Feelings at Bay

Chapter 6

"You're soaked! Here, get inside." Julianna exclaimed as Matthew closed the door behind her. Stunned faces looked back at the kid covered in rain.

"Towel... heat... something warm..."

Emily had gotten up and followed Jordan to the bathroom to get a towel.

"You swam your way over here?"

"Very funny, Mark. Thanks, guys," he said, catching the towel Emily had passed him, "it's coming down way too hard."

"Heh. Hard."

"Grow up," Jordan demanded, "there's still some leftovers in the kitchen if you're hungry."

"No, I ate after school. Thanks anyway."

After settling in, Matthew joined the group in their activities. Amy could have sworn that she saw him and John exchanging looks with each other. Blinking, she confirmed that thought. Matthew seemed to be urging John to do something; he, in turn, seemed hesitant about it.

Speaking of eye contact, she let herself smile at Mark.

The rest of time there seemed awkward at worst and boring at best. That is until the very end. It was getting late, when the group started heading home. Eventually, it was just Mark and John. Jordan had stepped out when the latter spoke up to Amy.

"Hey, you haven't been staring at me, have you?" He asked innocently.

"Eek! I- I didn't mean to. Sorry about that."

"No, it's okay! The thing is... well," he stumbled, "well, you seem like a nice girl and I would like to get to know you better. If that's alright..."

"Of course! Uhh. I mean. Sure. Maybe you could hang out with us tomorrow?"

"While that would be fun, I'm more interested in being next to you. Wow, that sounds really stupid. Uh, but yeah, maybe we could hang out alone after school; I could show you the local sights."

Amy knew that her face was bright red. The world started spinning as she felt a mix between fear, happiness, and anxiousness. His eyes had a sharp gleam to them. An occurrence that she just noticed. Was this love or something else?

"Sorry, but I'm not looking for love."

"Who said anything about love? I just want to hang out more often than we do. Hmm, maybe you're the one falling for me and so you're just blame-shifting?" He smiled. He knew exactly what he was doing, and Amy was slightly impressed.

"I'll think about it, but don't get your hopes up."

That night, after everyone left, her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of him.

. . .

"Hello? Oh hey, Jordan. What's up?" Matthew answered his phone.

"Well, your hunch was only half right this time. Mark started talking to Amy. I have no doubts that she'll be dreaming of him tonight. What's the latest on Emily and John?"

"Does John know about his advance?"

"Not yet. Mark waited for the area to be clear. He should have known that I have cameras everywhere by now."

"I guess getting robbed has its advantages, huh?"

"Yeah. Anyway... the status report?"

"Oh, right. Ahem. They are still a thing. I spoke to John earlier; obviously he didn't listen to me."

"Yeah they practically showed up in each other's arms."

"How much did the ransom cost this time?"

"I know right. She's a brat, but that relationship isn't good for either of them."

"Maybe people just shouldn't date."

"What's with the company line? You and I both know that's not how you feel about them. Look, I'm not judging, but we both know that there's someone else who would make a much better partner for Emily."

"Oh yeah, who is he?"

"Don't play dumb. I know that you're her new teacher."

"What's that got to do with what I just asked you?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all."

"Okay then..."

Thankfully, it was too late for him to be at full thinking capacity. If this conversation had taken place a few hours earlier, he would have instantly caught on to what she was implying. Who knows; maybe that's a good thing?

"Well," he yawned, "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see ya."

Beep.

Moving around the stuffed animals so that the fluffiest would serve as pillows, Jordan rolled her eyes once her head hit the makeshift pillow. It seemed like everyone and their mother was either struggling to come to terms with their feelings or was trying to use others for their own benefit.

"What a mess."

The low hooting of an owl and melodic chirping of crickets created a calming sensational atmosphere, making it super easy to fall asleep. The situation outside was under control, unlike her friends' love lives.