Emily didn't respond or move.But then I caught a faint whisper, “I miss you too.”My heart ached at her words.Just then, the professor entered and began writing on the board, and I lost myself in my thoughts.Again.
Later that day, at lunchtime, I was determined to confront Jake about the chaos surrounding us.Yet, I didn't catch a glimpse of him or any of them.By the end of the day, I found myself walking alone after school, heading to the bus stop.I noticed theViperslounging on a bench beneath the tree nearby.Without a second thought, I made my way over to them.Clous and V were perched on the bench, both puffing away at cigarettes, while Jake showed something on his phone to Zane.
“We need to talk,” I said to Jake, my voice quivering.I felt like a frightened child, struggling to maintain my composure.He turned to me, an inquisitive look on his face.
“I'm all ears,” he replied, grinning.Clous and V didn't bother to look my way, but Zane’s expression was taut, as if he wished I would just back off.
“I want my friend back.I want Emily to talk to me,” I asserted, my fists clenched tightly.Jake’s grin widened, but he remained silent.
“This is getting boring.It should be more entertaining,” V said, fixing her gaze on me.I was at a loss for words and still confused, even more then than before.
“Let them be; the truth will come out eventually,” Zane remarked, glancing over at V.My mouth fell open; I didn't intend to hurt Emily or expose her in any way.Despite her usual indifference to others' opinions, she feared what her parents might think or do to her.
“Please delete the recording.”I almost pleaded, darting my eyes between V and Jake.Clous was especially quiet, perhaps too intoxicated to engage; he seemed distant and disengaged from the conversation.
“Sorry, but I can't accommodate that request, blondie,” Jake shot back, still smiling as he slipped his hands into his jeans pockets.I scoffed, frustration bubbling inside me.Turning my focus to Zane, I said, “I need to talk to you.”He burst out laughing.“I haven't done anything, and I've got nothing to say,” he replied, crossing his arms defiantly.
“What's happening?”Marco suddenly chimed in from behind me.
“You scared me!It's nothing, just a chat.Let's go,” I said, grabbing his hand and pulling him away.
“Ooooh, a boyfriend!Does your boyfriend enjoy secrets?I bet he does,” V hollered after us.What was she implying?I glanced at Marco; he looked pale.
“Are you okay?”I asked, quickening my pace to put distance between us and theVipers.
“Yes, I'm fine.So those are the bullies, huh?”Marco inquired.
“Yep.We need to hurry; we're going to miss our bus.”
“Is Jessica still dating that guy?”Marco asked.
“I don't know; I haven't spoken to her since that day at the cinema.”
Emily was in the back seat of the bus, lost in her music.We settled in the middle, but the entire ride was quiet.I sensed something was bothering Marco; I could feel the tension radiating off him.As for me, my mind was fixated on one thing: I needed to talk to Zane, but it was proving to be more challenging than I anticipated.
In the afternoon, I found myself buried in study notes for an upcoming history test.My dad was at work, and as for Mom, I had no idea if she'd make it in time for dinner—and honestly, I didn't care to find out.Just as the clock struck 5 PM, I heard the doorbell ring.That day, I hadn't made any plans with Marco, but when I opened the door, I was greeted by two bright-green eyes.
“I come in peace,” Jessica declared, holding up a bag of freshly baked pastries.I was surprised yet relieved that we finally had a chance to talk.I brewed some tea, and we settled down at the kitchen table.
“Listen, I'm sorry if I came off too strong.I was really upset; I thought you should know that I knew,” I said, trying to keep my disapproval of her new boyfriend hidden as I looked at her.
“I get that,” she replied earnestly.“If I were in your position, I'd feel the same way.But Zane is different from what you think.Sure, he has some questionable friends, but he's not a bad person.We've had some deep conversations, and he's starting to open up.I really like him, Lu.”Jessica placed her hand on mine, her eyes searching for my approval.
“I really don't know what to say,” I admitted.
“Just be happy for me,” she urged.
“But…” I started, but she quickly cut me off.
“No buts!”
“I just think it's unfair what they're doing to Emily,” I said, my disappointment evident.
“Who's 'they'?Zane told me about Jake, Clous, and V.It sounds like that girl V has it out for Emily, and she's the one causing the trouble, not Zane,” she said.
“How can you say that?Emily is really struggling…”
“I talk to her every day; we hang out.She's fine,” Jess interjected.
