Origins of Evil: Part 4

[Lilith]

A warm shower. It was the greatest moment Lilith had experienced in quite some time. The young brunette finishes dressing in some purple pajamas Sarah had given her. It really felt wonderful to be wearing fresh, clean clothing and to have been able to wash herself more than using the sink of public restrooms.

Lilith steps out of the bathroom in the small apartment above Selene’s shop. The woman Sarah spoke to her about was not back yet, and so some nerves still resided within Lilith as to whether or not she’d be able to stay. Either way, right now she was feeling great. She was clean, and her belly full. Sarah looks over at her as she comes into the quaint living area.

Sarah: Wow, you clean up really nicely.

She smiles, offering up the compliment. Lilith smiles, she wasn't quite used to this sensation yet, it felt like it had been forever since the last time she genuinely smiled about something, let alone at someone.

Lilith: Thanks, Sarah. I really like your top by the way, purple is one of my favorite colors. They're a bit big for me, but they're definitely better than what I was wearing before.

Lilith pauses for a second as she sits down on the sofa next to Sarah. She really didn't want to face this, but she knew it was only a matter of time before it happened. Adults hated Lilith, they always had. No way was Selene going to let her stay.

Lilith: When I leave, do you promise that you'll come and see me every now and again? It's nice having friends… well, one who isn't a teddy bear anyway…

Sarah turns and looks at Lilith oddly.

Sarah: What are you talking about? You’re not leaving. I already told you, Selene will help you just as she did for me.

Lilith shakes her head, not buying it.

Lilith: Sarah, I know she helped you, but as much as it hurts me to say it, I'm not you. Adults… people… don't like me. It's fine, I'm used to it.

Sarah stands up, not having any of it.

Sarah: Well I like you, so what you just said is wrong.

Lilith watches Sarah for some time, not really knowing what she's going to do. But either way, it was nice to have someone say they liked her. She couldn't help but smile.

Lilith: Okay, but… just don't get your hopes up, okay? I know Selene is a nice lady and everything but taking you in I'm sure was a big enough thing for her to do, she might not want to have me here as well. Maybe as a visit, but not permanently.

Sarah shakes her head as she finally returns to her seat beside Lilith. She looks at the brunette seriously.

Sarah: Listen, there’s plenty enough room here for you. I know this because … Selene has been helping me prepare to get my sister soon. Maybe next week we hope. But there is room, even if I have to use all of the money I make working for Selene to help make it work out, I will. I promised you a place to stay and that’s what is going to happen.

Lilith smiles across at Sarah and before she could stop herself or even know what she was doing, she grabs her redheaded friend and gives her a tight hug, trapping Sarah’s arms within her own. This lasts for a few minutes before Lilith finally snaps out of it and let's go, looking really embarrassed.

Lilith: I'm sorry… I just… I've never had anyone be so nice to me before. I… I mean, I don't even remember how young I was when I was first placed into care in the orphanage back in England… no one was ever nice to me there, Sarah. Not the other girls, not the adults… no body. This… all of this, the taking me to the hamburger place… the taking care of me and finding a place for me to live… its just… a lot. I hope you know how much this all means to me. I'm so happy I met you.

Sarah smiles and places a comforting hand on Lilith’s shoulder.

Sarah: I’m really glad I met you too. You’re a really great person, and I love your accent.

She laughs a bit in an innocent way. Before they could get into any discussion about Lilith’s lovely accent, the downstairs door jingles and Sarah immediately knows Selene was back. The proprietor calls up to her.

Selene: Sarah? I’m back.

Sarah motions for Lilith to stay put for a moment as the redhead rushes down the stairs to where Selene’s living quarters were located and was excited to share the news of her new friend. Lilith remains on the sofas as Sarah had asked her to while she went to secure Lilith a permanent home.

At this point Lilith just wanted the ground to swallow her up, she knew Sarah would return momentarily with a sad look on her face and tell her that she was wrong and that Lilith couldn't stay. Lilith sighs as she stands up, grabbing a nearby bag she figured Sarah wouldn't mind her having and starts packing a few things to take back to her “home”. Finally Lilith grabs hold of her teddy bear and sits back down on the sofa looking at him, extremely disheartened.

