Feelings at Bay

Chapter 10

"Wait, really?"

"What's wrong? You don't like him?"

Amy had just finished telling the girls about her new boyfriend. She was worried about rumors circulating among the students. She expected her friend to step in and reassure her than nothing would happen, but she explained that all these kids do is talk about love because their lives were to boring.

"Just stay safe. Okay?"

"You're starting to sound more and more like my mother."

"That's only because we worry about you."

"Oh, there he is! I'll see you later."

"Yeah... bye."

. . .

Matthew followed as Emily practically hummed a tune, making the walk more painful than it should have been. That being said, he couldn't help but admire the little psychopath.

Her half-skipping-half prancing method of moving was a sight to see. Her golden locks swished and swirled back and forth, doing a little jig of their own. He had never seen her like this before; it was probably best not to comment.

A few minutes later, they arrived at her gate house. Taking it all in, he caught up with her.

"This is it?"

"Sure is."

Her face had a certain glow that he hadn't noticed until now. Her makeup was either doing its job after months of going dormant, or, maybe, it was something else. His heart must have gone on a coffee drinking spree, because its speed had gained velocity. He wasn't in denial; he already came to terms with it.

Walking through the garden leading to the stairs, Emily pointed out her favorite flowers and gargoyles that had specific details in their faces. Her laughter at his ignorance lacked her usual dismissive tone. She was lowering her guard more. Whatever high-roller disguise she had on, was slowly being lifted, revealing her true self. It was beautiful. Or was it adorable. He had no idea.

"You didn't tell me you were into all this medieval stuff?"

"Right, you think anyone would want to hang out with a renaissance fair chick? They'll think I'm nerdy."

"Aw, come on! You're a big girl that everyone loves; who cares what some of your fake friends might say?"

"Huh, maybe you're right..."

Just for a second, he thought he saw her smile.

The door was just ahead. Realization suddenly set in. Not only were the roles reversed, but they were going home... alone... together.

Or maybe not. As they climbed up the first few steps, the door opened, revealing someone he had never seen before. A man wearing casual dress wear stood outside, looking confusingly intimidating. This was no doubt her father.

"Of course he chooses today to come home." Emily groaned.

"It's nice see you too, dear. Anyway, who is this? You're new friend I'm guessing. Man, that didn't take long at all! Wasn't it just last month you broke up with that John guy?"

This was bound to happen sooner or later. They only wished that it would have been later.

"Don't worry, it's nothing like that! He's just a friend."

"Yeah, I'm just her language teacher." He quickly interjected.

There was a long silence as the adult processed what he had said. Matthew could feel himself being judged by her father. Is this what it's like to be a guy around prom season? Because he didn't look forward to it.