We Make it Up as We Go

"Oh, thanks. I always feel connection is easier if I make some innocent physical contact. I clarify innocent only because there are some sick people in our world. Always assuming the worst."

She licked her lips casually as she heard him quietly mention something along the lines of unable to forgive himself. It was a dangerous trap.

"Please, don't blame yourself for something that's not your fault. Not forgiving yourself, is one of the most self destructive behaviors you could have. Please, don't fall into that dangerous trap."

Alessandra sighed. She wished there was something she could do to help. She hated feeling helpless while others suffered. Because of her kind ways it was easy for her to become atta he'd to someone or something, and easier for her to hurt if something happened to them. She listened to his words but had seemed to run out of ones of her own.

"Well, I think we've been on this topic long enough, considering we just met. What kinds of things do you like?"

She hoped he didn't see it as a stupid question, but she liked to know these kinds of things. Details were important to her so she liked to give and receive them. As long as it didn't bother the other person.

Tess smiled as she listened to what he shared. It was surface level stuff, but if it was important to him, it was important to her. And if he didn't have much more, maybe she could help him discover something.

"That's very interesting. And now you don't have to wonder about friendship because I am your friend, if you want. As for my likes, I'll try to keep it short. I love dancing, singing, reading, playing piano, cleaning stuff, spending time as an animal and I like being with people that are my friends."

She decided it would be polite to stop there. She didn't want to drive him away by seeming like she was ready to give her life's story. That never worked out for people.

Tess smiled in satisfaction. Yes, this was definitely something good. She hadn't made a friend in a long time and it felt freeing to tell someone about her powers.

"Yes, I guess it is. I haven't made a friend in a long time. Well, one that wasn't an animal that is."

Tess wondered where to go from here. Obviously they couldn't stay in the woods forever but friends did things together and talked, especially if their friendship was just beginning. Well, he said he was a resident so when she was finished with her classes they could meet up, around whatever things he did that is.

"Are you searching for work here, or do you have a job or are you not looking?"

She liked to plan these things out, so everything was nice and neat and there were no misunderstandings.

Tess laughed at herslef because she figured his dramatic entrance had been one of his first moments on the island. The pieces were fitting together and the more she saw the more she understood. But she didn't mind.

"I figured as much. Don't worry about it. If you ever need anything I'm here to help. I don't have a job either, but I am new as well. "

She wasn't sure if she needed a job as of now. Her tuition was covered by her parents, and some of her salary from dance instructing. But she wasn't afraid of work.

"What I'd really love is to hold dance lessons but I don't think I'd have many customers. Oh well."