Lilith: Teddy, don't get sad. I know we won't be able to stay here but Sarah is our friend now. She'll look after us. I mean… she did before we came here, right? Even bought me a yummy milkshake and some burgers!

Lilith gives Teddy a forced smile, trying to convince him that everything was going to be okay.

Lilith: Sarah might even give me some of that money she offered me earlier, we could go buy some sweets with that. Actual American sweets… or “candy” as I think they call it? It looks so yummy!

Of all the things Lilith had stolen during her time in America she'd never actually stolen candy, she knew she could maybe only get away with taking the essentials and as nice as it looked she knew candy was not essential.

Lilith: We’ll be okay, don't worry. You'll see. Everything will be fine.

After a few long minutes go by that seemed like an eternity to Lilith, she finally hears footsteps returning up the stairs. She looks to see Sarah hurry her way back into the living room. Just behind her an older woman who looked extremely pleasant. Sarah returns to her seat beside Lilith and proudly introduces her new best friend.

Sarah: This is Lilith, like I said she’s from England. Her accent is amazing.

Selene smiles as she casually takes a seat in an armchair across from the two girls. She smiles warmly at Lilith and nods.

Selene: Well hello, Lilith. Pleasure to meet you. Sarah has been telling me a bit about you.

Lilith looks between Sarah and Selene, gripping and cuddling her bear even harder. She doesn't look too happy though, she knew it was just a matter of time before she'd be thrown away, just like she always had been before.

Lilith: Hi.

Lilith blushed, she now found that she was lost for words.

Lilith: I'm… ummmm… just… leaving actually.

Lilith taps on the bag by her side, trying her hardest to put up a front so she won't look so utterly crushed when she's told to leave anyway. Selene places a hand to her chin and nods questioningly.

Selene: I see. And where is it you shall go when you’ve left us?

She inquires of the young girl. Sarah wraps her arm around Lilith, pulling her for a one armed hug, more so to make sure Lilith didn’t actually leave. Sarah’s hug felt nice and Lilith stayed and enjoyed it perhaps longer than she should have done before she pulled herself away, looking back at the older woman, who Lilith knew saw straight through her.

Lilith: Erm… home. I've got to go… home.

Lilith looks across at Sarah, giving her a look that said “please don't make this any harder for me” as her eyes started to water a bit. Lilith hid her face behind her bear trying to hide her tearful eyes. Selene looks at Sarah and then at Lilith hiding herself in her stuffed toy.

Selene: You know, England is quite a far distance from here. It’s getting a bit late and I don’t believe young girls should be out walking themselves home at this hour. Why don’t you stay for the night, and perhaps tomorrow you’ll be a bit more willing to let me know what’s actually going on?

Selene smiles as she stands up from the armchair and heads back downstairs, allowing Lilith some time to calm herself. Selene knew Sarah would take care of the rest for tonight. Sarah again looks at Lilith, smiling big.

Sarah: I told you that you’d be able to stay.

Lilith shakes her head, still hiding her face in her bear, almost hiding behind him.

Lilith: No, Sarah. She said I could stay for tonight. It's okay, I understand. I'll be on my way tomorrow morning.

Sarah: She only said that because she wants to talk to you, but you’re too freaked out. I’m telling you, you can stay here you just can’t freak out. I promise, Selene is really nice.

The brunette pushes her bear to the side for a minute as she looks at Sarah, very curiously.

Lilith: What did she actually say to you a minute ago? Did you tell her… I mean… does she know I live on the streets?

Sarah nods as she again places her hand on the brunette’s shoulder.

Sarah: She knows. But even what I haven’t told her you should talk to her about, let her help you. You can’t keep secrets from her, trust me.

Lilith: But… what if I tell her everything and she still sends me away? I'm not really too good at talking about my feelings and… bad stuff, Sarah. I don't handle stuff too well. I guess…

Lilith looks over at her teddy bear and sighs nodding her head.

Lilith: Yeah, I'm just not any good at handling rejection.

Sarah smiles at her friend, reassuring her.

