Wandering Around Finished

"Yeah! That's right! I don't think I've come across many people who even know how to say 'good morning', in Spanish. I've never traveled much. Or at all really. Gas, or planes were much too expensive," May said quietly.

Nova quickly blushed, remembering her mother's words. Anahita joonam, we are very privileged to go on these trips and see these different places. We don't brag to your friends about it, we bring back gifts and try to take them next time. Do you understand, khoshkeleh? Nova could hear her mother's thick Persian accent in her head, and a pang of homesickness hit her once again.

"But I've always wanted to!" May said, her eyes sparkling. "I've always wanted to go to Mexico, to meet my extended family. I don't have any cousins, on my mom's side, but I have plenty on my...", May choked on her words. She broke eye contact with the girl, looking down at her feet, shifting her weight in the muddy shore. "I-I think I might have some second cousins on my Mom's side,"

Nova immediately felt horrible. She did not realize her trying to speak Spanish would open up so many wounds.

"That's so cool, I mean, that you have cousins, like at all. I have no family, on either side, at least that I know of. My mother's family all died in the Iranian Revolution, and my father, well, he's never told me anything about his family, he doesn't like to talk about them," Nova quickly jumped in, nervously babbling about her own family issues to try and make the girl feel more at ease.

"It's always just been my mom, dad, and I. I had a, like, well, I guess a brother. But not really. It's a whole story," Nova stammered, realizing she probably was going way too far into her family history and did not need to bring this girl in on the Hamidi family drama and life story.

"That's so cool, I mean, that you have cousins, like at all. I have no family, on either side, at least that I know of. My mother's family all died in the Iranian Revolution, and my father, well, he's never told me anything about his family, he doesn't like to talk about them,"

May gazed at the girl, empathy and curiosity glimmering in her eyes. She knew what it was like to lose a family, member, even though in her experience, they left by choice. She also wasn't very connected with family. She had only assumed she had second cousins, but not entirely sure, much less have met them. However, she was also very curious about the war. Not growing up with a T.V, or the fact that the newspapers didn't deliver as far out as they did. Well, that's not entirely true. They had local news, but it was exactly that, local. May was almost never up to date with world affairs, something that she was most fascinated with. But, May tried to express her empathy more.

"I'm sorry. I know what it's like to not be connected to your family, even if it's not as extreme as yours.", May said quietly. She added the last part to emphasize that she wasn't trying to make it about her. That was one of the things she struggled with, not making things about herself. May was very self-absorbed, always wrapped in her thoughts, even if they where mostly negative. Just thinking about this reminded her about a confrontation she had in a hallway, and she pulled her hair over the bruise on the right side of her forehead.

"It's always just been my mom, dad, and I. I had a, like, well, I guess a brother. But not really. It's a whole story,"

May looked up again, curiosity striking through her. May was never very close to anybody in childhood, and didn't really have anyone confide her, or tell them about their family. May tilted her head slightly, debating whether to press forward, and eventually decided to try to stride with a confident voice.

"Do tell.", May said with a smile, trying to imitate the upperclass Ravenclaws she'd observed in the common room, before breaking back to herself. "I mean, i-if you want. You don't have to if you d-don't feel comfortable, I mean I'd get it-we just met and all."

"Do tell," May said with a smile. "I mean, i-if you want. You don't have to if you d-don't feel comfortable, I mean I'd get it-we just met and all."

Nova smiled. Remember Nova, the more you tell it, the easier it gets to say, Nova reminded herself, twisting her hair to shake off the last drops of water and then flipped her hair over her shoulder. She gave a little fake laugh, trying to play that she's totally cool with sharing and that it's so not a big deal, at all, psh no matter how many doubts Nova had about if telling one at all would help her feel more at ease with it.

"How about we walk to the hospital wing and I tell you? I've scraped up my hands a bit-" Nova starts to rub some of the blood onto her robes, feeling them sting a little. "-and you still seem to be cold and I want to make sure you are okay? I mean, you have a bruise on the side of your head which is definitely my fault," Nova said with a pitiful laugh, feeling thankful for meeting this girl yet apologetic about the circumstance it was under.

Nova picked up her soaking wet sweater and Slytherin tie that she had discarded, and told herself that her robe she took off before diving in to save May was long gone by now, meaning there's no use going back for it.

"Come, it's a long walk, so I'll tell you all about my family," Nova said with a smile, extending her arm so that May could balance.

May gazed at Nova’s laugh and hair flipping, looking like she was critiqueing it. May was an analyzer, probably one of the traits that had gotten her into Ravenclaw. It seemed like such a switch in demeanor that it seemed obviously fake to May. However, May was also prone to second-guessing herself, which is why she didn’t say anything.

How about we walk to the hospital wing and I tell you? I've scraped up my hands a bit-"

May started to feel even guilty. Now not only had she likely ruined this girl’s night, she had injured her too! She should’ve asked if she was okay! May recalled another time when some other Ravenclaw startled her and she fell on the rocks, ending with a decent gash on her knee. She instinctively rubbed her knee where the cut was.
May hit herself on the head, frustrated with herself.

