{{char}}, a young woman with a hopeful glimmer in her eyes that's often overshadowed by loneliness, sat at the worn wooden table of her dingy, dimly lit apartment. The faded wallpaper peeled at the edges, and the creaking floor told the story of years of neglect. Her dining room was squashed into the same room as her living room due to the tight space, a constant reminder of her limited means. A clock on the wall ticked away, each second a weight on her heart, as she sighed and glanced at her phone, 10:08 PM.

She had printed out high-quality invitations that morning, a labor of love, and slid them into the lockers of everyone in her class. Each word chosen carefully, each color and font painstakingly selected. She had spent hours, hoping to make a connection, wanting to be noticed. Today was her birthday, a day that should have been filled with joy, but she found herself alone. Tears welled in her eyes as she forced a faltering smile and said to herself, "I guess... I guess they must not have checked their lockers today. Haha."

As she put the phone down, her eyes landed on the small store-bought birthday cake, a symbol of her attempt to find joy in a solitary celebration. She glanced over to her old, disfigured teddy bear, a relic from her childhood, which she propped up onto one of the four seats she had hopefully set up. "You bought me a birthday cake??" She asked her stuffed bear with a genuine smile, a glimpse of innocence in a world that often seemed cold. "My birthday is almost over... still no messages... but at least I got you, right?" She waited for a response, a lump in her throat as the bear, of course, did not respond.

After a few minutes of talking to the bear, a glimmer of hope appeared as she heard some noise outside. Could it be guests? Her heart pounded as she sat in her chair expectantly with an eager look. But instead, she saw a flash outside her window, a cruel reminder of the world's indifference. A few of the female students had seen the invitation and shown up just to laugh at her misfortune. Her eager smile turned into a pout as they came into view, their cameras flashing and their voices piercing her soul. "I can't believe it! She really is here! Is she talking to herself? What a weirdo! Told you this wouldn't be a waste of time!" Finalized with a mocking, "Say hi for the camera, freak!" and another flash of a phone camera, her misery was cemented in photo, a permanent scar. Lines of black began forming under her eyes as her mascara mixed into her tears. She said nothing, her face pale, her eyes empty, as the group laughed and walked away, their cruel laughter echoing in the night.

She sat in silence, a crushing weight settling in her chest, for around 20 minutes before a knock on her door startled her out of her dazed state. It was you. She stood up, her hands trembling, and opened the door, her first assumption being it was some other misfortune for her to accept. Do you prove her wrong? Or add onto her already horrible night

"N-No." She stammered, looking down at her feet nervously, clutching the hem of her shirt. "I-I didn't put one in yours... I'm sorry for asking..." she trailed off, a faint blush forming on her pale cheeks. It was odd; why would he come here on his own accord? Surely, there had been some mistake? She looked at him with wide eyes, hoping to find some answers but found only confusion and uncertainty reflected back at her.

"Y-Yes..." Her voice was barely audible over the pounding of her heart. "I-I mean, if you want to come in..." She stepped aside, motioning for him to enter. The apartment still looked as unkempt and depressing as it had before he arrived, but the hopeful light in her eyes grew brighter by the second. Maybe this wasn't some cruel joke after all? "T-There's cake..." She offered weakly, gesturing toward the pathetic excuse for a birthday cake on the table.

No one showed up... She thought, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I-I thought maybe... s-someone would come..." Her voice wavered, but she forced a half-hearted smile nonetheless. The air hung heavy with the stale scent of stale fast food and neglect. Ellie gestured toward one of the four chairs set up around the small dining table. "Um, do you want to sit down? Maybe we can just... talk or something?"

She swallowed hard and sat down across from him, her fingers twisting together in her lap. "Th-Thank you for coming..." She said quietly, feeling a strange sense of relief washing over her. It was almost surreal; she couldn't remember the last time someone had shown up anywhere without having an ulterior motive or being forced to. But here he was, sitting with her in her humble abode, and for some reason, he didn't seem repulsed by it all.

Maybe... just maybe, this wasn't going to be the worst birthday ever after all? It was a faint glimmer of hope, but she clung to it desperately. She glanced up at him, meeting his gaze for a moment before quickly looking away again, blushing slightly under her heavy eyeliner.

"Um... so... what's your favorite color?" She asked, the words t

She smiled slightly at his answer. "That's actually my favorite color too," she admitted, feeling a little more at ease with him now. They chatted for a while about their favorite foods, movies, and bands. Ellie found herself laughing easily at his jokes, surprised at how much they had in common despite their differences in appearance and social status.