Sarah: Selene isn’t going to send you away. We’ve already talked about it. She just wants to get to know you, and make sure you’re comfortable. You’ve been through a lot.

Lilith once again nods her head, this time at Sarah, as she grabs her bear.

Lilith: I know, do you mind if I go to sleep now? I'm actually pretty sleepy. I take I'm sleeping on the sofa? Definitely beats a cardboard box…

Sarah stands up from the sofa and offers out her hand to Lilith.

Sarah: You can sleep in my bed. I’ll take the sofa. Come on, let’s get you settled.

Sarah was going to give up her bed for her? Lilith wanted to argue this point with her new friend, but she was simply far too exhausted to do so. That and she knew Sarah would win in the end anyway. Lilith just nods her head as she grabs hold of her bear and follows the young redhead into her bedroom. Sarah turns on the light in the bedroom. There was a very comfortable full size bed with several pillows and a fluffy blanket. Sarah pulls back the covers for her new friend and steps aside.

Sarah: You have a good night’s rest, Lilith. Don’t worry so much. Things are going to be different for you now.

Sarah turns on a bedside lamp and heads to the door of the bedroom, turning out the main bedroom light and turning around one last time before heading back to the living room.

Sarah: Oh, there’s water, milk and juice in the fridge if you get thirsty. Fruit and some potato chips if you get hungry again.

She smiles, waving goodnight to her new best friend.

Lilith’s eyes were huge as fear came over her like a giant wave. Despite the fact that the nearby lamp was on, everything in the room was freaking her out. She could have sworn she saw a few shadows even move. Lilith grabs hold of the bed covers and pulls them up, hiding beneath them.

Lilith: Sarah… do you mind staying with me for the night? I'm actually… scared of the dark.

Sarah stops in her tracks and turns around.

Sarah: Sure, okay. Let me grab the cushions from the sofa and an extra pillow. I’ll set them up on the floor.

She heads out into the living room to gather those things as Lilith manages to pluck up the courage to run across to the lightswitch and turn it back on. She sighs with relief as she turns back to face Teddy, who she imagined was giving her a funny look.

Lilith: Shut up, Teddy, I don't see you being brave enough to sleep with the lights off.

Lilith sighs as she sits down back on the bed, grabbing her bear. She nods her head at him and rolls her eyes.

Lilith: Okay so maybe you ARE that brave. There's nothing wrong with being scared of stuff though, that means you're not a complete idiot… probably.

Lilith looks up to find Sarah standing there, already having returned with the cushions and pillows.

Sarah: Were you … just talking to your bear?

She asks as she lays the cushions on the floor a few feet from the bed.

Lilith: Uh…

Lilith gulps, panicking hard. Sarah now no doubt would think she's crazy, just as crazy as she first thought she was when she first started talking to Teddy. But it brought her comfort so she never stopped. Over the last couple of months, due to the sheer loneliness of living on the streets, it'd gotten much worse. It didn't worry her too much though, Teddy was always nice to her.

Lilith: Sarah… I'm not crazy I promise… I just… he's… he's always been my only friend til I met you. Please don't think I'm crazy.

Sarah finishes setting up her pillows and cushions. She plops down onto them and gets comfortable, leaning a hand against her cheek as she looks up at Lilith.

Sarah: I don’t think that. Hey, everyone needs to have someone to talk to. I get it. You can talk to me if you have things bothering you. You do know that, right?

Lilith nods her head she lays back down into the extremely comfortable pillow, despite her herself knowing that Sarah couldn't actually see her nodding. Lilith grabs hold of Teddy and cuddles up with him as she rolls on her side facing Sarah.

Lilith: I know, Sarah. I will, I pinky promise.

Lilith holds out her pinky to Sarah, not actually expecting her to do the same and lock pinkies with her. To Lilith’s surprise she actually does do that before they put their arms back down again.

Lilith: I really hope Selene lets me stay…

And before Sarah can even respond, Lilith drifts off to sleep. Sarah just smiles, closing her eyes and falls away into slumber as well.


