Freak

Life is hard.

In 1 Oak famous night club of New York City, William Smith and his other friends were gathered on Saturday night to celebrate the return of there one and only friend Grayson after one month.

They were all enjoying their time together, without any distraction, everyone was Boozing, dancing and having fun, But that’s not the case with Grayson, as he looks completely out of place as if he doesn’t belong with them. One of his Friend, Troy asked him “ Dude what’s wrong??”

He calmly tries to avoid answering him truly, “Nothing dude, holidays after effect.” While William stares at him upside down as if he had grown two heads.

Grayson left the club to get fresh air. He was strolling back and forth, his mind fully invaded with Hazel's thought, yes that girl with a sea blue hoodie from the flight, it’s not only about the attraction, he was feeling after accidentally meeting her, but his sense was on alert since then.

He was unable to sort whether it is decent or disastrous for him, he thinks to himself “I remember everything about her even her hoodies colour, It’s suspicious though, Hazel didn’t say much to the air hostess, but that chick looks afraid of her. Why?????, or it’s just in my mind?” he bangs his fist on the metal railing outside the club to distract his mind from Hazel.

William approached him on tiptoe making him startled.

“Dude you scared the s**t out of me.” Grayson runs his hand in his hair for claiming his racing heart.

“Just came to check on you. You seem little off brother.” William was concerned about him whenever he saw him on edge, Grayson got into trouble at home or either get an anxiety attack.

“There is nothing to concern about, I am not in trouble neither feeling anxious” Grayson smiled at his worried friend, he was the only one who knew every detail about his messy complicated life which is hidden behind his smiling face and dazzling wealth. William is the only friend who is more than a brother to him.

He decided to tell him about Hazel, not everything but at least that he is thinking about her. “ There is a girl in the flight, ummmm…… She She was unique but I don’t get it, why I was concerned or even thinking about her Wil.” Grayson feels awkward after confessing to his friend.

“A girl, wow dude. Good going… since when you start giving priorities to a girl, that now she's ruling your thoughts” William asked him in a teasing tone, He knew that his friend doesn't get involved in dating and all he prefers is fun and move onto another girl to divert his attention from his messy life and to keep his sanity, but this is something new to hear from him. William had a girlfriend name, Amelia and they have been dating from the past 7 years. If his best friend also gets into a serious relationship this will only help him to overcome his anxiety and traumas.

Grayson just shrugs off the topic, “ It’s not what you think. And it's not like we are meeting again somewhere, I don’t know her, I don’t know her name.”

“Okay, If you say so. But I would love to meet that girl.” William smirked at him indicating to follow him back in the club.

******

On Sunday, Flora was busy in decorating her new home with family photos, fresh flowers, vases and antiquities, as well as changing curtains and few other things.

She decided to talk to Evan in Evening when Eve will go out for her evening walk.

Eve was feeling better and sketching flying birds and bright sky when Evan approached her.

“Hey, it’s me, Evan, sorry to disturb you, Eveleen.” Evan tried to start a conversation with Eve.

Eve was also happy to have company other than her Grams, it’s not like she doesn’t like to be around her grams but she and Evan are of the same age. “ Eve,” She looked towards his attractive face, indicating him to call her Eve not Eveleen.

“Okay” he starts rubbing back of his neck looking shy and cute.

”Look Eve I know, there is a lot in your plate. I just come here to say that, I am here whenever you need to talk…. Real talk…” Evan said with sincerity, stressing on word real talk.

Eve knew why he’s stressing on the word real talk, that is what she used previously to make him talk with her.

She smiled and nodded with yes, and tap on the nearby chair inviting him to join her. Before Evan can ask about her ability, Eve was anxious and said in low voice looking afraid: “ Can we not talk about it, please.”

Evan drops the idea "Sure, No pressure Eve" and starts gossiping about random stuff like about her interests, hobbies etc etc.

They chit chatted for a good amount of time and Evan get to know Eve better, Finally, he knew that she likes web-series, movies, music, dance and her main hobby are sketching, painting, writing and dancing. She loves literature, Science and selected both for her high school majors.

The more he chats with her the more he opened up about his life, the more he believes that Eve is a pure and kind girl. The more his instinct tells him to protect her from the outer world.

Eve comforted him when he needed it while sharing his story and Evan listen to her with full interest and attention.

********

Eve was delighted to get a friend again after a whole year of being anti-social. She missed the feeling of having buddies whom she can talk with and go out or do little parties to lighten her mood.

She left the apartment in the evening for a walk in a nearby garden. Her feet touch the freshly cut grass, she feels more blessed and swears to start loving herself similarly the way she did in past. She can’t live in depression and anxiety for the rest of her life, She needs to fight her demons and accept the reality of who she is in present.

Story of Evan's difficult life, made her realize that she’s still fortunate to have her Grams, roof over her head and best school to gain knowledge. Otherwise, life is hard, out there without any support.

She spent two hours in the garden channelising her thoughts, exploring around, watching kids, sketching, and resting on the grass.

*******

In the apartment, Flora called Evan to join her for evening tea.

Flora finally asked Evan why he is working here in the first place, he should focus on the study at his age.

Evan was not comfortable about discussing his miserable life again with Flora but he has no other option. So he decides to open up with Flora too. “Grandma, I want to be successful one day and for it, I have to work hard to afford further studies”.

Flora nodded her head in understanding and asked him why his family was not helping him with the study.

Evan looks upset as he doesn’t know how to express everything without crying but he started with. “ My mother died when I was 4, and my father whom I don’t even recognize now left me at the orphanage when I was 5. I ran at the age of 7 from there as I wanted to study, and spent 3 years of my life on cold streets begging for food and money, sometimes sleeping empty stomach on the concrete floor. No one comes to look after me. when I was 10 finally an NGO send me to another Orphanage which was better from the first one, everyone gets adopted by a lovely family except me because of my age. I spent my entire childhood as well as teenage days studying, working and praying that someday by the god’s grace, I will be part of anyone’s family. But when I turned 18 they forced me to leave and I had to drop out from a final year of High School.” His eyes were moist as if he was living his painful past over and over again.

First, he opened up to Eve and now to Flora. Crying is the only option remaining to cure and ease the bruises from his horrible memory. But still, he decides to stay strong.

By his amazement Flora hugged and start comforting him, he was on cloud nine feeling the warmth and blessing of an elderly figure. He can’t resist his emotions anymore and tears fall freely from his eyes making his cheeks stained with it.

Flora took his hand in hers and with a soft voice told him “ Now you have a family Evan. Forgot about everything else. Okay Son”

First Eve's comfort and now Flora's embrace, it made his heart humming in joy, he has found the place he could call home, he was chirping in delight same as a lost bird has found its nest and family.