“Ugh I’m so sor-“, May started quietly, so quiet Nova probably haven’t even heard her, and before she could finish, she spoke again.

-and you still seem to be cold and I want to make sure you are okay? I mean, you have a bruise on the side of your head which is definitely my fault,"

May didn’t necessarily feel cold, and she didn’t notice she was shaking until now. May looked alarmed at the mention of her bruise. The bruise was definitely not Nova’s fault. The bruise has been getting progressively worse as May had become stressed out, or when she felt like she said something stupid(which was quite often). May would hit her head with her fist during these times, as a way of discipline, trying to train herself out of her ways. May didn’t want Nova to feel guilty about it, but she wasn’t sure if she was ready to talk about it. May had only hit herself once in this entire conversation, which was a new record for her, especially considering the dramatic circumstances.

“I-I. No. That’s not your fault..”, May said struggling between the ways of truth and lie, “but that’s a story for another day!”, May spewed putting on a fake grin, and trying to giggle some.
“But yeah, let’s get you to the Hospital Wing.”

"Come, it's a long walk, so I'll tell you all about my family,"

May nodded, a real smile reaching her face. She bent down to grab her robes, which were wet, muddy, sandy, and heavy. May tossed them over her shoulder, which was mildly off putting. May grabbed the arm Nova offered in support.

In support. May repeated to herself. It was so stupid. May’s body was stupid. May was stupid. But the little butterflies in her stomach were there, no matter how much May scolded. It was an interesting feeling. It was different from when she was actually nervous, her idle state. It was an excited-nervous feeling. Not that I’m excited OR nervous right now , May said to herself. May’s face flushed red. She was just excited to hear somebody’s story. That’s what she went with.

May grabbed Nova's arm, her soaking wet robes seemingly adding twice the weight of the small girl to her frame. Nova saw May give her a gentle smile, and they went on their way to the Hospital Wing. Once they seemed to get a walking rhythm that they both could keep up with--Nova trying to take small, slow steps to ensure that the shorter girl's already weak legs could keep up with her--Nova told her about her family.

"My father is a pureblood wizard--apparently from a very notable family, some Sacred society or something. Um, he was actually married, hah. To another pureblood witch, way before I was born though. And they had a kid together--a son, so I technically have a brother. Well, had. Because his first wife and his son--my brother--died in the Wizarding War. Again, all before I was born. So, he was just so overcome with grief that he severed himself from the magical world, and even after meeting my mother, had no intention of ever returning. They had me, but then when I turned 5 I started showing signs of magic, so he realized that he can't hide forever," Nova took a breath, thinking of her dad.

"Anyways, he doesn't like to talk about his past. All he's told me was like an ancient, ancient history of magic and it's origins, and then future happenings. We get the Daily Prophet, and I visit him at St. Mungo's--he's a Healer there because he felt like he needed to provide for my magical education. But that's pretty much the extent. It's just an untold thing that we don't talk about his past or his family. I don't know who they are, or even what their names are. I've been trying to figure that out since I've been here," Nova explained.

After Nova's speech about her family, May gazed at her fondly. It was nice having someone open up around her. May couldn't exactly tell if it was hard for Nova to share the story, but she gently patted Nova's arm as a comforting gesture nonetheless. She felt particularly honored in a way, seeing that they'd only just met, and she was getting stories from her.

She might just be an open person, and tell these things to everyone, May bounced back at herself.

"Maybe I can help? You know, learn about your family. I'm not good at much, but two brains are better then one, right?", May blurted, and as soon as she realized it might come off as intruding on Nova's family business she spoke again, "I mean, unless you want to do it alone. That's totally understandable. I'm sorry. I understand if you want to keep things between you and your family.", May said quickly. May almost hit herself on her head again, but just remembering their past conversation May awkwardly made it look like she was playing with her hair.

May took a shaky breath, debating whether to change the topic. May felt like she owed her story to Nova now. May even kind of wanted to share it, which was unusual. May looked back at Nova, she was very pretty with long eyelashes, and long dark wavy hair. It shocked May how much she trusted her. May never really trusted anyone, much less has anyone earned trust so quickly. May decided she's endure Nova's response, wether she'd take May on as a helper or not, May still hoped to be her friend.

Nova felt an arm touch her gently, appreciating the comfort May was giving her. Nova appreciated the gesture, though it didn't help the twinge of pain running through her now. Breathe, Nova, breathe. Nova was good at sharing with other people, yet truly allowing herself to feel vulnerable was still something she was not ready to do and as much as she wanted to, had a hard time merely accepting this comforting touch. But I just met her, pushed her into the lake, and she's trying to comfort me. She's an angel, Nova thought.

"Maybe I can help? You know, learn about your family. I'm not good at much, but two brains are better then one, right?"