The next morning as Sarah slowly opens her eyes she looks over to see Lilith still comfortably asleep. Sarah can feel something against her hand, it was Lilith’s. The young brunette was holding onto Sarah’s hand, perhaps it made her feel safe during her first night in a new place. The young redhead could feel the tips of Lilith’s long fingernails somewhat digging into her palm as the brunette clung to the one sliver of hope she’d ever had. Lilith had planned on cutting them after her shower, Sarah thought. But as with the rest of her, they cleaned up nicely so Sarah just lay there not wanting to disturb her new friend during her slumber.

Eventually the pleasant aroma of waffles begins to fill the air. Sarah remains still, and she gently grips Lilith’s hand as well. This was going to be a really great friendship, she knew it.

Lilith finally starts to stir as the smell of waffles makes her mouth water a bit. As she opens her eyes she realizes that she's accidentally digging her nails into Sarah's skin and pulls away from her ashamed. She looks over the edge of the bed to see if Sarah is awake or not and blushes as Sarah looks up at her.

Lilith: I'm sorry, Sarah. I guess… I guess I was having a nightmare again.

Lilith looks down at her long fingernails, still very embarrassed.

Lilith: Do you have anything I could use to cut these? I've been wanting to do so for weeks.

Sarah giggles a bit as her brunette companion was obviously being apologetic and careful. Sarah shakes her head.

Sarah: You don’t have to do that. They look nice. I promise, you haven’t hurt me at all.

She smiles warmly at Lilith. Lilith can't help but inhale, taking in whatever that pleasant scent was.

Lilith: Sarah, what's that that I can smell? It smells sooooooo nice and it's making me SUPER hungry!

Lilith looks down at her bear who's sat up next to her.

Lilith: It's making Teddy hungry too.

Sarah sits up on the cushions as now the two of them were fully awake.

Sarah: I believe Selene is making waffles. She loves making breakfast.

Sarah looks at the teddy bear and then to Lilith.

Sarah: You … uh … don’t actually put food into the teddy bear, do you?

Lilith can't help but grin at Sarah, and then she bursts out laughing as if her redheaded friend had just said the funniest thing ever.

Lilith: Of course not, Sarah! Teddy isn't real, I know that. I just like to talk to him is all. I'm maybe a little bit daft for doing that but I'm not crazy!

Just then, there is a light knock at the door before Selene slowly opens it.

Selene: Good morning. Are you both ready for breakfast?

Sarah gets up from the cushions and offers a hand to Lilith to help her out from the bed.

Sarah: We sure are.

Lilith's jaw drops a little bit and she hopes it's not noticeable as she just stares at the friendly woman with big eyes.

Lilith: You made waffles… for ME?! Don't cry, Lilith. Don't cry…

Lilith smiles up at Selene, digging her nails into the palm of her hand forcing herself not to burst into happy tears.

Lilith: Sorry… its just… no one has ever made me breakfast before. I've never even had a waffle before! Crying happiful tears I pinky promise!

Selene smiles and motions the two to head out to the kitchen where a plate stacked high with waffles is set in the center of the table. Another smaller plate has a mound of bacon. Maple syrup, orange juice and bananas also wait for them at the table. Each place setting having its own plate and glass along with cutlery.

Lilith: I know you're going to say it's cos I'm British, Sarah…

Lilith gives her friend a cheeky look and grins a bit.

Lilith: But what's with the bacon? I thought waffles were sweet food? I'm so no good at being American, haha.

Sarah gently pushes at Lilith’s shoulder and laughs.

Sarah: Yeah, it’s probably because you’re British.

The redhead takes a seat across from Selene and motions for Lilith to sit down next to her.

Sarah: If you don’t want any bacon, you don’t have to.

Selene nods in agreement.

Selene: Have whatever it is you desire my dear.

Lilith happily sits down next to her best friend, Sarah, placing her second best friend, Teddy, down next to her on the spare chair and helps herself to more waffles than she could possibly eat, or so Sarah thought as she watched her in amazement. Lilith then grabs the bananas and scatters a handful of them on top and squirts way more syrup than she really should have done all over her food, soaking it all. Lilith then grabs her cutlery and puts a HUGE piece of waffle, with banana, in her mouth having to chew really big to swallow it down.

