Chapter 6
When Carmilla came to Laundrette, the first thing she asked if there was something wrong. Of course, she knew, her smartwatch beeped when you had a panic attack. After much prodding, you gave in and told her about your day.
"I'm sorry that I wasn't here. I knew I should've closed Laundrette!" Carmilla brushed your hair, an act she always did to calm you down.
"Nonsense, we can't afford to close. N-not to mention, that guy was very nice. He left a note..."
Carmilla took the note from your hand, she inspected the number and looked back at you.
"Umm... do you want me to tell him to thanks? I know you're scared, so I can pass the message to him."
"Could you? Just tell him I'm deadly afraid of strangers...or when people overwhelm me... anything but... y' know..." You moved your hand as you talked, but your sister understood what you meant.
Carmilla kisses the top of your hair and she rubbed circles on your back. Moments like this made her feel guilty at the pain you felt, she blamed herself for the fear you felt with people of the opposite sex. It wasn't because something bad happened, it was due to your upbringing with her and a deadbeat dad that made you wary of men.
But she also knew you felt guilty for pulling her away from her goals, that's why she's always protective of you. When you told her you wanted to be a singer, she became your biggest fan! She wanted you to be happy, that's why she made sure meet-and-greets were carefully selected by her. Sometimes you wondered if her true calling was as a detective instead of a fashion designer, but she would always state that she could do both.
"So how did the fashion contest go?" Your voice shakes Carmilla from her thoughts as she braids your hair.
"I'll know by the end of the week, if I pass the first round then I'll have to improve my designs to impress them."
"Then, hopefully, you get to the second round!" You gave your sister a bright smile.
"Well, look like someone is waiting for you..." Carmilla kissed you on the cheek, getting up she made her way to the door of your room. Noticing your confusion, she pointed to your computer as your friend messaged you. "I'll be working in the laundromat, call me if you need anything.
Moving from the bed, you go to your desk and sit on your chair. You open the app and see that your friend messaged you.
[Magician]
You don't sound okay, did something happen?
[Phantom]
Sometimes it's a bit weird how you know I'm not okay. What ratted me out?
[Magician]
You seem to forget that we have been friends for almost 5 years. Did a creep get close to you? Or was it because of something else?
You paused and debating talking about what happened to your earlier today. But he was your friend, your only male friend who never made you jump from your seat when you heard his voice. Plus, he never teased you no matter how something sounded ridiculous to you he always had a soft spot for you.
[Phantom]
When I got hurt a few days ago, my journal fell out of my bag. A guy returned it, I think he was there and was trying to be nice but y'know...
He left his number and asked me to text him.
[Magician]
Don't text him, you can never be sure if he's just someone or a stalker. Do you want to talk about it?
[Phantom]
If you're not busy... we could try voice chat...
that'd be nice...
[Magician]
I can never be busy if it comes to you...
But if you ever feel scared, don't be afraid of hanging up.
[Phantom]
I'm ready, I won't back down.
Just as you hit send, your friend waited a few moments before starting the voice chat.
"Hello?" His voice rang, it sounds nice and warm.
There was an awkward pause, he didn't pry but he waited. Building up your courage, you unmute yourself.
"H-hello... umm... I just noticed that I never a-as-ked your name... I'm Y/n..."
"Felix, it's a pleasure to finally hear your voice Y/n... W-well, I have heard you sing but your voice is different..." He sounded flustered and it made you let out a giggle from your lips, "A-am I rambling?"
"I-I don't mind... Felix is such a nice name!"
For the first time in a while, you were able to talk to someone without the need of running away.