Shoot your shot

James

I don't know how this happened but I quickly zipped up my jeans and brushed my hands against my T-shirt.

" That was hot" came the high-pitched voice of a girl I had only met an hour earlier. Instead of feeling good and satisfied, I felt shit. I couldn't put my finger on why. I wasn't in a relationship so who cared if I had a quickie ? It was frustrating that it didn't feel as good as it used to.

" yeah" I replied, not wanting to string her along.

The girl pulled up her leather leggings, washed her hands then walked out of the toilet we had used to have our fun.

Instead of heading back to the boys I decided to head home. Half an hour later I was lying on my bed , thoughts whirling around. Did I like Callie? I looked at her Instagram profile, scanning the beautiful photos of her smiling, dancing and looking just perfect. What was missing?

I then thought about Emma. Those Bambi eyes, how easy I found it to talk to her, how much I looked forward to being in her presence, even though I had only known her for 4 whole weeks. I then tried to search for Emma's profile. I finally found it but the bloody thing was private. I felt annoyed then remembered her redhead friend. I found her profile and I hurriedly scrolled through her feed looking for any photo of Emma. I came across the modelling one she did. I noticed Emma wasn't tagged, it made my heart tug that she was modest and not a girl who wanted to flaunt herself. I scrolled back even further and found a picture of Emma and Lauren together. Emma was laughing, her head tilted slightly back and her teeth exposed, this was a sight for sore eyes. She looked happy, real and breathtaking.

Her big eyes scrunched up , her long wavy hair tumbling down her shoulders. The caption read " Having a best friend is good for the soul. I'll never let mine go". That simple picture and caption made me realise just how special Emma was. I made a decision then and there- I was going to get her- regardless of Liam Giles.

***

It was Monday again and knowing I had maths with Emma second period made my stomach flip. What are these? butterflies? I cringed at myself and internally told myself to stop being such a pussy. As I walked towards the maths classroom I saw Emma and Liam, they were chatting and she was smiling away. The sight of her took my breath away, then I realised that smile was for him. I pulled myself out of my negative mind set and approached them.

" You alright Emma?" I said in a cheery tone.

" James. I'm good you?" She said, smiling at me.

" Yeah, you heading to maths? Only two minutes before the bell goes and I know how you hate being late"

" shit. Yeah I'm coming! Bye Liam"

I couldn't help but grin as Liam stood there perplexed that I had so easily snatched her away.  I couldn't stand the guy.

Emma and I sat down in our usual spots. I observed as she got all her items out and placed them in their usual positions on the desk.

" How was your date then? " I asked, trying to sound casual but desperate to know.  Emma didn't say anything as she was still rifling through her bag.

" I assume it went well as you both looked pretty cosy out there" I continued to which Emma still ignored me. A moment later she had found what she was looking for and grinned. " found it" she smiled holding out a chewed up pen.

" Sorry James, what were you saying? "

" I asked how your date went?"

Emma smiled and was about to speak when the door opened and the teacher walked in. Emma instantly quieted.