High School Story

Chapter 5: Tryouts

Emma: So I....was...you know...wondering if....you wanted to go out sometime....you know....with me.

Caleb: I'm sorry....what?

Emma takes a deep breath.

Emma: I was wondering if you wanted to go out with me sometime.

A moment.

Caleb: Oh, thank you, Emma, but no.

Emma and Caleb both stand there, silent, refusing to look at each other. Sammie opens up her mouth, attempting to break the awkward silence.

Sammie: Maybe, I should give you two some privacy.

Caleb: I think it is a little late for that, Sammie.

Emma: I....I'm sorry. I just knew that if I held the question in another second, I'd lose my nerve. Which probably would have been better than....this.

Caleb: No, it's okay, just, you know....

He trails off. The silence is deafening.

Sammie: Are you okay, Emma?

Emma takes a deep breath.

Emma: No. But I will be.

Caleb: I like you as a person, Emma, but it's too soon after Zoe.

Emma: So....you're just not ready to date?

For a moment Caleb's eyes meet Sammie's. Then he looks away.

Caleb: Yeah. I guess that's what I'm saying. But it's not just that. I think you're someone I'll always see as a friend. I'd rather tell you that honestly than give you false hope. I've been on the other side of this, and I think it's better to know the truth.

Emma: It's fine. I kinda knew this would happen, but I was worried that I'd never have another chance at this.

Caleb: I mean....I think you're really awesome, Emma. I do. But--

Emma: You have every right to say no. I don't want to be with someone who doesn't like me as much as I like them.

Caleb: I know you'll find someone.

Emma: Me too....Someday.

Caleb: Hey, I know things are awkward right now, but, if you're up for it, I'd still love to get to know you better as a friend.

Emma: I'd like that.

Caleb: I'll see you in class, then?

Emma: Looking forward to it.

Sammie and Emma watch as Caleb gets into his car and pulls out of the school parking lot. As Caleb drives away, Emma's smile begins to fade into frown with lower lip quivering, before her voice cracks.

Emma: Is it safe to break down now?

Emma falls to her knees, before completely breaking down crying as Sammie kneels and hugs Emma. Her head resting in her chest as Sammie comforts her.

Sammie: Hey, hey. It's okay....I'm proud of you, Emma.

Emma: For what? Making a complete idiot of myself?

Sammie: I don't think so. For working up to courage to tell Caleb how you felt. That's not easy for anyone, let alone someone as shy as you.

Emma: Thanks Sammie. I just wish I didn't feel like such an idiot.

Sammie: Love makes fools of us all, Emma.

She puts her arms around Sammie, and she pat her back comfortingly.