[Had she been a few years younger Naomi would have heeded his words. She would have turned around and run away, she would have searched for someone stronger to help.

But she liked to think she'd grown a little bit. She didn't want to be that same frightened fourteen year old she had been. She couldn't be.

So the seventeen year old stood her ground, staying a few feet away from him. Slowly she let go of her gem, holding her hands up and offering him a timid smile.]

Th-That's not true! 'Cause I came over here to say hi to you 'nd to see if you were okay. I haven't seen you in a while 'nd, 'nd, 'nd.... [She bits her lip, trying to think of something to say.] Oh! 'nd to see if you want ice cream? My treat!

[It always made her feel better when Tyler or Kou took her for ice cream when she felt sad.]