Chapter 3: Meeting You Is My Biggest Blessing
1438 Words
Ron and Issa approached Drusilla, their eyes full of concern. The morning light fell softly around them, highlighting the exhaustion etched on her face.
“I am really amazed by your bravery and diligence,” Issa said, her voice tinged with admiration. “If I were in your position, I don’t think I could handle it at your age.”
Ron nodded in agreement. “And yet, you carry it so well.”
Issa grinned. “Yeah, that’s the point.”
Drusilla gave a small smile. “I’m used to it. Fortunately, I’ve learned to handle things early. If I hadn’t, I’d probably be miserable by now.”
“Thank goodness,” Issa murmured.
Ron glanced at his watch. “By the way, I won’t stay long. My parents will be looking for me soon.”
“Me too,” Issa said, frowning. “I haven’t told my parents I’m coming here yet.”
“All right,” Drusilla said. “I’ll just accompany you out.”
Just as they were about to leave, the sharp voice of Drusilla’s mother cut through the air.
“Where are you going? Didn’t I tell you not to go with these people anymore?” Barsia demanded, her eyes flashing with anger.
“They just helped me with my chores,” Drusilla said softly, trying to stay calm. “This is the least I can do in return.”
Barsia’s finger jabbed toward Ron and Issa. “I don’t care! You two stop influencing my daughter with your stupidity! Go home—and don’t ever come back!”
“Mother, you don’t have to say that,” Drusilla protested.
Issa stepped forward, her voice steady. “With all due respect, you are being abusive toward your daughter.”
“Oh, you said that?” Barsia sneered. “Then let me show you something.”
In an instant, Barsia grabbed a belt and struck at Drusilla.
“Stop that!” Ron yelled, instinctively pushing her away.
“You’re a son of a—!” Barsia screamed, shoving him back. “Get out of here!”
“Ron, let’s get out of here,” Issa said urgently.
“Yes,” he agreed, glancing at Drusilla. “And we’ll take you with us.”
“No! I can’t go with you,” Drusilla cried. “I’ll be punished if I do. Please… go home now.”
But before she could protest further, Ron grabbed both Drusilla and Issa, and they ran.
Panting, Issa said, “Let’s stop for a moment. I feel tired.”
They collapsed against a tree, trying to catch their breath. Issa wiped Drusilla’s tears. “You don’t have to apologize. It’s not your fault. How could you be blamed for something like this?”
“I… I’m sorry,” Drusilla whispered through sobs. “I’m embarrassed… I can’t believe you just saw that.”
Issa held her hand tightly. “Stop running your pain alone. Tell us what hurts you, what weighs on you, what makes you feel alone. We’ll always be here for you. Forever, even.”
Drusilla’s tears flowed freely. Issa pulled her into a comforting hug. “You’re not alone anymore. I won’t let you feel alone.”
“Thanks for existing, Issa,” Drusilla said, still crying. “And Ron… thank you for being here.”
Issa shook her head gently. “Stop crying. It’s all right now. We’re here.”
Drusilla looked at them, her heart full. “You are the best people I’ve ever met. I will always choose to meet you, in whatever universe I am in.”
“I feel the same,” Issa whispered. “No matter what, I will always prefer to meet you.”
Ron’s voice trembled. “Drusilla… can’t you leave your parents for good? They’re just… so cruel.”
“But my mother is still my mother,” Drusilla said, wiping her tears, “and my stepfather is still a father… I’m just so confused.”
Issa nodded in understanding. “I know. Did it hurt when she said you were being ‘influenced’? She said ‘my daughter’—maybe she loves you, but her actions don’t match it.”
“Love? My ass,” Ron said bitterly. “I’m sorry, Drusilla, but your mother doesn’t know that word.”
Drusilla cried quietly, letting the words sink in.
“I’m sorry,” Ron repeated, shaking his head. “I just can’t accept how she treats you.”
“It’s the first time I’ve felt that someone genuinely cares about me,” Drusilla admitted. “I… I really owe you both, and I’ll never forget this friendship.”
Tears fell from all three of them, mingling in the quiet afternoon.
“You have to stay with us,” Issa said firmly.
“What if mother gets mad?” Drusilla asked softly.
“I’m so sick of you always worrying about what others think,” Ron said. “Consider yourself first—your safety, your happiness. Don’t mind them.”
“Just stay with us first, okay?” Issa added.
The trio eventually reached a peaceful spot by the shore. The rhythmic sound of waves soothed their minds, and they settled on a rocky outcrop, gazing at the endless horizon.
“Here we are,” Issa whispered, smiling. “A place away from all the chaos.”
Ron nodded. “Yeah… we could all use a bit of peace right now.”
Drusilla looked at the waves, letting the gentle breeze wash over her. “It’s beautiful here.”
“This is our secret sanctuary,” Issa said. “Whenever things get tough, we come here to find solace.”
As they sat together, memories of childhood resurfaced.
“I used to come here when I was scared,” Issa said softly. “Scared of Ms. Amosco—my teacher.”
“The math teacher?” Ron raised an eyebrow.
Issa nodded. “She was strict. I thought she was going to eat me alive.”
Drusilla blinked. “Eat you alive?”
Issa laughed, a blush coloring her cheeks. “I was terrified. I told Ron I thought she’d eat me for not doing my homework.”
Ron chuckled. “I remember! You had this whole elaborate story about her being a monster teacher.”
“I was dramatic back then,” Issa admitted, smiling.
Drusilla giggled. “So… how did Ron help?”
In her mind, the memory replayed:
FLASHBACK
The classroom buzzed with chatter. Eight-year-old Issa glanced nervously at the door.
“Relax, Issa,” Ron whispered. “Ms. Amosco won’t eat you.”
“But what if she’s really angry?” she asked, eyes wide.
“We’ll face it together. It’s just a joke—teachers don’t eat students.”
“Really?” she breathed.
“Yeah,” he said, smiling.
Issa looked at him now, warmth in her eyes. “Ron was my anchor. He showed me that sometimes the monsters we fear only exist in our heads.”
“I just didn’t want you to be scared all the time,” Ron replied, laughing softly.
Drusilla teased. “So… did Ms. Amosco ever actually eat you?”
Issa laughed. “No. She turned out to be one of my favorite teachers.”
END OF FLASHBACK
The three of them laughed together, the sound mingling with the waves. Drusilla felt a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Speaking of friendships,” Ron said, looking at Drusilla, “we found you in the most unexpected way.”
FLASHBACK
In the school hallway, filled with echoes of laughter, eight-year-old Issa and Ron noticed a quiet girl sitting alone on a bench.
“Who’s she?” Ron whispered.
“I don’t know,” Issa said. “But she looks like she could use some company.”
“Let’s change that,” Ron said with a smirk.
They approached Drusilla, who looked startled.
“Hey there,” Ron said with a grin. “We’re Issa and Ron. What’s your name?”
“Drusilla,” she whispered.
“Want to join our little group?” Issa asked.
“Why?” she asked, surprised.
“Why not?” Ron shrugged. “Friends should stick together.”
END OF FLASHBACK
Issa looked at Drusilla now, her eyes soft. “And that’s how we found you—a quiet girl in need of friends, just like us.”
Drusilla’s eyes glistened with tears. “I never thought that day would change my life.”
Issa hugged her tightly. “It did. And we’re so glad it did.”
- Writer
