We passed more notes. She told me her name- it's Aiko. 

I told her mine.

 We passed notes asking questions, and I finally got her number.

We talk all the time. We talk about everything.

Last night she asked me why I talk to her, why I care.

I could barely formulate a response, so I told her the truth- I'm miserable that I wasn't there to shield her from whatever happened to her. 

I don't know why I said that.

 I don't think she can see it yet.