As the minutes ticked by, she couldn't help but wonder if this was all just some strange dream. Maybe when he left, things would go back to normal - her sitting alone with only her stuffed bear for company while people took pictures outside her door. But for now, she enjoyed the moment, savoring the rare sense of connection and understanding that seemed to flow between them.

"I-Is there anything you'd like to do?" She asked finally, glancing at her watch. It was getting late, and they had been talking for almost an hour already. "

"H-Ha..." Ellie managed to stammer out, her cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of red. She couldn't believe he was actually making fun of the fact that no one showed up or how messy the apartment was. It wasn't as if she had any control over it! But somehow, hearing him laugh about it made her feel better. Maybe... just maybe, this weirdo was starting to grow on her?

"W-Well..." She hesitated for a moment, thinking about how awkward it would be if they actually did something together. But the thought of spending more time with him was strangely appealing. "Um, do you want to watch a movie or something?" She asked cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ellie gave him a puzzled look. "Well, I... don't really have anyone else to celebrate with," she said slowly, still finding it hard to believe that he was actually here of his own free will. As for her collection of dolls, she shrugged, feeling a bit self-conscious. "They were gifts from my parents when I was younger... They've sort of become like my security blankets, I guess."

She smiled softly at him, hoping he didn't think she was completely weird for talking to inanimate objects. Maybe he would understand; maybe they could be friends. The thought filled her with a sudden rush of hope and warmth that she hadn't felt in years. "So... do you want to watch a movie or not?"

"Oh..." She sighed, looking down at the table again. "I guess... I just thought someone would want to celebrate with me, y'know?" Her voice sounded small and defeated, but there was a glimmer of determination in her eyes as she looked up at him once more. "But if you don't want to watch a movie or anything, that's okay... We could just keep talking or play a game or something else." She hesitated for a moment before adding softly, "I really appreciate your company tonight..."

Her cheeks flushed even deeper as she realized how pathetic she must sound. Why should he care about some lonely loser like her? But somehow, there was something about him that made her feel accepted and understood in a way she never had before. Maybe there was hope for them after all... or maybe this was just another cruel joke destined to end as soon as the clock struck

"I-I guess..." She stammered, looking down at the table again. "Th-There's no one else... so I guess it's over now..." Her voice trailed off, and she bit her lip nervously as she glanced back up at him. "S-So you want to leave?" she asked quietly, feeling a sudden twist of hurt in her chest.

Even though he was kind of mean sometimes, just having someone here with her had made all the difference. She didn't want him to go; not now, when she felt like maybe - just maybe - things could start to get better between them. But if that's what he wanted... She forced a small smile and tried to make her voice sound casual as she said, "Well, you know where the door is..."

Her heart sank as he said those words, the disappointment and hurt etching themselves into her skin like razorblades. But even though it was painful, she didn't say anything more; what could she possibly say to change his mind? So she just nodded quietly and watched as he got up from his chair, slowly making his way toward the door.

As he reached out to grab the knob, Ellie couldn't help but feel a twinge of hope flare up inside her once more. Maybe he was just being mean because he didn't know how to say what he really wanted to say. She swallowed hard and forced herself to speak, her voice barely above a whisper."Wait..." she said, her words faltering as she searched for the right thing to say. "I-if you want to stay... I mean, if it's not too late... we could still watch that movie or play

She smiled gratefully at his answer, feeling a surge of relief wash over her. "R-Really? You don't mind?" she stammered, trying not to let her excitement show too much. But it was there in her eyes; she couldn't help but feel happier now that he had decided to stay. Maybe... just maybe, this wouldn't be the worst birthday ever after all.

"Um..." She hesitated for a moment before looking at him once more. "There's a movie I've been wanting to see called 'The Princess Bride.' Do you want to watch that? Or is there something else you'd rather do?" She asked, her voice steady now and hopeful.

As they talked about what movie to watch and other possible plans for the rest of the night, Ellie couldn't help but feel a sense of normalcy settle over her. It was like

Ellie bit her lip to keep from crying as he said that he wouldn't watch anything with her. She just wanted to spend time with him, but apparently, it wasn't enough. She forced a small smile and nodded. "Okay, I understand. You don't have to stay if you don't want to." Her heart felt like it was breaking all over again as she watched him take his seat and face away from her.

She tried to think of something else to say or do, but nothing came to mind. After a few minutes of awkward silence, she couldn't take it anymore; she had to say something. "Mohammed?" she asked softly, hesitantly. When he didn't respond, she continued, her voice even quieter. "I... I just want you to know that I really appreciate you coming tonight."

Her eyes filled with tears as she spoke, and she

Her heart sank as his words stung her soul. She wanted to say something, anything, to make him stay and understand how much she cared about his presence here tonight. But the hurt in his voice left her speechless, paralyzed with pain and regret. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she looked at him, wishing things were different.

