-Different-

I ask why, but in my mind
I find I can't rely on myself

Something wasn't right, something was off. Maybe it was the way he touched her hand, or the way she stared into his eyes, but no matter what exactly it was, they were no longer the trio they usually were.

She started noticing it not too long after it began happening. The way they would walk a few steps in front of her, talking, quietly, amongst themselves. The way they walked, itself changed. First it was close enough that their hands would brush as they walked, then it ended up in a full on hand hold.

Then it began happening at home. When they would usually sit in the living room together, watching a movie, listening to music, doing homework, whatever really, they would randomly get up and leave. Not a word, not a sound, and they wouldn't return until so long afterward.

Not too long after that, it started happening at school. They would sit a lot closer, his hand placed politely on her thigh. Her head lightly brushing his shoulder for a few seconds. The smile they would share between each other.

In Patty's mind, she knew exactly what was going on, but her heart didn't want to believe it. It hurt too much, and she didn't want to deal with that kind of pain. It was something she hadn't experience since her times on the street, and those haunting memories, she didn't want them to return. She didn't want to deal with them.

Instead, she held her smile, her bright eyes full or excitement, she put on a mask to hide the dark feelings inside. Why should everyone else be unhappy just because she was? Why make people worry? It wasn't worth the attention.

Do I hide my pride from these bad dreams?
And give in to sad thoughts that are maddening?