Lilith: OH MY GOD! THESE ARE SOOOOOO GOOD! Have you ever had waffles before, Sarah? You need to try these!

Before Sarah had even placed any food onto her plate Lilith was, somehow, already half done. Sarah was simply happy that her new friend was eating, and had gotten a good night’s rest. The redhead takes one waffle, a few strips of bacon and half of a banana to her plate. She pours herself some orange juice and passes the juice to Lilith. Selene also makes her plate, deciding to wait until they had all eaten before discussing anything with Sarah’s new friend.

Sarah: I’ve had waffles before, yes. I’m glad you like them. You should be eating regularly so you aren’t hungry all of the time. But we’re going to fix that.

Lilith takes another mouthful, her stomach was obviously much larger than she thought it was. Lilith looks over to Sarah, still chewing her food and begins to talk, a little bit of syrup dribbling down her chin.

Lilith: Sarah… you know I've NEVER eaten regularly? You should have seen what they tried to feed me in the orphanage. Like, imagine the most grossest, yuckiest gray goo stuff… and then make it smell and taste SUPER gross and that's what I had to eat. Not nice stuffs, not nice stuffs AT ALL!

Lilith takes her final mouthful, making sure to soak up every last bit of syrup and leans back in her chair ready to pop she was so full.

Lilith: I think waffles are my new favourite food. Even nicer than the burgers we had yesterday!

Sarah slowly finishes her meal and Selene casually eats at hers. The older woman smiles at Lilith, seeing that the young girl had a full belly and was no longer starving.

Selene: Sarah tells me some nice things about you, Lilith. I was hoping that this morning you’d tell me a bit about yourself.

She smiles at Lilith. Sarah continues to eat, but under the table she reaches over and grabs hold of Lilith’s hand to let her know it was okay. For some strange reason this actually gave Lilith a new found confidence as she smiles across at Selene.

Lilith: Well, where do I even begin? Ummmm… well, my parents are dead. At least, I think they're dead? That's why I was in an orphanage, right? And then whilst there I was like soooooooo bored and HATED every minute of it. The other girls and the nuns were JERKS and were never nice to me… and then after the orphanage closed down I accidentally shipped myself to America… then I had to find someplace to sleep so… lived in a cardboard box for a while. Well, I say lived IN… more like lived under and on top of… luckily a bunch of people seem to throw away clothes and blankets a LOT around here? And then finally I met Sarah and for the first time in my whole life I got a friend…

Lilith glances over at Teddy, gasping a little bit.

Lilith: First friend who isn't a bear! Soooooo not a nice beginning bit but the right now bit is SUPER nice and so right now I am very very happiful!

Lilith squeezes Sarah's hand to let her know that she was okay as she smiles at her feeling like a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders having shared her story. Selene listens on and she smiles as she looks back and forth between Sarah and Lilith. When Lilith had finished her story, Selene gazed at her with comforting eyes.

Selene: You have had quite an eventful life in the short number of years you’ve had.

She sets down her fork and stops eating for the time being.

Selene: The two of you have so very much in common, so I can understand why Sarah has been so desperate to help you. No family, no one to turn to … so very far from home, or at least what is familiar.

The older woman places a small envelope onto the table.

Selene: I see great things for the both of you, an unbreakable bond that has formed immediately. You are truly something special, Lilith … for Sarah to take to you so quickly.

She slides the envelope towards Sarah.

Selene: If our new guest is going to find things comfortable here she’s going to need some clothing. Why don’t you take her shopping today, Sarah? There is plenty enough there to get her started.

Sarah takes the envelope and nods, always being confident that Selene would help Lilith just as she had said. Also, as she had said … Selene seemed to know things that she probably shouldn’t be able to know. Lilith was about to find that out right now.

Selene: I’m sure the two of you are eager to spend some time together without an old woman about to interfere. After all, you’ve only known one another for a day and are already holding hands.

She winks slightly. Even Sarah is shocked at this and she already knew Selene had a knack for just knowing things.

Never one to understand implied things, Lilith leans over a bit and talks quietly to Sarah trying her hardest not to make it too obvious.

Lilith: What's with the envelope?

Lilith clears her throat, plucking up some more courage from Sarah and looks up at Selene.