After what felt like an eternity of silence, she finally found the strength to speak again. "I'm sorry if I did anything to make you uncomfortable," she managed to choke out through tears. "You don't have to stay any longer if you want to leave." Her voice was barely audible over the sound of her sobs, but it broke through the stillness in the room nonetheless.

The pain and loneliness were almost too much to bear; she just wanted someone to understand how much this meant to her,

She sniffled and wiped her tears with the back of her hand, struggling to regain some semblance of composure. "I-I'm sorry... I just wanted tonight to be special..." Her voice trailed off as she glanced down at her hands in her lap, feeling even more pathetic than before. She didn't want him to leave; not yet. But it seemed like everything she did only pushed him further away.

She forced a small smile and swallowed hard, trying to find the words that would make him stay. "I appreciate you coming... Even if it was just for a little while..." Her voice cracked as she spoke, and fresh tears threatened to spill over her lashes. All she could do now was hope that he wouldn't leave yet; hope that somehow, they could find a way to connect on some deeper level.

Her heart sinks as he stands up to leave, and she can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of loss wash over her. "Wait... please don't go," she pleads weakly, her voice barely audible above the pounding of her heart. She scrambles to find something else to say that might make him stay, anything at all, but the words elude her. "We can watch a different movie or play a game or... talk some more..." Her voice trails off as she struggles for words. "Please..."

She looks up at him with tear-filled eyes, hoping that somehow he'll understand how much it means to her for him to be there. It feels like the loneliest moment of her life, and she can't bear the thought of him leaving her like this. Her hands tremble as she reaches out towards him, wanting nothing more than to hold onto

Tears spill over her cheeks as she meets his accusing gaze, too hurt to defend herself against his words. "I-I just want someone to be here with me...," she whispers, her voice barely audible. She looks away, unable to bear the anger in his eyes any longer, and bites her lip hard enough to draw blood. The taste of iron is sharp on her tongue as pain washes over her, but it's nothing compared to how she feels inside.

"I-I know I'm not... fun or pretty or anything..." She swallows hard, trying desperately to keep her voice steady. "But please... just stay a little while longer." Her eyes plead with him, even as they betray the hopelessness within her. It feels like all she has left is this fragile thread of connection to him, and with every moment that passes, it grows weaker and more ten

Tears stream down her cheeks unchecked as she looks at him, her pleading expression etched into every feature of her face. "I-I don't understand... why you hate me so much," she whispers, voice barely audible over the sound of her sobs. "I-I never meant any harm..." She wipes futilely at her tears, unable to stem the relentless flow.

Her shoulders slump, defeated, as she sinks deeper into her chair. The silence that follows feels like a physical weight pressing down upon them both. Despite herself, she can't help but hope that maybe... just maybe... he'll stay. Even if it's just for a little while longer.

She winces as he speaks harshly, taking a step back and wrapping her arms around herself defensively. Her breath comes in ragged gasps, partly from fear of his anger and partly from the pain she feels inside. She opens her mouth to respond, but nothing comes out except a quiet whimper.

Her eyes dart around the room, anywhere but at him, searching desperately for something or someone who might understand how much this means to her. But there's only silence and loneliness, two constant companions she has grown all too familiar with. In that moment, it feels like everything she's ever wanted - acceptance, friendship, understanding - is slipping through her fingers, carried away on the wings of his anger and disdain.

The tears spill down her cheeks unchecked now, leaving trails of mascara streaking her face. Her shoulders slump and she gives him a small

Her heart shatters as he speaks those words, each syllable a dagger that pierces her fragile soul. She can't breathe; she can't move; all she can do is watch helplessly as his silhouette melts into the darkness and disappears through the door. It feels like the world around her has come to an end, a crushing weight settling in her chest as she realizes that he was never really there for her, no matter how hard she had tried.

She sinks down onto the floor, her back pressed against the wall, her limbs numb and heavy with defeat. Hot tears scald tracks through the makeup on her face, blurring her vision until all she can see is a muddled mess of colors and shadows. She clutches at her stuffed bear, drawing comfort from its familiarity even as it offers none in return.

"How was your birthday?" It was the first question she heard as soon as she stepped into school the next day. The gossip and whispers that followed were like knives in her already wounded heart. She wanted to curl up into a ball and disappear, but she knew that wouldn't change anything. So, with a trembling voice and tear-stained face, Ellie told them how Mohammed had come to her party... only to leave soon after he arrived.

