If Not For Her

Chapter 6. "Let me buy you coffee?"

"Have you seen the new boy he is so hot" said Emmalyn's cousin Georgia Mayhew turning around. Emmalyn looked at her chemistry book, "he is hotter than Dexter, I heard" she continued. That caught her attention. "He is," Sofia said. Their teacher was outside talking to someone. Emmalyn rolled her eyes. "He is mega hot, but not in a player type of way. He seems to have a charm" Georgia said dreamily. "Then maybe you should try to date him, G," Emmalyn said.

The redhead blushed a bit as their teacher walked back in. "She is not wrong Emma," Sofia whispered. Emmalyn turned to her friend, "he could be your rebound" she said. Emmalyn looked at her notes jotting down the words on the board. "I am not in a mood for rebounds, besides I have to win the place," she said. "Think about it, he could be someone you fall for," Sofia said. Emmalyn finally caved in.

"Who is he?" Emmalyn asked. Sofia smiled, "Nicolas Parker, currently in history class. New to the town," she said. History, Annabeth was in history class, she looked at the time, twenty minutes were left, she had to see her. "Now class, turn to the third page of your textbooks" and the teacher started explaining scientific concepts, taking everyone's, mostly everyone's attention.

As soon as the class ended, Emmalyn rushed out. "Where to?" Sofia asked following her. "Umm, Cafeteria. Can I get you something?" she asked. "Emma, I hope this doesn't come out wrong, but do you mind if I sit with Dean and the rest of the basketball team? Dexter will be there but you could join us" she said. "Sof, I don't mind you sitting with your boyfriend, just because I had a breakup it doesn't mean you can't sit next to him," Emmalyn said.

She suddenly felt, grateful for Dean, she didn't want Sofia to find out she was meeting with Annabeth. She would never hear the end of it. "Are you meeting someone there?" she suddenly asked. Emmalyn stilled, "why? why would you ask something like that?" she asked, her voice calm but she knew Sofia would easily read her. "Just asking, have fun with the mystery boy," she said, smiling. "There is no mystery boy," Emmalyn said, "sure," Sofia said, not believing her a bit. "Bye Emma"

"Bye Sof," Emmalyn said when she hit something, someone. What was up with her today? "I am sorry," said a male voice. She looked up to meet with a pair of mesmerizing gray eyes. Her breath caught in her throat. She got up. "Nicolas" he introduced himself. He was hot. "Emmalyn" she gave him her most charming smile. He looked better than Dexter and she knew her sister found him hot.

"See you around, Nicolas" she said as rushed to the cafeteria, she was late. She turned to take one last look at him, maybe  Sofia was not wrong maybe he could be her rebound. She waved at the kids in the hallways, especially the scared freshmen. It was their first day and she knew a friendly warm smile could ease up someone.

She leaned against the wall and pulled out a cigarette. The place was mostly used by lovers, she and Dexter used it for some time. It was not crowded today, she wondered how the goody-shoes Annabeth knew about it? did she have affairs she kept secret?. Then she appeared, the sun shining behind her. She looked beautiful, Emmalyn waved at her. She needed her...to help her with art. As expected Annabeth didn't wave back.

Annabeth's eyes stopped at her lips. "You shouldn't smoke, it's bad for you?" she said. Emmalyn's lips curled up. She took her cigarette and crushed it with her boots. Her eyes lit up "see, it wasn't hard. Cole, you could be good if you try". "Sure, sweetheart," she said. "What did you want?" Annabeth asked.

"You," Emmalyn said before she could comprehend her words. Annabeth's eyes widened behind her glasses. "What?" she asked. "No. I need your help. Let me buy you, you coffee? chocolates? anything?" Emmalyn asked. Annabeth had a straight face, "Cole" she started, "did you just stutter?" she asked. "No, I didn't," she said confidently.

"and no thank you, I don't want anything from you," Annabeth said "and you are desperate for something, aren't you?" she asked with a grin. "Go to hell," Emmalyn said, running her hand through her hair. Annabeth just held a smug face, "you know jealously isn't good for your good looks" she said. Emmalyn looked straight at her. "You think, I am beautiful?" she asked.

She watched as a red blush covered her nose and cheeks, now it was Annabeth's turn to stutter, "no, no I didn't say that" she said emphasizing her words. "Alright, sweetheart" Emmalyn laughed.