Chapter 3 - A Special Friend

"We're going to be gone for the weekend. Are you sure you will be alright alone?"

"Yes mother, I'll be fine."

"I'll see you next week dear. Be careful."

Father had a business trip out of town and he is taking my mother with him. Usually we went together but this time, I was left behind. I wasn't worried, just curious to why this time I wasn't being brought along. The most logical conclusion was that he just didn't want me there to embarrass him.

From the corner of my eye, I could see the only source of color in this neighborhood. I waited until the car left from my sight before going over.

"H-hello Mr. Rosebud." My voice was soft and could barely be heard but I still managed to get his attention.

"Ah, hello Miss Rousette. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing fine. Um, can I ask what are you doing?" My eyesight fell to the ground, feeling a bit weird whenever I was around him

"Oh, I was making sure I have everything set up for the pool party tomorrow. I did asked our neighbors if they wanted to come but all them declined." I heard him mutter something else but couldn't understand what he said.

"But I haven't asked you yet, would you like to come to the party?" The word party made me want to hide in my room until it was completely over but I wanted to go to this one, even if it was just for him.

"Ok, I'll go to the party Mr. Rose-"

"Thulian, just call me Thulian." He stopped me mid-sentence and it came to me that I didn't even know his first name until now.

"You can call me Anglaise. Or-" I hesitated, wondering if I can tell him my special nickname. "-you can call me Angel. It's short for Anglaise."

"Then Angel it is, as long as you call me Thulian. Deal?"

"Deal." That nickname was special to me. No one has called me Angel in a long time and it was nice to hear again.

"Alright Mr. Ros-, umm, Thulian. I'll be there at the party." Maybe it won't be so bad.

...

The next day, I was searching through all my drawers. White, white, white was all I saw and I wished that I had something other then white. By the time I found my old swimsuit, my entire drawer was a mess.

I fell to the ground, pouting over the swimsuit I found. It was also the only swimsuit I had and I wasn't even sure if it fit me anymore.

Much to my surprise, it did fit and managed to cover me decently. I felt a little more confident on going to the party.

Any confidence I had quickly disappeared when I got closer to the party until I stopped when I saw the guests. There was a lot more people then I had expected but I still managed to find Thulian.

There was a girl talking to him and suddenly I felt inadequate. She looked so gorgeous, colorful and so confident in her own skin while I had to convince myself to even come to this party in a modest swimsuit.

I didn't belong here. It was too much for me and I turned around to go back home but I heard Thulian calling my name and stopped.

"Hey! I was wondering when you were going to show up. I'm so glad you made it!"

I looked down to the ground once more, feeling happy that he actually came over to talk to me.

"I'm just one person. You wouldn't have notice if I was here or not."

"Actually, I would. I'm very happy you came."

"Why don't go and talk to some people? I want to make some more drinks and then I'll go look for you. Is that ok?" I nodded hesitantly. I was hoping that I spend time with him but maybe this was chance to meet new people. I hope they are as nice as Thulian.

The patio area was out of the question and I looked over to the dancing area. To be honest, it looked like fun and maybe it wouldn't be so bad to dance with other people.

"Umm. E-excuse me," I tapped the shoulder of the guy closest to me. This was a chance to be a little more brave and be more comfortable in social settings. "Can I dance? With you?"

"Che! Dance with you? No way! I know exactly who you are little miss snobby, plain as icing Rousette! Who even invited you to the party?"

I was mortified,  this wasn't what I was expecting and whatever good feelings I had quickly vanished. I heard some snickers come from around us.

I walked away from the crowds of people, my heart crushed by what that guy said. I didn't think I wouldn't be welcomed here.

I was so lost in my unhappiness that I didn't realize someone walk up behind me until it was too late. The harsh push was enough to topple me into the cold water.

I gasped for air when I floated back up and to my horror, a bunch of guest were lined up at the edge, laughing at me.

I climbed out of the pool but I maybe I should have just and when I turned, I saw a sight that made my stomach churn and my heart squeeze painfully.

