his arms where lightly tanned. A black figure moved from his sleave and entered deeper.

Ai was taken aback briefly before she nodded. Thinking what she saw was her imagination she decided to help the man. She would never agree to helping those who had money, but those who didn't shed willingly help. She'd walked this path daily for four years and never had troubles. "Here." Her normal empty tone as she reached into her pocket. Taking a few notes out. It wasn't much but its all the cash she had on her. Reaching her hand out she went to place it on the man's.

As soon as she did, her arm was grabbed. The money falling slowly to the floor as she was pulled closer. The black figure creeped out from the man's cloak and ran along her arm. She tried to free herself. Pulling with all her strength but to no avail. His grip wasn't loosening and it was only causing her pain. Her arm went numb as her vision grew blurry. The last thing she saw was his wicked smile. His face shadowed over by the cloak. Regret filled her for a moment before she blacked out. Falling to the ground and being left.

The figure returning to the shadows.