Sontavia, Taking Criticism (Octavia X Sonata Romance)

by TheOneAJ

Rating: teen
Tags: Human, Drama, Romance, Equestria Girls, Octavia, Slice of Life, DJ P0N-3, Sonata Dusk
Length: 5588

Octavia seems to be the type who dosnt take criticism well. Why is that? Sonata wants to know.

Octavia Melody is infamously known you be a stuck up, high horse, thinks she better than everyone else rich brat who won’t even accept help carrying her cello case when it’s clearly too heavy for her.
Sonata Dusk, curious as to why, finds out when she is given a chance to help the cellist. Maybe, even become a friend?

Not part of my first two SonTavia stories continuity. Takes place more in a Canterlot High where the Dazzlings are just ordinary students.

Special thanks again to the The Sleepless Beholder, both for the cover art (fully drawn version in the works. Posting now so he dosnt have to feel rushed. Seriously, give him love for his hard work) and for pre-reading.

Rated teen for some swearing, and possible heavy themes. Wrote this as a sort of vent to some irl issues with taking criticism more irl. Feedback on this story is highly appreciated. Also, reviews and dramatic readings are A-Okay, just please tell me at least after it’s been published please 😓

If you like what I do, Consider sponsoring me on Kofi. although let me know in the comments if you do since I’m still working out a few bugs ^^’
Although all support is appreciated:pinkiehappy:

Published 2020-07-26 02:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-07-26 02:10:01 UTC

A Helping Hand

“I can handle it myself, thank you very much.” Sonata heard, and look down several lockers rows of lockers from her own to where a girl from the school band was fighting off a fellow student. The offending girls crime; trying to help to carry a cello case.

Octavia Melody, Sonata recalled. Yes, that was it. Then again, Sonata, and most of the school, only knew Octavia for being one of the most stuck up, arrogant, and prideful girls at Canterlot High. As demonstrated by how Octavia glared at poor Applejack, who dared to think she needed help carrying her massive instrument. The shaky legs, wet forehead, and clearly exhausted breathing not-withstanding.

“Alright!” Applejack relented, holding up her hands up in surrender. “Was just trying to be helpful.”

Octavia rolled her eyes. “Well, I thank you for the help, miss, but I’ve been carrying this instrument for my entire life.” She left out a long huff as she managed to lift the case off the ground. “So I think know what I’m doing.”

Applejack shook her head and walked away. As she passed by Sonata’s locker, Sonata swore she heard the cowgirl mutter, “Stuck up, spoiled little-

“Enjoying the show?” a familiar voice asked from behind.

Sonata jumped and turned to see it was her friend and locker neighbor-

“Oh, hey Vinyl!” Sonata smiled, placing her book bag down. “I mean, yeah. I just don’t get her.” They turned to see the musician lugging the instrument across the hall. Students would stared for moment, but went quickly on their way when Octavia shot them a ‘What?’ glare.

“No one does.” Vinyl commented, blowing at a strand of her hair. “Not for lack of trying. Although, and just my opinion; She’s a high horse rich girl who thinks that makes her better than everyone else.”

“You sound like you have personal experience.” Sonata tisked as Octavia disappeared from sight.

Vinyl shrugged. “Eh, tried once to get to know her. And once was good enough for a lifetime. Hate to be her boyfriend or something.”

Sonata rolled her eyes. “I guess she didn’t find your form of comedy very funny either.”

“I resent that!” Vinyl protested, holding a hand to her heart as Sonata giggled. “But, eh… okay! Maybe that didn’t help. But honestly, if she can’t take a joke or criticism, then that’s no skin off my bones. Although she didn’t have to call me a, and I quote,” she coughed and took on Octavia’s voice. “Hormonally inbreed disc jockey,’ for trying to hold open the door for her.” she finished in her normal voice.

Sonata cringed. “Yikes! That bad, huh?“

Vinyl nodded. “I heard from Pinkie Pie that if you try to get her a birthday card, or even so much as say, happy, to her on the day, she’ll snap at you and say something about wasting paper. Even gave poor Pinkie a, and I’m not even kidding, she showed me, a cease-and-desist order after one too many times she tried to put candy canes in her locker, like she was doing with everyone else, at Christmas.” Vinyl growled at the thought of anyone being mean to her girlfriend.