Lilith: Ummmmm, Mrs Selene? Can you tell me what I'm doing later today cos… I mean, if I'm needing to go outside again I'd much rather buy myself a sleeping bag and maybe also a pillow if that's okay?

Selene chuckles a bit at Lilith and Sarah just continues to hold Lilith’s hand.

Selene: You’re going to spend the day with Sarah, and purchase some clothing for yourself. You are after all, Sarah’s new roommate.

She smiles. Sarah just gently tightens her grip on Lilith’s hand and was very happy for this. Lilith just stares at Selene with HUGE eyes, her mouth open a bit.

Lilith: Wait… room mate? You mean… I can stay?!

Selene nods her head at Lilith as she stands and begins clearing the table. Sarah smiles brightly at Lilith and looks at her with that look that says “I told you!”

Lilith: Oh my god… OH MY GOD!!! OH MY GODDDDDDDD!!!

Lilith stands up from her chair, crying happy tears as she runs around the table and into Selene giving her the biggest, strongest, most heartfelt hug. EVER!

Lilith: Thank you. I promise I'll never make you regret this decision! I pinky promise swear it! Oh my god…

Lilith looks over at Sarah, tears still in her eyes, Selene still in her arms.

Lilith: Sarah! I've got a home!

Sarah continues to smile at her best friend. Selene kneels down as Lilith releases her hug.

Selene: I’ve no worry about regretting anything. It’s not me you should be thanking anyhow. It’s Sarah who desires your presence here as her roommate. I’m more than happy to accommodate that. The two of you … you look very good together.

Again it would seem as though Selene knew something that neither of the girls even knew at the time.

Lilith smiles big at Sarah, tears still rolling down cheeks as she literally climbs across the table and jumps at her best friend, giving her an even tighter cuddle than she'd just given Selene.

Lilith: Thank you, Sarah. You have no idea what this means to me.

Sarah smiles, returning the big hug. It was nice to see Lilith cheered up so much. You could tell in her voice she was happier already. It was a nice contrast to the frightened, very serious, very introverted girl she’d met the day before. What a difference a day can make. The young redhead takes her new best friend by the hand, as well as the envelope and the two head off to buy Lilith some clothing.


Downtown Los Angeles - A short while later

Sarah had taken Lilith to ‘American Girl’, a not too far away clothing store situated in the middle of LA. Lilith had never been to a clothing store before, let alone one so big with such a huge range of… pretty much anything you could think of. She wanted to run around and just grab anything that she liked but the more she stood there, the more it almost overpowered her. Lilith had no idea what her “style” even was or what would suit her. She had spent way too long looking at one of the mannequins, which was wearing some brightly colored clothing and a nice hat with little printed flowers on it. Would this suit her? She had no idea as she started to worry a bit, knowing full well that Sarah was stood with her waiting on her to choose something.

Sarah: Do you like that outfit?

Sarah had noticed Lilith looking at the outfit for quite a while and assumed she liked it, but perhaps was too shy to say so. A little inquiry might help her feel more comfortable.

Lilith: I… erm… I don't know? Do you like it?

Sarah looks at the outfit, and looks back at Lilith.

Sarah: I think you’d look great in almost anything here …

She pauses a moment.

Sarah: I have an idea. How about you find colors that you like, and show me? Then we’ll know where to start.

She smiles brightly at her British friend. Lilith still felt extremely spoilt by choice. She had no idea what to choose, she didn't even know what colors she liked. She instead turns to Sarah and lists off the colors she was wearing hoping that Sarah wouldn't notice what she was doing. The young redhead does indeed catch on and nods her head.

Sarah: Hmmm, okay. Better idea!

Sarah again takes Lilith by the hand and leads her over to one of the sales clerks in the store.

Sarah: Excuse me?

Sales Woman: Yes dear, how may I assist you today?

Sarah: My new best friend here needs some clothes, but she doesn’t know what she wants. Can you help us?

Sales Woman: Certainly. What are your interests young lady?

The woman turns to Lilith, asking.

