Save Me - Chapter 11: Chapter 12

Dahlia
The city seemed less gloomy than it had during my first visit, much to my relief. The weather was sunnier, and people appeared more vibrant, less zombie-like. Though they were still as distracted as I remembered— I thought as I rubbed the spot on my shoulder where a woman had bumped into me. It wasn't fair to assume it was on purpose though. Maybe she was just having a bad day and didn't see where she was going.
Using the map on Damien's phone, I navigated to the park closest to his apartment building. The look on his face when I had showed him my mom's old emergency flip phone was priceless. He insisted I use his phone for the map. It was a ridiculously expensive-looking phone, and I was reluctant to take it. But after he threatened to skip work and guide me around the city himself, I gave in and promised I'd keep it safe.
I found the park, and it was much larger than I expected. It was full of life—children riding bikes, people playing games, others picnicking, and dogs running around. The lively atmosphere immediately put me at ease. Being indoors all week had made me feel claustrophobic, even in the most spacious penthouse ever.
Suddenly, I was tackled to the ground, a sharp pain shooting through my butt as I hit the grass. I shrieked, reflexively throwing my arms up to shield myself, but instead of the brutal attack I expected, I felt wet licks on my arms.
"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry!" a woman exclaimed. The weight of my "attacker" was pulled off me, and only then did I realize it was a dog—a dog the size of a pony!
"Are you okay? Here, follow my finger with your eyes," the woman said, kneeling in front of me. Her eyes were wide with panic as she frantically waved her finger in my face, probably searching for injuries.
"Bad dog, Mr. Bones! Bad dog!"
My heart sank when I saw the dog slink away, his eyes downcast in shame. He was just being playful. He didn't understand how big he was.
I reached out and placed my hand on the woman's to stop her frantic movements. "Hey, it's okay. I'm fine, see?" I stood, ignoring the throbbing pain in my butt, and did a little spin and jig for her.
She stared at me blankly for a second before bursting into laughter.
I finally took the opportunity to study her. She was about my age, maybe a little older, with glowing brown skin. Her braids, in every color of the rainbow, immediately caught my attention—I loved them.
"You're a hoot," she said, calming down. "But are you really okay? I know firsthand how brutal Mr. Bones' tackles can be. He means well, but he's a doofus."
I crouched to pet the dog—though I didn't have to bend down much since he was half my height. He perked up as I petted him.
"I'm totally fine," I assured her. "My name's Dahlia, by the way."
"Oh, crap! Where are my manners? I'm Meghan, and I'm obsessed with your skirt." She pointed to the long patchwork maxi skirt I had made from old clothes that didn't fit anymore.
"Aw, thanks! I made it," I said, trying not to blush.
"Wow, I'm impressed," she said, smiling genuinely. But her smile faded as her eyes landed on something beside me. I followed her gaze and spotted Damien's phone lying face-down on the ground.
"Oh no," I muttered, quickly picking it up. My heart sank when I saw the cracks running across the screen. I had promised to take good care of it, and I failed.
"Did it break? I'm so sorry, Dahlia," Meghan said, sounding guilty.
I didn't want her to feel bad—it was an accident. Forcing back the rising panic, I turned to her and smiled. "It's okay. It's not a big deal."
"Well, it's lunchtime, and there's a food truck around the corner. Let me at least buy you lunch to make up for it."
"You really don't have to—"
"I insist," she said, grabbing my hands and giving them a gentle squeeze. "Besides, if I bribe you with food, maybe you won't sue."
We both laughed, and I followed her to the food truck.
The rest of the day turned out to be fantastic. Over lunch, I told Meghan I was new to the city, and she eagerly offered to show me around. After making sure it wasn't an inconvenience—it wasn't—I agreed, excited to explore.
We hopped into her Mini Cooper, with Mr. Bones lounging in the backseat, and she took me on a whirlwind tour. She showed me her favorite restaurants, monuments, and a few of the city's main tourist spots. Seeing the city through her eyes made it feel more exciting, and I dreaded living here a little less.
By the time the day ended and Meghan drove me back to the apartment building, I felt lighter.
"Damn, this is where you live?" Meghan said, her eyes widening as she looked up at the building. "You must be loaded. No offense, but I didn't get that vibe from you."
"Oh, not at all. It's not really my place, it's... complicated," I mumbled, deciding not to mention the part about being married to a rich man I barely knew to save my mother's life.
"Trust me, I understand complicated," she said, a brief shadow passing over her expression before her smile returned. "Here, give me your number."
I stared at the sparkly phone she handed me. "Number?"
"Your phone number. I like you, and I want to be friends."
"Friends?" I repeated dumbly. I'd never had friends before. We moved around too much to form real bonds with anyone.
"You're not okay with that?"
Quickly, I got out of my seat and hugged her, probably a bit too tight. She stiffened at the sudden hug, clearly surprised.
Return to your seat before you creep her out, Dahlia.
"Of course, I want to be friends," I said, pulling back. I gave her my number.
"I'll call you so you have mine as well," she said. After exchanging goodbyes, I headed inside with a big smile on my face, elated by the fact that I had made a friend.