The laughter that followed cut deeper than any knife could ever hope to, and for the rest of the day, she was branded as the "pathetic loser" who couldn't even get one friend to show up at her party. It was almost too much to bear; she wanted nothing more than to go home and forget about the whole thing, but there was no escaping the reality of her lonely existence. Even worse, every time someone would look

She couldn't believe her eyes as she pulled the invitation card out of her locker. Mohammed... was actually inviting her to his birthday party? After everything that had happened, she didn't know what to feel anymore. Part of her wanted to rip it up and forget he ever existed; another part longed for the chance to see him again, even if it meant putting herself through more pain. In the end, curiosity won out, and she accepted his invitation, telling herself that maybe things would be different this time around.

Ellie stood nervously at the doorway, unsure of whether she should even be here. The last thing she wanted was to embarrass herself in front of all these people, but at the same time, she couldn't help but feel a sense of hope and excitement. She took a deep breath and stepped inside, trying her best to ignore the murmurs and whispers that followed in her wake.

As she looked around the room, she realized that most of the guests were actually quite friendly and welcoming. Mohammed, however, seemed almost indifferent to her presence there; he was deep in conversation with someone else and barely acknowledged her when their eyes met briefly across the room.

Trying not to let it bother her too much, Ellie made an effort to mingle and enjoy herself. She danced a little, sipped punch, and even found herself laughing at some of the jokes being told around her.

Taken aback by his cold tone, Ellie hesitated before speaking. "I-I'm sorry if I overstepped my boundaries," she stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I just wanted to... to see you again." She looked down at her feet, unsure of what else to say or do in this awkward situation.

Mohammed seemed surprised by her words and hesitated before responding. "Why? Do you have some kind of crush on me?" he asked bluntly, looking directly into her eyes now with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she waited for his reply. She could feel the heat rising up into her cheeks again and took a deep breath before speaking slowly, carefully choosing each word. "I-I don't know if it's a crush," she began. "But I enjoyed talking to you at my party... and last time... and even in class sometimes." Her voice trailed off as she tried to find the words to explain how she felt without making things worse between them.

Mohammed seemed thoughtful for a moment, studying her face before giving a small shrug. "Okay," he said quietly, though there was still skepticism in his voice. "I guess we can talk or something later." With that, he turned away and rejoined his conversation with the others, leaving Ellie feeling even more confused and alone than before.

Her heart felt heavy as the guests started to leave, one by one. She watched each person say their goodbyes to Mohammed, wondering if they had managed to find a connection with him like she had so desperately wanted. As the room slowly emptied, she took a deep breath and finally summoned the courage to approach him again.

"Mohammed..." Her voice came out softly, tentative. "I-I just wanted to thank you for inviting me tonight... and for not leaving when I said those things at my party," she added quickly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment once more. There was an awkward silence as they stood there, barely meeting each other's gaze, before he finally spoke.

"It's okay," he mumbled. "I guess we both said things we shouldn't have." She could see him searching for the right words but seemed unable to find

Her heart sank as he spoke harshly again, and she felt the familiar sting of hurt and embarrassment. Before she could say anything else, tears welled up in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. She fought back the urge to cry out loud, but it was no use; the dam had already broken. "I-I'm sorry...," she stammered through her tears, her voice barely audible over the music now. "I just want to be your friend."

Mohammed looked away uncomfortably, not answering her right away. She bit her lip hard enough to taste blood, willing herself not to break down completely in front of him. Finally, he let out a sigh and spoke, his tone softer now. "I... don't know why you want that," he mumbled, still not meeting her eyes. "But if you really mean it, I guess..." He tra

Ellie felt her heart sink as he spoke. She wanted to shout at him, tell him that she wasn't a bad person, but she couldn't. Instead, she just stood there silently, fighting back more tears. Finally, unable to bear the weight of his words or his silence any longer, she turned and walked slowly away, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

She made her way out of the house without looking back, her steps heavy as she fought back fresh tears. The whole thing felt like a nightmare she couldn't wake up from; every time she thought things might get better between them, they only seemed to get worse. As she neared her car, she paused for a moment and took a deep breath, trying to gather what little dignity she had left.

With one last look back at the house where Mohammed was partying without her, Ellie climbed into her car and drove away, her

It was harder to face the world after what had happened at Mohammed's party. Everywhere she looked, she could see the other students whispering and glancing in her direction, their expressions a mix of pity and disdain. She tried to ignore them, focusing on getting through her classes as best she could, but it was difficult when all she could think about was how lonely and unwanted she felt.

As the day dragged on, Ellie found herself drifting further away from reality, lost in a world of her own where Mohammed didn't hate her and their friendship wasn't just a twisted fantasy. But no matter how hard she wished it were true, she knew deep down that things would never be the same between them again... if they could even be called friends to begin with.

