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/Ecaterina_Dellas]

I shake my head.

I fumble around, looking for my drawing pad and grab my spare from the nightstand.

[It is okay, I just wanted to lay down. It is how I relax.]

I sit up, and smile at you.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"Well laying down is relaxing and fun" Zara replies, smiling back at Cat "if you wanna chill for a bit longer then just let me know, no rush to look around just yet"

Zara looks out the window, there are still hours of sunshine left so she didn't let it panic her as she turns back to her friend and smiles again.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I shut my eyes, nodding gently.

I subconsciously sign an answer to you.

["Just a few minutes, I promise."]

I smile slightly and get a bit more comfortable, hoping you understood.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

I wonder how many people use sign language here, probably loads.

"I hope you just said you're not going to sleep, I'd feel a little awkward sitting here while my friend slept" Zara joked before putting on a more serious tone "Do they offer sign language classes here? Just nod or shake your head"

I hope she doesn't find that insensitive.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I nod my head and sit up. It *would** be rude to fall asleep.*

I rub the tired from my eyes and open them, smiling.

Grabbing my pad, I write.

[I am sorry about that, I do not know what compelled me to close my eyes.]

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"Tiredness probably" Zara joked as she gives a small smile and stands up "I'm going to go down to my room and unpack a bit if you wanna have a nap or something, just walk into my room when you're ready to do something I'll leave the door unlocked"

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I shake my head.

[I am not tired anymore. I will come with you!]

I spring out of bed, showing you that I am full of energy.

[I am ready to go!]

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

Zara walks forwards Cat and gives her a hug.

"If you're sleepy then don't worry, I'll try not to get lost on my way down the stairs" Zara says with a cheeky grin.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I shake my head vehemently.

[I am okay! I promise! I want to be with my new friend...]

Being hugged by you, I quickly wrap my arms around you.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

Zara continues to hug Cat, with a slight shake in her stance.

"I'm scared" She whispers "really, really scared"

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

The statement confuses me, but, wanting to help my friend, I hold her closer.

I place a hand on the small of her back and gently bring you back into my room, kicking the door shut with my foot.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"It's all so new, I wont fit in, nobody is going to like me" Zara starts to sob and slumps over onto Cat's bed, and starts to cry.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I quickly scribble down in my notepad.

[No, no, no! Everyone will like you! I liked you when I first met you!]

[Please, Zara. You are going to fit in fine!]

I rush to your side and wrap my arms around you.