𝙖 𝙧 𝙩

w e e k - n i n e

[ December 19, 2032 ]

"Why did you call us? Not that we don't want to help, it's just.. what about your family? They must be worried sick?"

The girl shrugged.

"I don't know.. I kinda just panicked. They said I would get to leave him and I just called the first person that came to my mind...Sorry. I can call my friends to pick me up if I need to.."

"No! Don't..It's alright. I'm just grateful you called us."

She nodded and looked down, nervously.

Esther hit Avi's shoulder, alerting him to start driving.

The trio arrived at the studio minutes later.

It was the only place they knew she was familiar with, and they didn't want to scare her by taking her to their home so quickly.

Once they were inside the building, the girl made her way to the couch and sat down, but immediately jumped up, remembering it was the last place Stranger had sat.

The thought made her shrink into herself.

She felt pathetic. Not even able to feel normal and okay without being reminded of him.

"So, is Star your actual name?"

She shook her head.

"My name is Kirstie.."

"Kirstie. That's a beautiful name."

Avi smiled at her, reassuringly.

Her cheeks heated, for she hadn't been given a genuine compliment in what felt like months. It was small, but very significant to her.

"Thank you.."

Avi smiled in response before walking over to grab his camera.

"Would you like to see how your pictures turned out?"

She nodded shyly, walking over to him.

He handed her the camera.

"Just press that button right there and you can look through all them."

He pointed to the arrow button.

She nodded and pressed it, looking though the pictures.

Her face lit up in awe.

She had never seen herself so beautiful before.

It brought tears to her eyes, but none that would ever fall.

"I-I look amazing.."

"You're amazing at editing photos."

"Oh, I haven't done anything to those yet. I haven't had time to."

She looked up at him, confused.

"But they look so good.."

"That's all you."

She looked at the pictures again.

They still looked gorgeous, even when she knew it was just her in pretty clothes and makeup.

"I love them.."

"I can print them out if you want."

"Oh, no. I don't want you to go through all that trouble."

"It's no big deal. I was going to print them anyways. He requested them to be sent to his home, but I think you need to keep them."

She nodded, but tensed up, shortly when he mentioned him..

Avi noticed and looked down at her, his eyes softening.

"Hey.. don't worry. You're safe here."

He laid his hand on her shoulder, comfortingly.

She sighed a little and nodded.

"I'm sorry.."

He shook his head.

"Don't be, Kirstie."

She ran her hand through her hair.

"Thank you for picking me up. I know we don't really know each other, but I'm just glad I'm here.."

"I'm glad you're here too. Now, It's getting late. Esther is going to stay here with you tonight. There's a bed in the back room for you to sleep."

"Alright. And again, thank you."

"Don't mention it. We're just glad to help."

He smiled at her, making her cheeks flush.

She desperately hoped he didn't notice.

He did in fact notice, but said nothing of it.

"Well, I better get going. I'll see you tomorrow, Kirstie."

"Bye, Avi."

He walked out of the room, a huge grin plastered on his face as her voice rang through his ears like a symphony.