Hannah still felt the sting from those original arguments. She'd always been the kind of person to take things to heart. Simple things effected her more easily than they did others. It was why she so often tried to stick to herself rather than branch out. It was easier to hide from things sometimes than it was to face them. It was why she tried not to talk to Ernie too much these days. It was also why she hadn't really forced herself until now to make an effort with Helga.
"Helga," she gave a friendly nod. "I've only just sat. Go ahead and get yourself something. I promise not to run away before you can join me." As soon as the highly lame attempt at a joke escaped her mouth Hannah felt like a fool. Why on earth had she said that?