I wake up to three texts from Emerson, wanting details on why I had Finn’s car. She ended her last text saying that she thought we were cute together. First thing this morning I set her straight.
Liz:There is absolutely nothing between us and never will be.
When Finn picks me up, I manage a smile. I barely say a word the whole drive, which is not unusual. No one seems to suspect anything.
Emerson eyes me skeptically as she makes her way to the car. After a few minutes and a few bites of her breakfast bagel, she texts me from the back seat.
Em:Something happened. I know it.
Liz:Please drop it.
Em:That confirms it. Talk to me.
Liz:Nothing to say.
Em:For the record, I can see how he looks at you. There is most definitely something there.
My heart aches at her words. I start to respond but stop myself. I type and retype twice, deleting each time.
“Who are you texting, Liz?” Kel asks.
“No one.”
“Really? Because Emerson’s fingers are flying back here and I noticed you start when she stops.”
“Mind your own business, nosy-rosy,” Emerson says in a huff.
Finn is wearing sunglasses today and I can’t read his eyes.
“So youaretexting each other. What could you possibly be saying in text that you can’t say out loud? Let me see.”
Kel reaches across Ernesto to grab Emerson’s phone and Emerson shrills. I turn in horror, not sure what to do. Ernesto’s hands go flying in the air. Emerson smacks Kel’s hand.
“Get your fucking paws off my phone, you moron!”
“Hey! Knock it off!” Finn yells as the car swerves slightly.
“What are you hiding? You’re talking ‘bout me, aren’t you?” He reaches to grab it out of her hand, and her bagel falls to the floor.
“Now look what you did, asshole. That was my breakfast!”
“Yeah, well you’re getting fatter every day. You shouldn’t eat so much, piggy!” Kel yells back.
Emerson stares at him and her lip quivers. “Fuck you, Kel. Why would you say that to me? That’s so fucking mean.”
She starts to cry and I unbuckle my seat belt, turning full on to face her on my knees in my skirt. Finn reaches into his pocket and removes his handkerchief, handing it to me to give to her.
“I… I didn’t mean to make you cry. I was just joking,” Kel adds, seemingly worried.
“Just leave me alone.”
Ernesto’s hands slowly come down and he pats Emerson on the shoulder comfortingly.
“Liz, please put your seat belt back on. Please?” Finn asks.
I turn back around and buckle myself in. I sigh. Finn glances in my direction, but I can’t read him because of the glasses. I want to grab them and throw them out the window.
It seems everyone is a bit edgy today.
