|
Post by NEELANJAN MARTIN on Nov 18, 2013 10:59:24 GMT -8
Neil could only stand there and nod, listening as Allison poured her heart out, explaining her history and how she began to suffer panic attacks. When was the last time that someone had been so sincere around him, so honest? He couldn't recall the last time someone came to him and poured out their heart. Neil had never been the most friendly person, after all-- he had been jovial and polite, but hadn't really cared to win attachment from others. And in that moment, he found himself at a complete loss for what to say.
"I'm... I'm sorry." Why was he apologizing, though? Why did people apologize in situations such as these, that they couldn't control? It wasn't his fault that her father had died. And she was right, it wasn't his fault that he had accidentally triggered an attack. It wasn't anyone's fault. So why was the default human response to apologize? Neil removed the hand from her shoulder, taking a step back to give her some space. The last thing he wanted was to be patronizing, or to ask any more questions. It would probably make Allison feel worse. Or at least, he thought it would make her feel worse.
It suddenly dawned upon him that there were few people that he knew very well at all.
"Don't worry. I'm not blaming myself." Now the smile that he gave her was more genuine, or at least, he hoped that it came across that way. "I'm just glad that you're okay!" What now. Was he supposed to continue to talk, or to move onto a different subject of choice? She would say more if she wanted to, he supposed. Ladies and gentlemen, Neil had left the floor open to questions, statements and complaints. But he wasn't going to lead. After all, as he'd said-- it wasn't really about him, and he wasn't callous enough to not care when something was going on in front of his own eyes.
"Want me to grab something for you? More water from the kitchen, perhaps?" He could do things. Yes, doing things was easier than saying them, or trying to engage in conversation or use comforting words.
|
|
ALLISON CHEN
Civilian
POLITICS MAJOR
Posts: 141
MINI INFO - GENDER: Female
MINI INFO - D.O.B.: 1st July 1992
MINI INFO - OCCUPATION: Pastry Chef Apprentice
|
Post by ALLISON CHEN on Nov 21, 2013 6:17:29 GMT -8
ATARAXIA (n.)calmness or peace of mind. "It's alright. I'm good." Well, at good as someone who was recovering from a panic attack not a few minutes ago. With what had just transpired, Allison knew that their acquaintanceship was now irrevocably changed. He now had knowledge of a side to her only a handful of people knew.
"Thanks for asking. People usually freak out and ask whether I need a hospital visit or not." A wry smile crossed her lips but her eyes remained dark. She hated the fact that people thought her fragile and treated her as such. Yes, she had her issues but it was all under control. There were many others out there with debilitating conditions that rendered them into even worser states. All she had to do was to ride it out and calm herself before she could regain her composure and move on. There were many who couldn't.
"I'm sorry for making this uncomfortable. This should have been a simple dinner affair." She ran a hand through black hair and sighed, pushing her plate away. Her appetite was now gone but at least she didn't throw up. Now, that would have been embarrassing and messy. But perhaps something sweet could cheer her up. Allison got up, pausing for a moment to test her legs before turning to Neil.
"I actually wouldn't mind some dessert, would you like some? I could do with some cupcakes and ice-cream."
| words it's a mystery tags #challenge notes friendship! |
template by falkyrin
|
|
|
Post by NEELANJAN MARTIN on Nov 21, 2013 23:15:16 GMT -8
This wasn't the sort of thing that was supposed to happen between mere acquaintances. She was saying too much, holding back too little. Perhaps-- was this a sign that they were friends? Of a sort? Maybe. He did actually enjoy talking to her, for one. Always had, probably always would, unless she went through some intense brainwashing and a sudden change in personality. So he shook his head, his tone actually sincere instead of lighthearted, carrying a weight to it that had never been there before.
"Don't worry about it." It was true. If he was going to somehow... Somehow do this 'friends' thing with Allison, she would have to share her woes with him, wouldn't she? It was part of the job description. Just like how he was with Kris, to an extent. Only this was slightly different, and he couldn't pinpoint how. Neil smiled as Allison proposed dessert. "Sounds like a plan," he said. There was still plenty of food on the table, but whatever worked for her, right?
Part of friendship was compromise, after all.
"You sit there. I'll wash up," Neil said as he got up from where he was. "You made this delicious spread, so it's only fair that I do half the work."
|
|
ALLISON CHEN
Civilian
POLITICS MAJOR
Posts: 141
MINI INFO - GENDER: Female
MINI INFO - D.O.B.: 1st July 1992
MINI INFO - OCCUPATION: Pastry Chef Apprentice
|
Post by ALLISON CHEN on Nov 23, 2013 7:51:53 GMT -8
ATARAXIA (n.)calmness or peace of mind. "Please, you're a guest" had been on the tip of her tongue before she hesitated and then nodded. They were friends now and it's the usual route for her to cook and the friend to wash. If he wanted to to, who's to stop him? Besides, she had never liked doing the dishes. Hated it, in fact, but it was a necessity with all the cooking she did.
"Personally, I think you're doing all the work. I hate washing up. Why do you think I cook?" She gave him a rueful smile and tightened her fingers around the glass of water before taking another calming gulp of water. The cool liquid slid down her throat, the sensation soothing. Allison fell silent again with the water running in the background. it was different. A good kind of different. Now that he knew of her 'dirty little secret' so to speak, there was a newfound ease that she lacked with most of her friendships. Sure, it was tentative but she was certain that with time, the friendship will grow. Hopefully.
"Thanks, Neil. I really appreciate it. You have no idea—" Her breath caught in her throat before she swallowed nervously. Realising a long exhale, she tried again with a tiny smile on her lips.
"You know that you can come back anytime, my door's open to you. After tonight, it's the least I can do." The determination on her face should tell him that she wasn't budging on this. And that was that. Neil just had to accept the fact that his name was now on her short but growing list of people she cared for.
| words it's a mystery tags #challenge notes friendship! |
template by falkyrin
|
|
|
Post by MIKE on Nov 24, 2013 13:23:38 GMT -8
| | | Finished Thread
Rogue and Prince have each been awarded with ONE residue, and this thread has been marked as complete. It has been placed in the archives under the 'finished' sub-board. You are more than welcome to PM fate if this thread is not finished or if you are unhappy/unsatisfied with the amount of residue that has been rewarded. Keep up the great work and keep posting with other members.
|
|
|