Lilith: Ermmm… well… I kinda actually need EVERYTHING! Just the other day I was like living on the streets wearing rags and stuffs and now… I’m here with Sarah trying to get a whole new wardrobe. Sooooo I need... everything! From pajamas to skirts andddddddd hats and EVERYTHING!

The Sales woman turns up her nose as Lilith mentions she had been homeless, as if somehow that was her fault or as if somehow she was no longer valued as a customer because of it. Sarah notices this and her attitude towards the woman changes as she pulls out the envelope, waving around a good deal of money.

Sarah: You have a problem with my friend’s money? You’re not gonna help us now is that it? How about you do your damn job and help us find her some clothes?!

The Sales woman looks at the money and then to Sarah.

Sales Woman: And how did such a young girl come across so much money, hmmm?

Sarah: None of your damn business! Now either help us out, or we’ll just go somewhere else!

The almighty dollar. It speaks louder than most anything else. Sales associates in these higher end stores make commission, and this woman wasn’t going to turn down a huge sale over her own judgemental assumptions.

Sales Woman: Of course, right this way.

She leads Lilith around the store, collecting various items for the young girl to try on. After a short amount of time Lilith stood in the girls changing rooms, surrounded by so many clothes she'd lost count of them all, looking in the mirror which was inside her cubicle. Sarah stood outside the door waiting for her as Lilith didn't actually try anything on and instead just continued to stare at herself in the mirror, occasionally prodding herself in her face and messing up her hair and looking at it weirdly. After a while, as she pulled a sad face as she turns to the door which she could still hear Sarah behind and voiced her concerns.

Lilith: Sarah, you're my friend, right?

Sarah was a bit confused by the question, assuming Lilith knew this already but answered anyway.

Sarah: Yes, of course I’m your friend. What’s wrong?

Lilith: You'd tell me if I was ugly, right? Cos… I think I'm ugly. You saw the way that mean woman out there looked at me… how come?

Sarah sighs and shakes her head, even though Lilith couldn’t see her.

Sarah: No, you are not ugly, Lilith. In fact, you’re probably the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen. That woman looked at you oddly because she’s got no class. She judged you because of where you used to live, and it’s stupid.

Lilith nods her head as she continues to get changed into one of the cute dresses she'd selected previously. She zips up the back of it and poses in the mirror a bit before sorting out her hair and unlocking the changing room door.

Lilith: Member you gotta tell me if I don't look good, okayz? I won't get upset I promise.

She opens the door and as she steps out, Sarah’s jaw drops and her eyes go wide. It takes her a moment to even say anything, but Lilith initially thinks it’s because something is wrong. Lilith sighs, heavily.

Lilith: It looks that bad, huh? Okay I'll try on something else.

Sarah immediately stops her as she finally manages to get the words out.

Sarah: No, no not at all. Lilith … you’re GORGEOUS! I … I don’t even know what more to say, just … WOW!

Lilith smiles BIG as she looks at Sarah. She'd just made her whole day with that reaction.

Lilith: You make me sooooo happiful, Sarah, you know that? I'm actually really glad you like it. I do like the stuffs you wear but I thought I'd try a different look. I think we should get a few more dresses like this and some other stuffs and then we're all done!

Sarah hasn’t stopped staring at Lilith this entire time. She nods and smiles as much as she can.

Sarah: Okay … wow. I wish I was as naturally beautiful.

The second part she kind of says in almost a whisper, not wanting to come across in a weird way. But it was pretty obvious that she was staring at her brunette friend.

Lilith: Shut up, haha, you're way cuter than me! I wish I had red hair like you! It's soooooo nice… red fur. I love it! Anyway let’s grab a few more things and then we can go. I don't really like this place, they just have nice clothes.

They shop for a while longer and eventually the two exit the store each carrying several bags. Lilith had dresses and skirts, jeans and shirts, pajamas, trainers, slippers, some hats that she liked and everything in between. The two best friends happily walked home. But along the way, Sarah had an unexpected surprise for Lilith.

Sarah: Hey, let’s stop here for a sec. Then we can go home.

The two were stopped in front of a bakery. Sarah motions Lilith to come inside with her. Lilith’s mouth was already starting to water as the two of them walk up to the counter within the store.

