"Thank you," Chloe said, her voice distinctly southern. There was a lot about her that screamed southern belle; she was kind to everyone she met, she did her best to radiate sunshine and happiness because she didn't like being sad or seeing anyone else sad. It was harder at the moment, her own sadness hanging around her shoulders like a really heavy blanket that she couldn't shake off. Kelly had said she didn't blame her, and maybe that was true but it didn't change the fact that she blamed herself. Or change the fact that she was yet to actually speak to anyone about the accident properly, or her feelings about it.
She had been trying to get out more, not just hide away in her room even though it was easier that way. Easier when she didn't feel like smiling to hide away than fake it. Easier to not have to pretend she didn't feel like the world was collapsing around her ears all the time. Easier to avoid everything and everyone if she just stayed behind the doors of her room. Susie checked on her regularly, so did Kelly, and Jay was a bright spot who always seemed to be able to make her laugh hysterically regardless of how sad she was.
She didn't have much food on her tray, a slice of pizza, a small portion of fries and a can of soda. She had a banana on the side, too. A large blob of ketchup was on the corner of her plate, in an oddly shaped circle.
"I don't wanna assume nothin'," she offered, settling opposite the serious looking man.