“Sorry to hear.” Sonata said sympathetically, tapping her feet. “Still-

“Yeah, don’t even trouble yourself.” Vinyl said, closing her locker.

“Huh?” Sonata blinked and looked around nervously. “Um, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Give me a break, I know you too well.” Vinyl chuckled, then let out a cough to change tones. “But seriously. Everyone who said they tried to be nice gets the same result. I know you’re a sweet girl, Sonata, but I’m telling you; Octavia Melody is a waste of time. I’m sorry to say it, but, some people just can’t be helped.”

Sonata lowered her head. “I guess. Still, I refuse to believe she a... Well you know, all the time.”

Vinyl let out a breath. “I guess. Meh, I mean, if you get the chance, it’s not like I can stop you. Just, don’t get your hopes up, okay?”

“Thanks.” Sonata smiled as the warning belle rang, starting the school day for the students of Canterlot High.

****

As it would turn out, Sonata would be given such a chance much sooner than either she, or Vinyl, would have expected. It started in math class as the students were taking their seats. The teacher having stepped out between classes for a bathroom break. Written on the chalkboard was the notice; Homework Due Tomorrow, that had been written the previous day. Having finished her own assignment two nights prior, Sonata didn’t give the board a second glance as she pulled out her completed paper. And, perhaps if it wasn’t for that morning, Sonata might not have given Octavia, who also was in that class at the same time, reaction to their homework’s warning a single glance either. With said incident fresh in Sonata’s mind, she did notice how Octavia looked alarmed. The girls eyes widdened as her hand flew to her forehead.

Paying closer attention, Sonata couldn’t help from worry that this wasn’t ordinary type of stress Octavia was having. Rather than the normal kind where, you curse yourself, complain, maybe learn from it, but ultimately move on, this seemed to be the kind of stress one had if their life was literally on the line. More evident as Octavia’s breathing grew frantic. Worse still, was that it didn’t seem as if any of the other student’s weren’t in much of a hurry to try and help her.

‘Not surprised there after this morning.’ Sonata grimly thought to herself as she looked down at her own, completed paper.

Despite Vinyl’s warning, and possible common sense, Sonata walked over to the panicked musician. Octavia pausing her meltdown to frown as Sonata stood next to her.

“Can I help you?” Octavia said drily.

Sonata fidgeted with the paper in her hand. However, seeing that she was already there, she held out her homework and asked, “Need some help?”

Octavia scrunched up her face in irritation. Before she could say no, however, their teacher walked in, wishing the class a good morning. Her earlier panic setting back in, Octavia looked between the teacher, the board, and Sonata’s paper, and after a few seconds of debating which would be worse, she hissed,

“Fine!” and snatched the paper from Sonata’s hand. “But this better at least get me a B.”

Sonata rolled her eyes, but said nothing as they made their way towards their desk. Only now realizing that Octavia had always sat behind her in this class

“Your welcome.” Sonata sighed as they took their seats. Octavia placing her bag on her desk to hide the frantic transferring of answers. Absentmindedly, Sonata pulled up her own book bag out and placed it strategically on her chair to give some additional cover. Octavia blinked before realizing what Sonata had done. She started to protest, but thought better of it as she continued writing down answers. Sonata shook her head, and turned to face the front.

****

“Hey, you there! Wait!” Octavia called to Sonata afterwards as the other students passed by.

Sonata came to a stop, surprised as, after Octavia slipped her back her own homework assignment during class, with no one the wiser, and without so much as a thank you on Octavia’s part, Sonata had assumed that would just be the end of it. Sure, she had felt a little salty, but it was fine. She could be content with doing her good deed for the day if that’s how things would be.

However, thinking she was about to get gratitude, she smiled at Octavia and asked, “Yeah?”

“Um,” Octavia began, hands behind her back and looking downwards. “Thank you, miss. You really shouldn’t have.”

“Eh, no problem.” Sonata said. Glad to be thanked, if not a little caught off guard that it was coming from Octavia Melody. “No problem at all. I was happy to help.”

Octavia took in a breath, then stood herself up straight. “I suppose you’ll be wanting something in return for your services?”

Sonata blinked. “What?”

“Come now,” Octavia said, switching her hands from backwards to a forwards hold. “You don’t have to act all innocent and pretend you don't know who I am. So please, we can skip that part. Tell me what you want. Although, if you can help it, I’d rather it not actually be money. Messy business. But, whatever you were hoping to get with said money I can gladly acquire within-

Sonata held up her hand. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down there! Really, I was just trying to be nice. You don’t have to get me anything.”

Well, okay, that wasn’t entirely true. Let’s be honest; Who wouldn’t want some little thank you gift for being nice if a person was offering. Still, it truly wasn’t something Sonata had expected to happen. Espically from someone like Octavia Melody, a thank you was all she wanted. Octavia, however, seemed to think otherwise.

“Oh? So that’s it then?” Octavia glared, causing Sonata to take several steps back. “Trying to look all humble so you can get in with my popular friends? Ha! Well I’m afraid I was a poor choice for that. So let’s move on, shall we?” She clasped her hands together. “Now, if you would just name off what you want, depending upon what it is, I can have it delivered by-

“Stop!” Sonata said, rubbing her forehead. “Look, just forget about it and have a nice day. Okay? I was glad to help, and I honestly wasn’t expecting anything beyond a thank you.” She picked up her bag and began to walk away.

“No, wait!” Octavia cried, running up to and pulling on Sonata’s arm. “Fine! If it is money you want, I'm sure we can work something out.”

Sonata’s jaw slacked. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

Octavia nodded vigorously. “Quite. I mean, giving away money looks sleazy, but maybe some gift cards-

“No,” Sonata corrected. “I mean; You’re seriously so shallow that you think you owe me something just for helping you out? And that if you don’t sort this out now, I’ll hold it over your head or something?”

It was Octavia's turn to blink dumbfoundedly. However, she quickly found herself and turned angry. "Well, yes!” She let go of Sonata’s arm and stood up straight again. “I’m not an idiot, you know.”

“Well, your highness,” Sonata said, doing a mock bow. “First time for everything. I gotta get going. Good day!”

Sonata tried to walk away, more than ready to put her foot down if she tried anything else. When Octavia did so, grabbing on to her wrist, Sonata was about to do just then, but turned to see the same fear the girl had from earlier.

“Fine.” Sonata sighed, feeling both sad for the girl, and realizing that it would be easier if she played along. That said, it did make Sonata a little bit happy it when Octavia perked up to that. “If you want, you can, um…

For a moment, Sonata was tempted to ask for something outrageous like a new car. If for no other reason than shits, giggles, and to see if Octavia would actually do it. In the end though, the better part of her won and, instead, she threw out; “After school tutoring?”

“Done!” Octavia said quickly, pulling out a cell phone. “What’s your number?”

Sonata blinked, but when Octavia asked again, she spelled it out for her.

“Great.” Octavia said, typing it in. “Just meet me in the music room after school today. Will that be okay? If something changes for me, I will notify you.”

“Um, yeah! That’s, fine?” Sonata said, uncertainty.

“Very well.” Octavia nodded as the warning bell rang. “See you then, miss.” With that, Octavia Melody walked off to her next class. Leaving Sonata in a deep daze that caused her to be five minutes late for her own.

*****

As tempting as it was not to show, or at least mention to her friends that she was getting free tutoring from Octavia Melody for saving her ass, Sonata didn’t. The latter being because she didn’t think anyone would believe her. That, and she had a feeling Octavia would throw hundred dollar bills into her face if she babbled or didn’t show up. Very likely literally based on the mental state Sonata had seen so far. As such, she found herself sitting and waiting in the music room that day after school.

Well, even if she hadn’t said it out loud to Vinyl that morning, she asked for a chance to try and help Octavia, so who was she to not at least try. Maybe, as naive as she realized it sounded, she’d be the lucky number seven or something that broke through.

A couple of minutes later, the doors to the music room opened, and in walked Octavia.

“Good afternoon, miss,” Octavia said matter of factly. Taking a chair adjacent to Sonata. “So, what is it you need help with? Math, science, history, a combination of the two?”

Sonata paused. Thinking she’d be more ready by then for Octavia straight forwardness. Then again, she hadn’t really thought about what she wanted or needed help with. At the time, it was more the first thing she could think of on the spot that wasn’t a sport’s car.

“Well… Maybe we can just start with our math homework? Seeing we both have the same class, and it might be smart to get it out of the way too?”

Octavia turned a light shade of red at that. “Er, yes, I suppose that would be wise. Why don’t we go through our sheets, and if you need something, you can ask.”

“Sure.” Sonata nodded and pulled out her math book. But before she started, she asked; “Although, why didn’t you have your homework completed today anyways? If it’s such a big deal for you to have had it done?”

Thinking Octavia hadn’t heard as the she pulled out her own math book, Sonata asked again. “I said, why didn’t-

“I heard you.” Octavia confirmed, clicking her pen. “But it is not related to our agreement on me tutoring you, therefore, I do not need to answer.”

Sonata rubbed at her face. “Fine, whatever.” This was going to be a long afternoon.

****

They spent the next several minutes on their math homework. From time to time, mostly whenever Octavia would pester her, Sonata would find something she could ask for help about. However, if there was nothing she needed, she would just point to a random problem and let Octavia work it out instead of fighting it. Although just as often, Octavia would notice something Sonata had done wrong on her homework assignment and point it out. To which Sonata would look surprised, but happily said thanks and corrected the error. That was until Sonata was the one to notice Octavia had answered one of her own problems incorrectly.

“Um, that one is six point seven four, not sixteen.” Sonata pointed out with her pencil.

Octavia tilted her head. “Pardon?”

“You got the answer to number fifteen wrong.” Sonata sharnk at Octavia's glared at her. “Just trying to be helpful.”

“I think I know what I’m doing, thank you very much.” Octavia snorted. Still, just to prove a point, she typed the problem into the calculator. “We are here to help you, not-

She started to chastise, but paused the calculator gave it’s answer;

6.74

Eyes widened, she typed the problem into the calculator again. Then again. And again, just to be absolutely sure. Then she typed it in again, and again. Only to type it again, and again, and again, and a-

“I don’t think the answer is going to change the more times you type in. But maybe if you ask nicely?” Sonata offered in a more comedic way.

“Oh really?” Octavia snapped. When Sonata jerked backward in her seat, Octavia took a deep breath. “My apologies. Shall we continue?” She pushed the calculator away, erasing her previous answer and wrote in six point seven four. However, she did so with a jerky motion, her hands shaking, as Sonata swore she saw a hint of tears forming in Octavia’s eyes.

“No.” Sonata said, in a far more authoritative voice then she ever thought she could of pulled off before. “No we shall not.” She pushed her papers and math book away.

“What are you doing?” Octavia questioned with a stern look as her arms continued trembling.

“I’m not taking any more of your tutoring help until we talk.”

Octavia shrank in her seat. “Um, t… talk about, what, pray tell?” she said, trying, and failing to keep her confidence up. “As I said, this isn’t apart of the deal, so if you would-

“Yeah, well, deals changed.” Sonta declared, certain that she was the one with the power in this situation. “Here’s the new deal; for one hour, you try to be my friend.”

“Ex- Excuse me?” Octavia gapped. “Now see here, miss-

“Sonata!” Sonata said, crossing her arms. “Sonata Dusk! Since you don’t seem to know how making friends works, there’s your basics. You share names, and shake hands.” She took Octavia’s hand, and was relieved Octavia didn’t fight back as she shook it.

“Um,” Sonata coughed as she continued shaking. “Aren't you forgetting something? Your name and such?” She had no idea where this overconfidence had come from, but she wasn’t going to back down now.

Still phased, but almost as if afraid, Octavia did as she was told. Shaking back, and saying, “Octavia Melody.”

“A pleasure.” Sonata smiled before letting go. “Now, if ‘being even’ for me helping you is really that big of a deal, then one hour. Just you and me, acting like we’re friends. Real friends, and not as some business arrangement. Agree?”

Octavia came to her senses and, raising a finger, started to protest, but bit her lips as she mulled over the offer.

“One hour?” She clarified after giving it some thought. “And… Anything we say stays in here?

Sonata nodded.

“And,” Octavia gulped, “after that, we’ll be even?”

Sonata nodded again. “Yes. We’ll be even.” Despite how wrong that sound, Sonata held her ground.

Octavia gave it a little more thought, before nodding. “Very well then.” She reached for the old fashioned kitchen timer the music room had, and set it for an hour. “One hour.”

Sonata rolled her eyes. “Agreed.”

“Good.” Octavia agreed, leaning into her seat.

“So,” Sonata said with a smile, scooting closer. “Tell me a little bit about yourself.”

Octavia raised an eyebrow. “Not going right away for all the juicy stuff on why I’m such a bitch?”

“Oh boy.” Sonata sighed and rubbed her head. “I said, friends, not inquisitors. Okay! How about I start, and you follow my lead? Alright?” She sat up straight and resumed smiling. “As I said, my name is Sonata Dusk. I'm a Sophomore at Canterlot High.” At Octavia’s unimpressed looked, Sonata added, “My favorite food is tacos. Mainly a soft taco, but I won’t complain. Now, about you?”

“Um, right.” Octavia fidgeted with her fingers and looked down. “Forgive me. I’m not very good at this.”

Sonata nearly threw out a joke about noticing, but like a good friend, held it in. “It’s okay.” She said in a comforting tone, reaching out. and rubbing Octavia’s shoulder. “Just tell me what grade your in, and share something you like to eat. I promise, I don’t have any ill intentions.”

Head still hanging low, Octavia looked at Sonata through the corner of her eyes, and gave a small smile.

“You’re a strange girl, miss dusk. However,” pulling herself up, Octavia answered, “I am also Sophomore at this school as well. Um… it may sound silly, but-

Octavia stiffened as Sonata, hand still on her shoulder, continued to rub.

“Hey, we’re friends here.” Sonata encouraged.

As a bizarre sensation raced up Octavia's spine that kept her from pulling away at touch.

“Well,” Octavia said, “I am rather fond of... salads. I know! You’re probably thinking; someone like me as never having a cheeseburger in her life to compare it to. But I’ve had! It’s just that I find a crunchy chicken caesar salad more appealing.” She lowered her elbows. “Is that weird?”

“No.” Sonata said honestly. “This one girl I know loves tomato soup, but not actual tomatoes and that’s fine. Caesar salad?” Sonata let go of Octavia’s shoulder to scratch her head. “Is that the one with the clear dressing?”

“Italian actually.” Octavia felt a feeling of cold from the loss of contact, but kept from showing it as she added more to the answer. “It was a part of a meal during my first recital. Which was a school performance, so it meant everything else by comparison was cafeteria food. So, I guess the fresh salad stood out to me more. Um….

Sonata frowned and tilted her head. “Something wrong?”

“No! I mean... I didn’t plan at first to go into that such detail. Not when you hadn’t offered as much with yours.”

Sonata snorted. “Hey, friends don’t expect things like that out of each other.” She took Octavia’s hand. “Just, don’t think. Or rather, don’t think this is any kind of being even or squared when it comes to talking. We’re just a pair of teenage girls hanging out. Nothing more to it. Okay?”

“Right.” Octavia nodded and sighed happily as the returned of physical contact. “Actually, if I may, and if that really is the case; Why did you help me today? I mean it!” She objected to Sonata's deadpan expression. “Sorry. It's just the concept of someone doing something for no reason seems... unrealistic.”

“Why?” Sonata asked without a second thought. “Actually, if I may make a wild guess; That doesn’t happen a lot to you?”

Octavia tensed and looked away, but continued to hold Sonata’s hand. “If you were me, wouldn’t you think that anybody trying to be nice is only looking for a favor?”

Sonata tisked, but thought about it by putting herself in Octavia’s, expensive, but none-the-less real shoes. That, and thinking back to how she had been tempted to ask for a car earlier made Sonata’s stomach knot.

“Eh, maybe.” Sonata answered. “Kind of… You know what? No. Not everyone is always out to get something all the time! Or rather,” she tapped her chin to find a better way to explain. “Maybe on the inside, I guess you can say everyone is motivated by something. Okay! I can see that.”

Octavia slowly turned her face back towards Sonata’s.

“But,” Sonata continued, “maybe they just want to be nice, knowing that, if they were in a similar situation, they’d like it if someone did the same for them. For example; I honestly don’t expect my friend Rainbow Dash to get me and my friends season passes to football games just because I held the door for her on a rainy day. Well, I mean, it would be cool if she did. But honestly, I’d be happy to just know that she would do the same for me or somebody else if they had their hands full.”

“Um,” Octavia frowned, trying to get her mind around the idea. “I… Think I understand.”

