It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 25: Emani

I nervously paced the school hallway hoping Lake would show up. I hadn't seen him since dinner yesterday, and I was worried that my mom ruined our relationship for good. He ignored my texts and calls last night, and I finally gave up and went to sleep. My mom was out of line for trying to set me up with Xavier, but Lake should know he's the only guy for me.

Leaning against my locker, I scanned the hallway for any sign of him. Then the double doors opened, and Lake strolled through them, looking handsome as ever in khaki pants and a plain white t-shirt. His cold eyes met mine, and I slowly approached him, fiddling with my hands. I forced myself to relax, taking a deep breath even though I wanted to run.

"I tried to call you all night, and you didn't answer. That hurt Lake," I began as my voice cracked. "I always thought we were better than that."

Lake rolled his eyes. "You seemed preoccupied last night with your new friend. I saw him in your living room, E. He had his hands all over you."

"His sister got another way home, and my mom invited him over for dessert," I explained. "We were just talking. You're getting the wrong idea Lake."

His lips curled into an evil smile. "And you were the dessert, E. He's into you, and you're too blind to see it. You two looked pretty cozy last night on the couch. I saw him touch your knee, and then I split."

I held back a snappy remark. I could see how he might get the wrong idea, but I didn't do anything with Xavier. We talked about my crazy mother and New York. I told him that Lake is my boyfriend and that I only want to be friends. He mentioned the fact that he wasn't looking for a girlfriend and would love to get to know me better. Totally platonic.

"Xavier gets touchy-feely when he laughs. It was totally innocent Lake. I hate that you don't trust me."

"It's just funny to me how you're actually entertaining this guy. It's cool, though. You will be going to New York, and I will be in Chicago. We should end this now anyway."

God, he couldn't be serious!

"Don't do something you will regret, Lake," I said quietly, tears streaming down my face. "You know I didn't do anything with Xavier. I'm not that kind of girl."

Lake shrugged, opening his locker. "You were with Gunner when you fell for me, so maybe you're that type."

Ouch.

I stared at him in disbelief, and the walls felt as if they were closing in me. I was trying to comprehend what he was saying, but it was all too much. For a moment, he paused, and my eyes pleaded with him to stay. Then he stalked off, leaving me heartbroken.

I didn't see Lake for the rest of the day. After school, I sat in the courtyard, leaning against my favorite tree, soaking up the sun. Sasha walked towards me, eyes taking in my disheveled appearance. She sat down beside me, and I rested my head on her shoulder.

"There's a rumor floating around school that you and Lake broke up."

"We did," I whispered in a raw voice. "Who told you?"

"Jason."

"Oh."

Sasha didn't say anything for a while. She just let me cry on her shoulder. I cried at the fact that I lost the one person that understood me. The person that I thought would always be there. I'm not perfect, but neither is he.

"Lake is an idiot for letting you go, but I do have to ask. What happened?"

I told Sasha about dinner and Xavier. She shook her head. "Emani, that's crazy. I kind of see Lake's side, though. He probably believes that you want a college guy like Xavier. You probably should distance yourself from Xavier."

"Yeah, it seems like it, but I'm angry that he would just break up with me. I would have stopped talking to Xavier if he'd told me to. I was just trying to be nice to him."

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, Mason and I broke up too. We suck at relationships, " she said with a laugh. I couldn't help it and chuckled too.

"What happened with you guys?" I asked.

Sasha sighed. "He's not the person I thought he was. He's too controlling."

"You'll find someone better, Sash," I replied. I stood up. "Let's go see what they are having in the cafeteria. I'm starving."

Later that evening, I'm washing clothes when the doorbell rang. It's almost midnight on a Friday night; who could it be? I stood on my tiptoes and looked through the peephole. Jordan stood on the porch, his car parked in the driveway. He wore a blue Nike hoodie and matching pants with black Nike boots. I opened the door raising an eyebrow.

"Hey, Jordan. What are you doing here?" I closed the door behind him, and we sat on the sofa. I forced a smile even though I felt depressed.

"Hey, I came because of Lake. I'm worried about him. He didn't come home tonight, and it's not like him. Have you heard from him?"

"No, I haven't seen him since school. He skipped the period we share."

Jordan sighed. "Did he seem upset this morning?"

I nodded. "He broke up with me and stormed off. I hope he's ok. Do you want me to help you look for him?"

Jordan stood up and shook his head. "No, I'll go look myself. Thanks for your help. Good night Emani."

I followed Jordan to the door. "I really do love your brother Jordan. I would never cheat on Lake."

Jordan nodded. "I know. I'm really rooting for you guys to figure things out. He just needs time, Emani. Your mom has been a pain in the ass for him. That's a lot for any guy and now this Xavier kid."

I was stunned. "So you do blame me?"

Jordan hesitated before saying, "Not necessarily. He should have seen your side too. I'll let you know if I find him." And with that, he was gone.

I turned away from the door, still processing Jordan's words. I know my mom can be a lot to handle, and I plan on having a discussion with her in the morning. I still haven't told her about the breakup and how its affecting me. I'm sure she will be ecstatic when she hears the news.

I deleted Xavier's number and texted Lake.

Me: Hey, Jordan came by looking for you. Are you alright??? I miss you.

Tears gathered in my eyes when I saw he opened it and didn't reply. I tensed when steps rang out, but it was only my mother opening the front door. Her gaze settled on me, and she flashed me a warm smile. She had on pink scrubs that were covered in blood and puke. Before she left, her hair was in a sleek bun, but now it was frizzy. I swear I'm never going into the medical field.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, wiping my tears away.

"I got off early. What's wrong?" she asked.

I rolled my eyes. "You got your wish. Lake dumped me."

Her face became an emotionless mask. I rose from the couch and went upstairs, slamming the door. She followed me upstairs, and I threw myself across the bed like a child.

"Emani, I'm sorry."

I laughed. "This is what you wanted. You never liked Lake. You set me up at dinner for a reason, and I will never forgive you for meddling into my life."

"I never wanted to see you hurt, Emani. I should have handled things differently." For a moment, she hesitated. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry, won't bring Lake back, mom. I would like to be alone if you don't mind."

She sighed then left the room.

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Hey guys! Thanks for reading chapter 25. So, it looks like Lake and Emani are in trouble. He is tired of being treated like crap by her mom, and now Xavier is in the picture. Aw young love 🥺😂

Also, the pic above is Emani in my head ❤️