View from the Background

Allison was always able to slip into the background. She was not unpopular and was included in things. However, her best friend, Leanne was the complete opposite. Leanne thrived with an audience and loved being the centre of attention. Allison felt this was fair as Leanne was, by all accounts, a remarkable girl. Great hair, sparkling personality and an infectious laugh.

Allison preferred to observe. There were times when people would assume she was rude or dismissive. The truth is, one Leanne knew better than most, Allison was the most humble and loyal person she knew.

The others in their group would complain about her. Leanne was always quick to defend her though.

Rather than being dismissive or rude, from the background she could see everything. Not just what was happening in front of her. The bigger picture.

One day, Georgina, one of their group, was talking to Leanne about plans for a party and suggested Allison should sit this one out. "We don't need to invite her, do we? She would probably prefer to be at home, than watch us all having fun, dancing and drinking while she sits in the background."

Leanne just looked at Georgina. She did not want to discuss this. Again.

"We're not leaving her out, Georgie" Leanne replied. "But why not? Would anyone really miss her?" Georgina laughed.

"You don't know what you're talking about." sighed Leanne. "Just drop it"

"You always defend her. Why?" Georgina pressed. Leanne zoned out a little.

Leanne didn't want to talk about it. Leanne was in a better place now. Leanne didn't want to explain how she owed Allison her trust, loyalty and life.

Leanne didn't want to open up about the time that she almost...if it hadn't been for Allison. Allison's watchful observance had been the lifeline Leanne didn't know she needed until it was almost too late.

Leanne often thought about that day. About the time she almost...

About the stress she had been under, all the pressure from her family, the lecturers. About how sick of it all she felt. About how she may have jumped, had Allison not reached out.

"Allison's invited" she insisted, snapping out of it.

*

Thanks for reading!

Author's Notes: 2nd of January, day two of the Story Every Day challenge as initiated by the talented LC. The prompt I took for this one was because it is World Introvert Day - write about an introvert. I know there's no big twist, scary stuff or anything like that. But, felt this was an important little tale to tell?

You can find out more about the challenge and the prompts LC provided to help, by clicing on the links below.

You can also check out my first effort of the month here: