Not Home Alone

"Sure.We can talk some more during." Xuan got two more bowls and two more spoons.She scooped out plenty for the both of them and sat down at the counter on a stool.There were many thoughts going through her head,thinking about just what was going to be said by Junko. "Come,sit down.I almost forgot that there were also here"

Junko thanked Xuan for the ice cream and she would follow her to the counter. Sitting on her own stool, she took one spoonful of her ice cream in her mouth and savored its deliciousness. It actually helped to calm her nerves so she can speak again.

"So...what haven't I already said other than my past?" Junko thought back and took a deep breath. "Well, I lived on the streets for a little while, making most of whatever money I still had from what I can find in the fire. I was so hungry and I kept asking people for help. Some were compassionate enough to give me food, drink, and money...while others took them all away. Still, I was lonely; no one to turn to, no one to trust, just a family of one. I soon was found and brought to an orphanage."

To see Her friends contempt face when she had the first spoonful was releiving to Xuan.SHe listened to how there were some people who did her justice in giving her things she needed.But to have them constantly taken away must be a pain that couldve grown into insanity. "Junko....Im so sorry.Your past,it sounds so...So horrible." At least Xuan was treated with some foundation of respect,her friend wasnt at all.

"Yeah," said Junko as she looked down before taking another spoonful of ice cream. "But things didn't go so well at the orphanage either. Many couples didn't want me because they considered me a freak, so did most of the kids. Then soon, the ones who took care of us slowly accepted that lie and I couldn't take it. I had to break out and go back to the streets. I was alone and at the same time, my mind was so shattered. I was now stuck with mindset that no one will care about me."

Xuan stayed silent.There wasnt much she could think to even say.This was something that was burned into this other girl's head.Just like the need to be tortured after losing...Xuan connected things in her head. "Deathb--Junko." The thief put her spoon down and put a hand on her friend's shoulder. "I care about you.And Im not a nobody,so that last thing you said is a lie.Isnt it?" SHe smiled to the girl across from her.

Junko tried to smile back as Xuan placed a hand on her holder and smiled also. "I...I guess so. Maybe...you are somebody after all...and...maybe I'm not alone after all. I...I'm not...." Her eyes filled with tears in realizing this and was close to breaking down.

Xuan kept her hand there,using her other hand to gently wipe the tears off of Junko's sad face. "Come on....You're getting tears and salt in your ice cream." She was trying to lighten this mood of confessionals and sorrow between her and Junko.

Xuan's light teasing would make Junko giggle as she wiped her tears. "Yeah, I think I need to calm down now, haha." She ate some more ice cream before saying, "Thanks, Xuan...for everything."

Her attempt at lightening the mood had worked well.Xuan sat back down,unknowingly keeping her first hand still on Deathbird's. "You don't have to thank me,Junko.its the least I can do for you..."

Junko still smiled as she put one hand on Xuan's on her shoulder. "You know...you're becoming like a second family to me...like a sister. Even though I'm still looking for my mother and little sister, I'm glad I have someone who finally understands me. I hope...I hope we can be the best of friends and allies...and maybe we can find my family together." She took a couple spoonfuls of ice cream in happy thought.