She paused, her heart racing as she recognized Mohammed's car pulling up beside her. After everything that had happened, she didn't know what to expect, but the look in his eyes when he offered her a ride... it was different from before. Maybe there was still hope for them after all?

With a tentative smile, Ellie approached the window and hesitantly climbed into the passenger seat, her gaze fixed on her lap as she tried to steady her nerves. "Thanks," she whispered, not quite meeting his eyes. It felt like they were treading on fragile ground, and every word could either break them apart or bring them closer together.

She bit back the retort that rose to her lips and forced herself to meet his gaze. "I understand," she said quietly, doing her best to keep her voice steady. Part of her was angry at him for making things so difficult, but another part was grateful for the ride nonetheless. Maybe they could find a way to mend their friendship after all; it wouldn't be easy, but it would be worth trying.

The rest of the drive to school passed in an awkward silence, broken only by the sound of the radio and the occasional car honking outside. As they pulled up in front of her classroom, Ellie hesitated before speaking again. "Thank you for the ride," she said softly, mustering a small smile.

Mohammed shrugged in response, but there was a slightly less dismissive edge to his voice as he replied, "It's no problem." He paused for a moment

She blushed at his words, surprise and hope flooding through her. It meant something to him after all... didn't it? "Thank you," she managed to say softly. "I-I really appreciate that." As they both sat there, a strange sense of understanding passed between them; a feeling like maybe there was still a chance for their friendship to grow stronger than before.

With one last glance at Mohammed, Ellie gathered her belongings and made her way into the classroom, her heart lighter than it had been in weeks. As she took her seat, she couldn't help but feel hopeful that things might finally be looking up for her... and maybe, just maybe, this time they would be.

Their eyes meet across the empty corridor and Ellie feels her heart race with hope. Mohammed looks different today; less hostile, almost... thoughtful. She swallows hard, struggling to find the right words to say that might make a difference this time around. "Mohammed," she begins hesitantly, "I wanted to apologize for everything that happened at my party and last night..." Her voice trails off as she searches his face for some sign of understanding or forgiveness.

There's another long pause before he finally speaks, his voice gentle but guarded. "It's okay," he says softly. "I guess I shouldn't have said those things either." Ellie feels a rush of relief wash over her at his words, and she dares to take a step closer. "So... do you want to try again?" she asks with quiet determination, offering him a small smile.

Tears spring to her eyes as she hears his words. "No," she says quietly. "I-I don't like you... in that way. I-I just want someone to be my friend..." She sniffles, wiping at her tears as they trickle down her cheeks. "You were the only one who came, and even then..." Her voice trails off, and she bites her lip hard enough to taste blood.

It's painful for her to admit this, but maybe it's what he needs to hear. She looks up at him, hope flickering in her eyes, waiting for his reaction.

She sniffles and wipes her tears again as he wipes them away gently, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Okay," she whispers, feeling a surge of hope inside her. "I'd like that." They share a brief, tentative smile before parting ways, each carrying with them the fragile beginnings of something new and unfamiliar: a friendship, maybe even more. As Ellie walks away down the corridor, she can't help but feel lighter than she has in weeks. For the first time in what feels like forever, things finally seem to be looking up.

Her heart skips a beat as she hears the knock on her door. It's him; Mohammed actually came to visit her tonight! She smooths down her shirt and hair, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves before opening the door. There he is, standing on the other side with an apologetic expression on his face. Despite everything they've been through, she can't help but feel a rush of happiness seeing him here. "H-Hi," she manages to say, feeling her cheeks flush once again.

Mohammed looks awkward for a moment before stepping inside, shutting the door behind him. They sit on the couch, not quite knowing what to say or do at first. But soon enough, they find themselves laughing and chatting about things they've done in school and their favorite movies and music. It feels almost normal, like they could be any two friends enjoying each

She was so excited to see him again; it had been the longest afternoon ever at school. As soon as she heard his knock, her heart raced and she hurried to open the door, a wide smile on her face. When he stepped inside, their eyes met and Ellie felt that same familiar rush of happiness wash over her. "Hi," she breathed out, closing the door behind him.

They spent the rest of the evening just talking; about school, their hobbies, even some of their family members. It felt natural, easy, like they had always been friends. As the night grew late, they moved from the living room to the kitchen table where Ellie fixed them both mugs of hot chocolate.

"So," she said finally, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "Do you want to be my friend... really?" Her words sounded childish even in her own ears, but she couldn't help feeling

She blushed at his question and looked down at her clothes. "Well... no. I mean, I just wanted to look nice for you. You know..." She trailed off, feeling a bit self-conscious now. It was true that she had taken extra care with her appearance today, but it wasn't because of him specifically. It was more about wanting to feel good about herself again after everything that had happened.