Sonata smiled and gave Octavia’s hand a squeeze. “Good. Now, why don’t you ask something a little more casual about me?” she offered. Starting to pull her hand away, only to realize Octavia had put a firm grip on it.

“Oh goodness, sorry!” Octavia squeaked, pulling her own hand away. “I’m terribly sorry. I’m not sure what came over me.”

Turning a little red, Sonata tried to wave it off. “No No! It's fine. But-

“Favorite movie!” Octavia blurted out. She coughed and said much more camly, “Um, you have a favorite movie?”

Despite her head spinning, Sonata answered.

****

So it turned out they had a different taste in movies. However, they found they had in common the same type of favorite music. Classical, but also jazz, with the occasional pop they could agree on. When it came to games, non-video games, Octavia was more into checkers, while Sonata favored chess to both surprise. They both had a good laugh at that. And somehow from there, they ended up discussing the biology of marine mammals. Which, if you tried asking them how they got there, neither would say for sure. Not that they really cared by that point.

-but really!” Octavia exclaimed with her arms held out for emphasis. “Why do elephant seals have trunks if they don’t even use them.”

“So they can be called elephant seals?” Sonata answered innocently.

Octavia laughed.

Sonata laughed.

They both smiled.

“But seriously, Sonata,” Octavia said, wiping her nose. “I doubt they evolved that way just so we can call them-

The timer rang.

Both girls paused and looked at the device as it quieted. An eerie silence filled the room.

“Um,” Octavia spoke first, tapping her fingers. “Didn’t feel like an… Regardless,” she stood up from her seat and reached for her bags. “Was a pleasure doing business with you, miss Dusk.”

Sonata started. “You’re not serious, are you?”

Octavia tried to look as if the question confused her, but failed miserably. “Well, you did say an hour. It’s been an hour, so that concludes-

“Don’t!” Sonata raised a hand. “You actually know what I mean. You’re really going to act like all of this meant nothing? That you didn’t have fun, and just want things to end here?”

Octavia narrowed. “What? Now you’re going to try to guilt me into spending more time acting as your friend? As if I’m not obligated to stay? Get all close and maybe we can spend our summers in Europe each summer as besties?” she said in a mock tone

“That’s not it!” Sonata protesting. At first she was fuming at such accusations, but then let out sigh when she remembered who she was talking to. “Octavia, what’s wrong?”

Octavia looked around nervously. “What’s- Look, Son-Miss, just drop it. End things here.” She turned her back. “We good now on our deal?”

“No!!” Sonata sprang to her feet. “Octavia, please, what’s wrong? For really?” She took Octavia’s hand. “This isn’t normal. You know it, I know it. I promise I won’t tell anyone, but please, tell me.”

Octavia wanted nothing more than to jerk her hand away, storm out of that room, and try to forget, try to forget… What? The first time she didn't feel like she had to be perfect? That she could just talk about flowers, movies, mermaids and elephant seals without fear of looking silly? That she could, maybe, have a-

“It really is none of your business, Miss,” Octavia said dryly, trying to pull away from Sonata. “Come now, don’t be such a child. You really shouldn’t be so greedy.”

Sonata stared dagger at Octavia. “Oh wow. I guess everyone was right; You are just a stick up, spoiled brat.”

“Don’t you think I know that?!” Octavia snapped, sharply turning to Sonata. Who took a large step backwards.

“Forgive me, miss.” Octavia apologized. “I’m not sure where that came from.”

“No... No! That’s good!” Sonata grinned wickedly as she advanced. “Go ahead, get angry! Swear at me! Call me a cunt if you want! Just don’t act like you wouldn’t want to be my-

“Don’t!” Octavia hissed, now being the one taking steps backwards.

“Don’t what?” Sonata asked, genuinely confused. She thought about what she was going to say, when a thought crossed her mind, although, even in this situation, she found it hard to be true.

“Seriously?” Sonata questioned, placing her hands on her hips. “You’re afraid of the idea of becoming-”

“Don’t say it!” Octavia warned.

“Or what?” Sonata challenged, staring Octavia down. “What are you going to do, if I had the, audacity, to suggest the, horrible idea, about us being-

“No, no, no!” Octavia said, more in a pleasing way that caused Sonata to back down.

Before she could apologize, Octavia beat her too it “Sorry.”

Sonata blinked, but said no more as Octavia, sniffling, continued.

