A tale in a far-off land

I was there. And I have been working a dilemma, for my friend. She ran away, scared from being in trouble. She texts me about her daily troubles, and she doesn't tell me about where she was. So, trying to resolve the problem, I went to her house. I met up with her dad and formally called him out. I didn't want to bother the others. I called him out because I wanted to negotiate, to negotiate her safety so she could get back home. I was concerned. At first, the dad was very suspicious of my actions. He harassed me with questions. "Why are you here?" "What do you want with me?" "Who are you?", he didn't know it, but his questions were going to be answered if he stayed quiet and listened. "I heard that your daughter ran away. *walks closer*, Have you heard from her??"
He replies "No."
Invading his authority, I tell him "Maybe I can help. She's been texting me a while now. I can help you. HOWEVER, even I do not know where she is." The dad was speechless yet hesitant. I can see in his face that he needed proof, proof of it all. I, then, showed him a text message. A text message with the recipient, her name. The dad walks back. Thinking of what had happened. I question him, "Negotiations? I want to get her back to you as much as you, but will you promise to not give her any trouble whatsoever." Surprisingly enough, the dad agreed.
Thinking it was over, his voice soared throughout the hallway, "In return, will you quit close-up club?" Being in the middle of this all, I couldn't refuse. I agreed with him, leaving with a saddened posture. I will have to do as promised. It's hard for me to break a promise.

The next day, I texted HER, and persuaded her to meet me in the mall. It took 8 messages to persuade her, she was really stubborn, something you'd expect from someone who ran away. As I park by the mall, I see her waiting by, relaxed and clustered somewhat, holding that cell phone by her hand. A glimpse of her made me want to stop the car already. As I walk closer, I acted cool. I never really liked showing emotions. I look at her, with her tattered and weirdly put together clothes. I get closer and closer and then I texted her, "I'm here." As she receives the text message with a funky ring tone, she looked around. I just stood there next to her, like a statue until she noticed. She looked at me with tearful eyes. Trying to recognize me, she scratched her eye, so that she was sure it was someone she knew. Our eyes met, I smiled. The instant she had a hint of recognition, I crept closer, closer and closer until I was there, right in front of her. I smiled and out of nowhere, I slapped her. Confused and bewildered, she steps back, her hand rushed to the place where I slapped her. It almost seemed like a teardrop was about to make its appearance. Not letting the situation take over me, I hugged her, as deep as I could. She hugged back but not with emotional feelings, but with confusion. When I was hugging her, I whispered into her ear, "If you were a guy, I'd punch you. I was seriously worried." Emphasizing my worry, I swayed back and forth as I hugged her. This hug lasted for minutes. Hoping to cheer her up, I took her hand and led her into the mall. She questioned me so I replied, "You must've been hungry, let me treat you." Hours on out, we roamed the mall and talked without end. We also ate many treats and played many games. It was as if an old friendship was rekindled. After all this, we were both tired. She was more tired than me. When we got into the truck, she fell asleep. I thought that it was about time I brought her home even though I have not told her about it yet. I drove with much worries in my mind.

When we got to her house, she was fast asleep. I didn't want to disturb her, but I was nearing my exhaustion point as well. Thinking it would be rude to wake her up, I carried her gently, like a princess, towards her door. As I knock, the father answers. When he recognized me, he quickly moved out the way. I took her inside and let her down somewhere. Before I walked out, I shook hands with her dad. The deal was established.

The next day, we had school. As promised I was going to quit the close-up club. I went to the meeting as usual, and talked to others as usual. When it reached "Privilege of the Floor", I raised my hand and went towards the front. While being the center of the attention, I announced my suspension. I wouldn't step into that classroom ever again.

A few days go by, and I go about my usual business. There were less things for me to do and I was able to see her safely. Others questioned the reason for my suspension, because I would lie when that comes up. I probably worried her with my actions. The light fades, darker, and darker.