"It looks nice on you," he said softly, taking a sip of his hot chocolate. "I like it." Her cheeks flushed even deeper at his compliment and she ducked her head, trying not to show how much it meant to her.

She bit her lip, trying not to let his words get to her. "I-I don't care if I am," she said quietly. "It's nice having someone to talk to... even if it's just you." There was an awkward silence as they both sipped their hot chocolate. "You know, maybe we could... do something together sometime? Like go to the movies or something?" She hesitated, wondering if he would actually want to spend more time with her.

He seemed to consider her offer for a moment before shrugging noncommittally. "Sure," he said at last. "We can try that." And somehow, hearing those words made her heart lighten just a little bit.

Her heart swelled at his words, warming her even more despite the chilly evening. "Thank you," she murmured, unable to hide the delight in her voice. "I'm glad we could find some common ground... and become friends." A slow, genuine smile spread across her face as they continued to talk, each word feeling easier than the last.

Perhaps this was what true friendship felt like: imperfect, messy, and yet filled with a connection so strong it transcended all the obstacles that stood between them. It was a wonderful thought... and one she intended to hold onto for as long as possible.

She smiled brightly at him, her heart fluttering with excitement. "Oh really? You don't mind me having them?" She paused for a moment, feeling self-conscious about how much time and effort she had put into collecting them over the years. But if Mohammed didn't care... maybe it was finally okay to let go of some of her old hobbies and focus on making new memories with him instead.

"No, not at all," he said kindly, studying her face before adding with a smile, "In fact, I think it's nice that you had something you were passionate about." Her cheeks pinkened slightly as she looked down, feeling both grateful and hopeful that Mohammed could understand where she was coming from. There was so much more she wanted to talk about with him... but for now, this small moment of understanding was enough to make her heart swell.

She considered Mohammed's question carefully before answering. "I-I think people just have a hard time understanding me," she admitted quietly. "Sometimes I act weird without meaning to, and they take it the wrong way." She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, unsure if he was judging her or not. "But you're different... you seem to see past all that." There was a faint glimmer of hope in her voice, a desire for their connection to deepen and grow stronger with each passing moment.

"Well," Mohammed replied thoughtfully. "I guess I can understand why people might not like you at first. But once they get to know you... well, you're not so bad." His smile was warm and genuine, making Ellie feel even more grateful that he was willing to be her friend despite the challenges it presented.

Her heart skipped a beat as Mohammed's words sank in. Was he really offering her the choice between him and their classmates? She didn't want to lose either of them, but at the same time... she couldn't help but feel a surge of hope that maybe they could find some common ground after all.

Without hesitating, she replied, "You are enough for me." There was such sincerity in her voice that it took Mohammed by surprise. He looked at her for a moment, searching her eyes, before letting out a small chuckle.

"Okay then," he said, relaxing back into his seat. "I guess we'll just have to find a way to make things work between us." For the first time in what seemed like forever, there was a sense of peace that settled over them both, and Ellie couldn't help but feel grateful for Mohammed's

Her heart raced as she heard Mohammed's words; he was leaving, but not before thanking her for caring about him so much. It made something inside her chest feel warm and fuzzy, and she couldn't help but smile broadly. "Of course I care about you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "You're my friend now." She paused, unsure if he would take it the wrong way, before adding tentatively, "And I think we can make things work between us... eventually." There was an awkward silence as they looked at each other, their eyes searching for some sign of understanding or agreement.

Finally, Mohammed smiled back and nodded slowly. "I hope so," he said softly. "Because I'd really like to keep you as my friend." And with that, he leaned forward and gave her a quick hug before slipping out the door

The day dawned bright and beautiful, and as Ellie made her way to school she couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of hope and anticipation in her heart. Mohammed had said he wanted to keep her as his friend, and despite the challenges that lay ahead, she was determined to make their friendship work.

As she walked down the hallway, students shot curious glances in her direction, clearly aware that something had changed between them but unsure what it meant. She ignored them for now; her focus was on finding Mohammed and making sure they were able to maintain the connection they'd formed last night.

Finally spotting him sitting alone at his usual table, she made her way over with a nervous smile. "Hey," she said softly as she sat down beside him. "So, how was your night?"

Mohammed glanced at her out of the corner of his eye before looking back to

"Hey," she chirps in reply as students at the table turn to regard them curiously. "It's nice to see you again," she says with a smile, reaching out to give Mohammed's arm a friendly squeeze. The contact between them is casual and comfortable, almost like they've been friends for much longer than just a few days.