Lilith: Oh my god Sarah this stuff smells sooooooooo good!!!

Sarah: Wait till you taste it. You thought hamburgers and waffles were good? This is what we do when we’re just going to have a snack.

Sarah looks over the items in the glass cases as she reaches into her pocket to see how much money they have left. After weighing the options of what they could afford right now, she decides that an oversized cookie for each of them would do the trick. Though because it was later in the day, the options were limited. Oatmeal Raisin, White Chocolate Chip, or Shortbread were the selection that they had. She turns to Lilith as she points at the white chocolate chip cookies, figuring they were the best of the three choices.

Sarah: Does that look okay to you? Or do you want one of the other ones?

Lilith: They look AMAZING! Yep yep yep white choc chip please!

Sarah: We’ll have two of those please.

The clerk gathers the cookies, placing them into individual bags and hands one to each girl. Sarah pays him and the two exit the store, now on the way home. Lilith immediately takes her cookie out of its bag and takes a mouthful of it, her eyes going HUGE as she chews.

Lilith: OH MY GOD!!!!!!

She looks over at Sarah, taking another bite of cookie and talking to her with a mouthful spitting crumbs everywhere.

Lilith: Sarah… I think I'm in love… with this cookie! I'm sooooooo eating cookies for breakfast, lunch AND dinner from now on!

Sarah laughs a bit and nibbles on her cookie as well.

Sarah: We can’t do that haha, but I’ll make sure to get some more of these from now on being as you like them so much. You’d think you’d never had a cookie before … wait, you have had cookies before, right?

Lilith looks over at Sarah shyly, blushing a bit.

Lilith: Erm, Sarah… I don’t think you understand how horrible a place I… I mean…

Her eyes start to water a bit as swallows her last bit of cookie and then lunges at Sarah, wrapping her up in a cuddle, shopping bags and all, resting her head on her American friend’s shoulder.

Lilith: Thank you… for everything. I mean it. I love you.

If Sarah wasn’t carrying bags, she’d have smacked herself in the head for the question she’d asked. She tries to comfort her friend, and of course friends say things like I love you all the time, so she thought nothing of it.

Sarah: Hey, I love you too. Don’t worry, everything’s gonna be good from now on.

She smiles warmly. Lilith finally releases Sarah and steps back with a cute smile. She was so happy right now.

Lilith: Sarah? I'm sorry… I’m like so good at talking about myself I don't even know stuff about you or even Selene! Like… how come you don't live with your sister? Or she live with you? And what does Selene even sell in her shop? I need to go in there later, I bet she has good candy in there… if she even sells candy. She's a super nice woman so I imagine she DOES sell candy. You can't sell candy and be Grrrrrr! Scientifically impossible!

Sarah giggles a bit as she listens to her best friend. It really was nice to see her so happy.

Sarah: How about when we get home, I’ll tell you all about the shop, and Selene and how she wound up helping me, okay?

She pauses, looking down at the cookie she had half eaten, and she hands the remainder of it to Lilith.

Sarah: You can have this, I know you enjoy them so much, and you haven’t got to have them before.

Lilith: Hahaha, I'd hate to be a wrestler like you, Sarah. Sugar free diet?! NOPE! No way! I think I'd go totally insane if I had to survive solely on health food! YUCK!

Sarah: I eat cookies, and whatever anybody else eats. But you should have the cookie, you don’t get to have this stuff whenever you want … well, now you do.

She smiles brightly.

Lilith: Thanks! I guess I do gotta be careful with this stuffs though… I'd be the size of a house if I ate as much yummy food as I wanted! Nope nope nope! Can't be ruining my figure!

Sarah: For someone who doesn’t work out, you sure do have a nice one, that’s for sure.

Lilith blushes a bit.

Lilith: Thanks, Sarah. Anyway let's go home, I can't wait to see Selene and her shop. She's such a lovely lady. No wonder Teddy called her Mum... I'm not sure how she'd respond to me doing that though. Hmmm, I'll just call her Auntie. BOOM! NAILED IT!

The two continue on towards home as Lilith ponders all of the things she was going to see in the shop and all of the stuff she would learn about her new best friend.

To be continued ...