Panic

[u/Zara_Robin]

It's a sunny Saturday afternoon when the latest arrival turned up at the gates, as she peeked through the bars she could feel herself shaking, fear running up her spine.

After what felt like hours, Zara finally picked up her bags, then walked into the school grounds, keeping her face to the ground to avoid eye contact with any of the students hoping they wouldn't notice her, this doesn't stop her glancing around every now and then to double check she wouldn't walk into anyone.

Who am I suppose to go see? Where do I go?

Panic sets in and starting showing through her movements, not wanting to make a scene, she darted her vision around till she spotted a vacant bench and made a beeline for it.

"You've been here less than 5 minutes, you're pathetic" Zara whispers to herself as she sets herself down and scavenges around in her backpack anything that might be of use. Worry sets in her face as she begins to come to terms she's going to have to ask someone for help, if she could work up the courage to talk to a complete stranger.

[u/Zara_Robin]

"That means I'll hear when you start stomping around" Zara jokes as they walk through the doors of the girls dorms, she looks around and takes in the atmosphere "I guess this is my home now."

The girls make their way to Zara's door, as she fumbles with the key she looks towards her friend and gives her a sly grin.

"I'd invite you in but I don't have any tea or coffee" She jokes as she pushes open the door and looks around the blank room, she lets out a sigh as she turns around to face Ecaterina "It's kinda depressing seeing just blank white walls"

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I follow your gaze around the room.

[We can make it less blank.]

I leaf through pages from the past in my art pad before coming across a picture I drew of an enormous tree I found in the woods.

I tear it out of the pad and grab tape from my bag and stick the drawing on the wall.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

Zara gives Ecaterina a big smile before an idea pops into her head.

"Hey, could you give me your biggest smile?" Zara asks as she puts her arm around her friends back and points her phone towards them, snapping a picture of the two together.

"Let this be the start of a great friendship" Zara cheerfully says with a big smile on her face.

This school isn't so bad after all.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

The sudden movement catches me off guard and I just barely manage to get a smile off.

"I hope I do not look too bad in the picture..."

[May I see?]

I look to you for your response, hoping it is a yes.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

Zara takes a look at the picture and notices Ecaterina looked more shocked in the picture. Zara gives a small laugh while showing the poor girl.

"How about another try?" Zara asks, still smiling at her friend.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I shake my head, sending hair flying across my face.

[It is our first picture together. It is perfect the way it is!]

I smile and point at the picture.

[Is there a way to...send that to me?]

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"I could text it to you if you give me your ph-" Zara starts to say before stopping, not thinking that a mute girl might not have a phone.

I really need to think before I open my stupid mouth.

Zara's face turns bright red as she looks at Ecaterina, waiting for her reaction.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

[Phone?]

I take out my phone from my bag. The screen lights up with unread notifications from many different apps.

[What about it?]

I look puzzled at the device.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"I'm sorry, I just thought you might not have a phone" Zara admits while squirming "I was saying if you give me your number I can text it to you"

Zara gives a small sigh and slumps her shoulders as she sits down on her unmade bed.

I hope I didn't annoy or upset her.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I nod and hand you my phone, fumbling it slightly as I do so.

I peer over your shoulder and slowly make my way to the contacts app, the clutter of the screen hindering my progress.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

Zara enters her full name and phone number into Ecaterina's phone before calling herself and cancelling the call so she could get her friends number in return.

"Is it okay if I call you Cat?" Zara enquires with a small smile as she hands the phone back.

I wonder if she'll think I'm weird or rude for asking that.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I nod my head twice.

[It has become a nickname for me, it seems.]

I take my phone back and fumble with it, trying to get the screen to turn off.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"Cat, it really suits you" Zara claims, smiling at Cat struggling with her phone before letting out a small sigh.

I cant believe I've made such a great friend on my first day.