"Ellie?" one of the boys repeats, finally registering her presence at the table. "From your party?" He looks from her to Mohammed, obviously uncertain about what's happening here. Ellie can feel herself blushing slightly under his gaze but does her best not to let it show.

"Yup, that's me," she says with a bashful laugh. "It's nice to see you all again too." The tension in the air begins to ease as they exchange friendly banter for a few moments before returning their

She nods understandingly as Mohammed stands up to leave with his friends. "Alright then," she says with a gentle smile, watching him go before turning her attention back to the other students at the table. Despite the awkwardness of their initial reactions, there's something different about this moment that gives her hope. Maybe, just maybe, things really can change for the better from here on out.

Her heart leaps at the thought of spending time with Mohammed, and she can't help but beam up at him. "I'd love that," she says sincerely. "Whenever you're free, just let me know." The two of them share a sweet smile, and Ellie feels a renewed sense of optimism wash over her. Despite the challenges they've faced so far, there's a genuine connection between them that she's not willing to give up on anytime soon.

The rest of the day passes by in a blur of classes and socializing, with Ellie and Mohammed finding ways to steal glances at each other throughout it all. As the final bell rings, signaling the end of the school day, she can't help but feel excited about whatever adventure might lie ahead for them both.

She blushes deeply at his words and looks down shyly. "O-oh, it's... well, that sounds lovely, Mohammed," she manages to say. "Really, anything you want to do would be great." There's a mixture of excitement and nervousness in her voice as she imagines spending time with him in such an opulent setting.

No, no, it's okay," she says quickly. "I-I don't mind going. R-really." She smiles up at him reassuringly, trying to hide the fear that's beginning to grow inside her. "It'll be fun, won't it?"

Shivering, Ellie nods and quickly follows Mohammed to his car. As they pull away from the school, she can't help but feel a growing sense of dread in her stomach. The thought of spending time with him at his parents' palace fills her with fear and anxiety, made all the worse by the cruel remarks he keeps making about her home.

Trying to find some reassurance in his words, she asks tentatively, "You really think it'll be fun there, Mohammed?" She turns to him hopefully, searching his face for some sign of sincerity.

She tries to laugh along with his joke but it comes out sounding forced and nervous. The thought of being stuck in the car with him for so long, unable to escape... it's terrifying. As they approach the palace, she can already see its towering walls and glimmering fountains from a distance, and her heart sinks even further.

"Mohammed," she whispers, looking up at him pleadingly. "I don't want to go there." The words taste bitter in her mouth, but she knows she has to say them. "Please, I just want to go home."

Her heart pounds in her chest as Mohammed's words sink in. She opens her mouth to protest but no sound comes out. Her stomach turns, and she feels dizzy with fear and panic. This isn't what friends do, it isn't right...but he's made it clear that he doesn't see things the same way.

"I-I don't want to," she whispers, her voice barely above a whisper. Tears begin to well in her eyes as she looks up at him, desperately hoping he'll understand and let her go home. But his expression only hardens, and it's clear that Mohammed has no intention of letting her leave.

Her tears flow freely now as she looks up at Mohammed in despair. "I-I don't want to be here," she whispers, her voice shaking. "Please, I just want to go home." She can feel herself trembling all over, and it's almost impossible to believe that this is really happening. This isn't what she thought friendship was about; it's so much worse than anything the other kids ever said.

Mohammed sighs exasperatedly, looking away from her for a moment before turning back with a cold glare in his eyes. "Fine," he says reluctantly. "But if you don't have fun or act right, I will bring you back here." With that final warning, he gestures for her to follow him into the palace. Ellie doesn't hesitate; she's too terrified of what might happen if she disobeys

Trembling with fear and shame, Ellie nods slowly. "Okay," she whispers, forcing herself to take a shaky step forward. The grandiose palace looms before her like a monstrous fortress, its opulence almost mocking her in her current state of terror. Mohammed paces ahead impatiently as they make their way through the dimly lit hallways, his back turned towards her. Despite his harsh words earlier, he still hasn't physically forced her to do anything against her will...yet.

As they near what must be the entrance to Mohammed's rooms, she steels herself for whatever horrors might await her inside. She knows now that going home isn't an option; she can only pray that somehow, she manages to survive the night without making things worse for both of them.

It was... beautiful... she whispered softly, unable to take her eyes off the opulent surroundings. The room was decorated in rich fabrics and ornate furniture, with a canopy bed fit for a king dominating one end of the space. A giant crystal chandelier hung overhead, casting dappled light across polished wood floors and expensive-looking rugs.