I was wrong, this turned out to be the most humiliating night of my life.

I rushed home, I wanted to fall into bed and cry my eyes out while holding Snow Prince. I tried to open the door but to my horror, it was locked and I didn't have the key. It was too much for me and I broke down. Maybe my father is right, maybe I am just a fool.

Unsure of what to do, I sat down at the water's edge and swirled the water with my feet. I thought of going back and look for Thulian but I didn't want to face anybody at the party. The thought of going to any of the neighbor's was immediately crossed off because if they suspect something, my mother would end up finding out.

I heard footsteps coming closer to me and I flinched when I saw who it was. Neither of us said anything for a long time.

"Angel...I'm so sorry. I didn't think they could do something so cruel."

I didn't say anything, I couldn't even face him because I'm sure I would just break down again.

"I'm sorry. I know it isn't enough but I am truly sorry. They were people I knew and never in a million years did I think they would ever be so mean to anyone. It seems I had misjudged them."

"I.... I thought they would be nice, like you." I whispered, close to tears once again. I've been hurt before but it was nothing like this. It reminded me that I wasn't made to be part of any kind group.

"C'mon, let's go back." He grabbed my hand but I resisted. I didn't want to go back and was scared but Thulian knew what was running through my head.

"Don't worry. I will make sure nothing will happen." He assured me and gently pulled me back to his place.

"No one is here. Why?" It was completely empty and the only sounds was the music. I turned to him, confused.

"I canceled the party, that's why."

"You didn't have too..."

"Yes I did. What they did was unacceptable."

"Come on, lets go to the dance floor."

"Noooooo." But he pulled me onto the dance floor anyways. After a few embarrassing moves, I finally relaxed enough to enjoy and just dance.

He even managed to get me back into the pool. But this time, I was having a lot of fun.

But my favorite part of the evening was actually talking to each other, something that would have never happen if my parents were around. We learned a little more about each other. He told me about his life before moving here, what he did in college and other interesting stories that managed to keep my attention. My stories weren't as interesting as his but I did managed to say a few things about myself. We kept talking until we stumbled upon the topic of the girl from earlier.

"What about the girl from the party, the one that you were talking to. Why did you send her away? She seem to like you, a lot." I asked cheerfully even though inside I was still hurt by her.

"Oh her? She's more of an acquaintance then a friend. To be honest, she's not my type and she caught me off guard. I asked to leave after I found out what happened." I was happy when I heard that.

As night slowly turned into morning, I knew it was time for me to go to bed. Thulian did offer me to stay at his place but I wasn't comfortable staying there. It was too late to call a locksmith and so he thought up the next best thing; he picked the lock.

"Thank you, thank you so much!"

"It was no problem. It's getting close to morning now and we should head to bed. Goodnight Angel."

"Goodnight Thulian..."

My parents came back from their trip two days later. My father ignored me and walked on by while my mother talked a little about her trip before going inside to rest. I didn't listen much because my attention was focused on the mailbox.

I curiously looked inside and saw a paper bag stuff at the very back and a note with my name on it. I opened the note and as I read it, I felt my face warming up and my heart making funny jumps.

Angel,

I happened to pass by an art store and remembered you saying that all you had was white paint because of your parents.  I may not be an artistic person and know nothing about art but I know you have a lot of imagination and creativity in you, so I got you a gift. In the bag is lots and lots of paint to use for your paintings. And if you ever want to show it to someone, I'll be happy to see them

-Thulian

PS: If you ever want to hang out or something, you're always welcome to come on by.

I held the note close to my heart and I probably had to biggest smile on my face. This was the greatest gift anybody has given me. I clutched the note and bag close to me, afraid that someone would rip it away from me, as I hurried to my room.

For the first time ever, I locked the door to make sure that no one came in. I grabbed an empty canvas and greedily reached into the bag and took out the tubes of paint. Instead of just white covering my palette, it was now filled with beautiful colors.

I wanted to paint every color I could possibly imagine! And I wanted to be better so that I can make something special for my friend, Thulian.