Heartstrings

Chapter 11: Liar Liar

Emma's perspective

When the unwelcome beams of sunlight invaded my room, my eyes fluttered open. I leaned forward and checked my phone - 7:47 am - I still had some time to sleep. But as I rolled over I came face to face with a sleeping Jake Healy. "Oh right..." I thought.

I'd almost forgotten he was there with how soundly I'd slept, but his heavy, muscular arm had been draped over the crook of my waist and his quiet, cool breath had chilled my neck for the few hours we'd slept.

Now, as I faced him, my heart filled with a strange feeling that was becoming more and more familiar to me. I stared at the peaceful expression on his face and drank in how unfairly beautiful this boy was.

My eyes moved from his full lips to his jawline to the tiny mole just under his very prominent cheekbone. I smiled sleepily as I remembered the time in the fourth grade when he'd been teased for it. His mother had comforted him later that day and explained to all three of us that moles were where our soulmates had kissed us before we were born. I didn't really believe any of that anymore, but I had to admit - it was a very sweet place for a kiss.

I breathed in deeply and turned onto my back, staring at the ceiling. As I recounted the events of last night I felt so confused. Why had I insisted on Jake staying with me? Was it because I was afraid to be alone after what Dillon had tried to do? Or was it because Jake made me feel safe? And how could I explain the way I felt dancing with him last night? It felt so perfect and right. But maybe it was too perfect. Too right.

- Your thoughts are so loud.

Jake lifted his arm off me to rub his eyes - weirdly, I instantly missed the sensation. I turned on my side to face him again.

- You're awake.

- I am.

He stopped rubbing his eyes and looked at me. His arm returned to its spot on my waist and he completely stilled.

- Wow.

- What?

He smiled and shook his head.

- Nothing... nothing. Are you okay?

- Uh... yeah. My head hurts a little and I'm tired. But besides that... I'm good.

- How do you feel... about this?

- Uh. I... don't know.

He nodded but didn't look disappointed in my answer.

- We should probably get up, huh?

- Yeah.

But neither of us moved. We just stared into each other's eyes. My heart beat rapidly and my mind whirled with conflicting thoughts and feelings, but a knock on the door brought all of them to a screeching halt.

Both of our eyes widened and we quietly lept into action.

- Emma? Wake up.

It was my mom. My heart stopped as I realized my bedroom door was the only thing shielding me and Jake from a catastrophic consequence. She knocked louder as we scrambled to collect his pants, shirt, belt, and shoes. I frantically searched the room for a place for him to hide - there was the closet, my bathroom, or... behind my door.

I pointed behind the door and he nodded, reading my mind. It was perfect. He could slip out as soon as she came in.

- Just a second!

I called, buying us a little more time.

- Emma, I don't have all day.

Jake gave me a look when he was in position.