Chapter Text
Lucia sat at the playground, her face buried in a book. She was on the swings, while the rest of the kids tackled each other and screamed their lungs out. Jesus, when were kids so obnoxious? Though, she must admit that she did eavesdrop on a few arguments, even if it was just petty drama.
She was always a bookworm. She was always praised for reading often, she didn’t get why. All she did was just sit down and read. That doesn’t deserve a medal or something. It’s whatever, though. Lucia would be lying if she said it didn’t make her feel good.
She softly hummed as she swung back and forth gently, reading a book. The kids shrieking and the teachers scolding distracted her, but it’s recess, what did she expect? Peace and quiet? Yeah right.
Everyone pretty much steered clear of Lucia. Some of them even called her weird and such. It didn’t hurt much, if Lucia’s being honest. All of the insults were immature and— quite frankly— stupid. She couldn’t care less about the other eight year olds among her. She never really had many friends, but it didn’t bother her much. As long as they stay out her path, she’ll be fine. Besides, it’s not like anyone in her class really noticed her—
Unexpectedly, a brunette girl plopped on the swing next to her. She had golden eyes, which was the first thing Lucia noticed about her. They were doe-like, and curious. It kind of reminded her of Luz.
Her hair was brunette, but it had a hint of ginger in it. It was in a half-up half-down hairstyle. It was interesting, exotic to say the least. She also had freckles along her nose and cheeks.
…Are eyelashes usually that long?
”…Hi.” The girl says, after a moment of them both admiring each other’s features. Lucia waved. The girl then giggled, “You looked kind of lonely. I abandoned my game of tag just for you!”
Lucia just gave her a nod of acknowledgment, before returning to her book, sneaking a glance at the stranger ever so often.
The girl smiled. It was like pure sunshine. Her teeth were pearly white. It was captivating to look at. “I’m Amelia. Amelia Blight! What about you, stranger?”
Lucia stayed silent for a moment. “…Lucia.”
Amelia hummed, “That’s a really pretty name.”
Lucia felt a heat rush to her face in an instant. No one ever complimented her, besides her mother, but that’s completely different. Lucia let out a simple, “Thanks.”
”Y’know, you’re really shy. Shyer than anyone I’ve ever met. You haven’t taken your eyes off your book, even since I came here!”
Lucia hummed, “I have.”
Amelia puffed her cheeks, “Oh really?”
Lucia just smiled awkwardly, and continued to read.
Looking at her book, Amelia suddenly gasped, making Lucia jump in her seat, startled. Man, she should really learn how to stop doing that. Amelia flapped her hands against her thighs, giggling, “Is that The Good Witch Azura?!” Lucia nodded. Amelia let out a squeal, “Me and my sister read it all the time!! It’s so good, right?! I haven’t gotten to the last volume though.”
Lucia just stayed silent, listening to the girls rambles. Amelia pouted and huffed. “Don’t talk much, do you?”
Lucia just shook her head. “I’m not used to talking. I never met anyone like you, besides my sister…but that’s different.”
Amelia got closer, albeit, a little too close for comfort, and smiled again. This time, it was more giddy than anything. “You remind me of my sister. Strange, I know, but you do! You both are so mysterious and secretive, and always keep to yourself… and you’re kind of reserved, to be honest. But you still look cool, so that’s a bonus!”
Lucia just nodded silently as the girl babbled on and on and on. It made Lucia a bit uneasy, because she’s not very used to social interaction much at all. But at the same time, she couldn’t help but feel comfortable around the girl’s social and endearing nature. It even made her spew out a few replies, even if they’re leaning more towards “yes” and “no”’s rather than full sentences. But it’s a start.
Once Amelia came closer, Lucia pushed her back. “Too close. You should probably learn how to not get so close to people.”
Amelia let out a quiet “sorry”. Her lip quivered, as if she were about to cry. At this point, Lucia started panicking. “Oh no, I didn’t mean it like that…! I just- I wanted to like- um…! I just wanted to give you a heads up. M’ sorry.”
Amelia sighed, “It’s alright. My mom says that a lot too. I can’t help it though.”
It looked like something clicked in Amelia’s head before she turned to Lucia. “Say, you don’t have friends, do you?”
“Uh…no. I don’t.” Lucia sort of feels called out, but she doesn’t say anything.
Amelia smiles, “I don’t have friends either. I’m actually quite new here! The kids I were playing tag with sucked anyway.” Amelia looked over shyly, “…Would you like to be my first?”
Lucia smiles genuinely, for the first time today. “Y-Yeah! Sure!”
They talked for a few minutes more, before the teachers signaled them to get in a single file line. Amelia runs over to her class. “See you later, friend!”
Lucia waves, smiling brightly. “See you later…friend.”
As she walked to her classroom, she felt much more lighter, like she was walking on air.
She made her first friend!