Nova gave a small smile at the ground. The remaining drops of water on her body were sensitive to the temperature, and she could feel every tiny gust of wind as they walked up the hill back to the campus. However, she did not feel cold--relaxed, even though wet. Calm.

"Yes, I'd love that. I'll really need any help I can get. And I can't really go to my family for help, can I? And don't say that, you are probably great at a lot of things," Nova smiled, gently tapping on May's arm in jest. Nova liked May; she was sweet, and a calming presence, and awfully nice considering the situation Nova got them in.

"So what's your family like? Besides not that many cousins?" Nova asked.

May's smiled faded slightly. She looked down at her feet as they walked. She wanted to share these things with Nova, she'd never really had with anyone. May bit her lip in thought, worried she might breakdown in the midst of telling the story. That would be embarrassing. She had kept all thoughts in and endless lazy river, and to often that river of thoughts would overflow. May even felt kind of inspired by Nova's openness. May took a shaky breath and closed her eyes, before starting.

"My mom was born in Mexico, she was an only child, just like me. She met my...", May paused processing what she was saying, "..my father, when he was on a giant family trip to Cozumel, where my mother lived. So, I guess they hit it off. He, Joseph, my dad, decided to stay the next year in Cozumel, why his family returned to Ireland. Over just that year they got engaged, and moved to London, England where they were wed. They didn't go back to Ireland near his family because they didn't really like my mom, or support their marriage. Eventually, they had me. My dad worked an office job at a shipping company or what not, and my mom stayed at home with me." May was getting more comfortable referring to her dad. May closed her eyes, this was where things got hard.

"And when I was about six years old, I woke up one morning, and..." May's eyes started to water. No. She wasn't going to go down that path. She wasn't going to let the river overflow. She was going carve a path, a stream so it wouldn't. May took a deep breath and blinked her tears away.

"And he was gone, his stuff was gone. And I saw my mother crying, next to his drawer when he left. I don't know why he left. Maybe I-I.", May started. She was going to blame herself, per usual, but she stopped, going back to the logistics of things.

"He emptied most of our family bank account as well. My mother didn't have a job, and didn't know her way around England very well, and she mainly spoke Spanish, so that made things hard. We moved to a small town called, Vista, you probably wouldn't even find it on the maps. My mom got a cleaning job, but it wasn't enough to pay the already small rent, and sustain us. And I-I..", May said quietly. She started feeling guilty, with the next part. She started breathing faster, she didn't want to admit it, she didn't want Nova to look at her differently.

"I-I'm sorry. It's all a bit to detailed, ain't it?", May said in between breaths. She didn't know if she wanted to continue, she couldn't even make eye contact with Nova.

Nova listened intently, squeezing May's hand whenever she took a long pause. She saw tears in the corners of May's eyes, realizing how hard this must be for May to share. Finally when May finished her story, Nova turned to her and wrapped her in a tight hug, squeezing her shoulders.

"I'm so, so sorry, I had no idea. I can't imagine living without my father, or having to support my family. You don't have to go on if you don't want to," Nova said, patting her shoulder before releasing her from the hug.

"You're really strong, you know? For going through that?" Nova said with smile, hoping to cheer her friend up a little bit. Nova felt the twinge of guilt again over trying so hard to uncover her father's secrets. He's alive, isn't he? And loves me so much, and loves my mother, and is such a good and caring father, why can't that be enough for me? Why do I seek out more? After all that he's told me and all that he's done despite his past, why do I still seek more information? Nova shook her head, trying to resume her attention on her friend.

"Have-have you ever tried looking for him? Or writing to him at all?" Nova asked softly, unsure if this was territory she could tread on or not.

May was took by surprise when Nova wrapped her in a tight hug. She was felt so encouraged, and comforted. Even the little things, like a slight squeeze of her hand carried so much support.

"You're really strong, you know? For going through that?"

May started cry a little bit more, but she was happy this time. She was proud that she was able to open to Nova, able to make a friend. Still embraced, May let out a laugh, and pulled slightly away so she could see Nova's face. May really did feel strong.

"I'm sorry.", May giggled, tears still streaming down her face, "It's just crazy. Tonight. Tonight, I almost drowned in a lake, got saved by some girl I didn't even know, I shared somethings about me with her, and now feel like she's the closest friend I've ever had." May didn't even care if it came off odd. She was just so happy, and proud. A grin took hold of May's face. Then she continued on, answering Nova's question.

"I mean yeah. At first we would send letters everyday to his family, his friends and colleagues, hoping one might get to him. But as time went on, it felt like I was reviving the memory every time we started a letter, and we stopped. Eventually it narrowed dow to two times a year. On his birthday, and on Father's day. It was hard, in school, seeing all the other kids drawing pictures or making cards for Father's day, and all I wrote was a letter begging him to come back," May laughed, almost bitterly, a few more tears falling. She knew she was ready to share more, but she didn't really want to seem overeager, so she waited for Nova to react.