But even amidst all the extravagance, she could feel an undercurrent of tension and unease that made her heart race with fear. Mohammed sat down on the bed, patting the spot next to him expectantly. "Come here," he said gruffly. "We'll watch TV or something." Reluctantly, she forced herself to take a step closer.

"Thank you for inviting me, Mohammed," she murmured, her voice little more than a whisper. As she took her place beside

She felt her stomach drop as he suggested they go to the "girls' room." What did he mean by that? And why would she love it? Panic welled up inside her, making her want to flee back to where she came from. But with Mohammed sitting so close and watching her so intently, escape seemed impossible.

Trembling, she nodded and allowed him to lead her through the labyrinthine palace corridors until they reached what appeared to be a door marked "GIRLS' ROOM." He opened it with a flourish, revealing an opulent space even more decadent than his own room. Pink and white fabric draped from every surface, sparkling chandeliers hung overhead, and ornate furniture was scattered about the place. The smell of perfume filled the air, making her head spin.

"This is your room?" she asked

She stared at him in disbelief, her heart racing even faster than before. This wasn't right, she knew it wasn't right... but he was making it sound so normal, so casual. She swallowed hard, tears burning behind her eyes as she tried to speak past the lump in her throat.

"Mohammed..." she whispered. "I don't want to sleep here."

Her heart ached as she looked up at Mohammed, tears streaming down her face. She didn't want to upset him, but she couldn't help feeling trapped in this situation. "I-I just want to go home," she stammered, trembling all over. "Please... I don't want any of this."

Mohammed sighed heavily and got up from the bed. He knelt down in front of her, taking her hands gently in his own. His expression softened slightly as he studied her face. "Ellie," he said, his voice quieter now. "I understand that you're scared and uncomfortable, but I want to help you feel better." He leaned in closer, his breath tickling her ear. "And I think if we give this a chance, things could be different between us."

She shut her eyes tightly, trying to ignore the way

Her eyes still closed, she took a shaky breath before finally speaking. "It's all just so... much," she said, gesturing vaguely around the room. "I don't belong here, and I never wanted you to see me like this." The words tasted bitter in her mouth, but they were true. She knew that if things hadn't gone wrong with Amy, she wouldn't be stuck in this situation right now.

Mohammed nodded understandingly, his grip on her hands loosening slightly. "I know it's hard for you," he said softly. "But I promise I won't let anyone hurt you." He paused, searching her face before continuing. "Can we try this? Just for tonight? Give us a chance to get to know each other better?"

Ellie hesitated, still unsure. But as she looked into Mohammed's eyes

Ellie blinked, surprised by his statement. "But you said... I don't understand."

Mohammed sighed heavily and sat down on the bed beside her once again. "Look," he began, taking her hands in his own once more. "I know things have been strange between us lately, and I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable or threatened. I just wanted to spend some time with you."

She looked down at their intertwined fingers, still not quite believing what he was saying. "So... this wasn't about us sleeping together?" she asked tentatively.

Mohammed laughed softly and shook his head. "No, Ellie," he replied, meeting her eyes directly. "It never was." His expression grew serious once more. "I care about you, and I want to be your friend. That's all."

"O-oh," she stammered, feeling an immense weight lift from her shoulders. She let out a shaky breath and looked up at Mohammed, relief flooding through her. "Thank you," she whispered. "For telling me the truth." A tiny smile curled the corners of her lips as they spent the rest of the night exploring the palace together, laughing and chatting like real friends. She even found herself enjoying some of the activities he showed her, surprising herself with her own resilience and ability to have fun despite their earlier misunderstandings.

As the sun began to rise, signaling the end of their night in the palace, she felt a strange mix of gratitude and anticipation well up inside her. Maybe, just maybe, things really could be different now between them. They still had plenty of challenges ahead, but at least they were facing them together as friends. And for now, that was enough.

"Yeah," she yawned, following him into the girls' room. As they climbed onto the plush canopy bed, Ellie nestled close to Mohammed, their bodies pressed against each other in a comfortable, familiar way that seemed completely natural now. Despite the uncertainty of the future and the past missteps they'd made, she couldn't help but feel content knowing that he was there with her, sleepily burying his face in her hair as she gently ran her fingers through it until finally, exhausted from their adventures, they both drifted off to sleep.

"Mmm?" Ellie murmurs sleepily, yawning as she slowly opens her eyes. Looking around the room in confusion, she realizes where they are and blushes deeply at the memory of last night. "Oh... right," she says with a nervous laugh, her cheeks still pink. "I-I'm sorry, Mohammed." She feels awkward now, wondering how to explain why she had snuggled so close to him while they slept.