“Sorry. But, well... You’re not wrong. But… Do you have any idea what it’s like to be me? What it’s like, to always have to have your guard up, always wondering what kind of angle someone may have with you? Why…Why do you always have to act like you’re perfect all the time? How, when you can’t even keep track of a few stupid homework assignments to keep your grades up to an acceptable level to your parents?”

The tears started to flow freely now. she started to pace. “Why, if you don't, you’ll be looked down at as the weak chain in the family, just because you can’t carry your cello case? Can’t pass a drivers test! Can’t keep up a smile all fucking night long and don’t impress the guy your parents want to set you up with?! No matter how many hints you drop you’re not interested in him or maybe even boys at all?! That you can’t just go to the movies or try to make friends, because it would be a waste of time, or because they ‘might’ be dangerous? Then being told like your a child common sense safety advice? How-

Octavia let out a breath as she felt Sonata wrap her arms around her body. Overwhelmed with emotions, not even thinking, returned the hug and cried into Sonata’s shoulder Sonata. No other words needing to be said as Octavia felt companion and love for the time in her life.

****

Time became meaningless for the two. Eventually , within the hour, Octavia pulled away, but kept both of her hands in Sonata’s for a moment.

“You feeling better?” Sonata offered.

Octavia nodded. Reluctantly, she free one of her hands to wipe away some tears. “Tha… You mean it in that this stays in the room?”

Sonata took in a breath, but was mindful and answered. “Yes.” She raises her own free hand to help clean up Octavia’s face.

Octavia smiles at the gesture. “You know, everything I’ve been taught is telling me not to trust you. I mean, what to stop you?”

Sonata chuckled. “Well, even if I did, what would my friends do? No really! Think you were any less human than the rest of us for having flaws and emotions? And that if they believe me.” She gave Octavia’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Nevertheless, I promise.”

“Al… Alright.” Octavia fighted. “Thank you, miss... thank you, Sonata.”

“No problem!” Sonata giddied. “It’s what friends are for.” She covered her mouth with both of her hands to Octavia’s dismay. “I’m sorry! If it makes you uncomfortable-

“It’s fine!” Octavia tried to assure. “I mean,” she placed a hand to her face. “I did have fun today. I really did, but… I'm sorry. This is all still very new to me.”

“Oh,” Sonata said looking downcast.

Octavia let out a sigh, but smiled and lifted up Sonata’s chin. “But, if you would give me some time to process, I promise to give you a call. I still have your phone number.”

“Oh?” Sonata looked up into Octavia’s eyes hopefully. “Oh! Okay.”

Feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, Octavia brought Sonata into another hug. Which may have lasted for hours, if not for the fact Octavia really had to get going. Else her parents would ask questions she would rather avoid.

“Sure.” Sonata nodded in understanding. She packed up, and walked hand in hand with Octavia, first out of the music room. And, even when she realized their rides were on the other side of the school, she walked with Octavia to the front of the emptied school.

At last thought, more because there were some students out front, and with Sonata being more than understanding, they parted ways. However, before they got out of sight of each other, they both turned around, and waved a final goodbye.

****

Sonat stared up at her bedroom ceiling. 11:47 p.m., her clock said. Yet, she didn’t feel like sleeping. Her mind raced with everything that had happened that day. Feeling glad Octavia didn't give her own number to herself. Otherwise, Sonata would have broken down hours ago and tried to call her. She was happy with the progress she seemed to have made with Octavia, and even wanted to be a genuine friend with her. Maybe more with that little bit Octavia let slip in her breakdown. The thought, as distant as any such relationship would be even if they did become friends, couldn’t keep Sonata from dreaming. Memories still fresh from Octavia’s touch, he beautiful hair, the way they held each other-

Her phone vibrated. Sonata jumped from her bed. Looking to see a number she didn’t recognize, even though it had her area code.

Unknown: Same time and place tomorrow? We never quite finished that math homework

Smiling ear to ear, Sonata added in the new contact, and replied;

Sonata: Of course! It’s a date, friend. <3

She sent it with no second thought. Realizing and worried after several minutes about what she had called Octavia in her text. She hurriedly tried to apologize, but before she had a chance to reply, there was another buzz from her phone. The response, warmed her heart.

Octavia: I'm looking forward to it, friend. ❤️