If Not For Her

Chapter 28. The moment interrupted

Emmalyn followed after her. Friends. That was what Annabeth saw her as, but to her, Annabeth was much more than just a friend, but for the moment she was content with being friends as the most beautiful love stories began with friendship, she smiled at the thought as she sat next to her.

Ten minutes into dinner, she found dinner at the Reed's was different from her house. They all talked as opposed to the heavy silence she was used to. Emmalyn found herself loosening up. Halfway through dinner, she caught Annabeth's eyes as Annabeth quickly looked away. Emmalyn looked down at her plate.

She offered to help clean the dishes, Mrs. Reed told her to leave the chores, so she found another innocent reason to stare at Annabeth while she did dishes along with her brother. He walked away the moment their mother went away. He kissed Annabeth's head and ran up to his room.

She took the opportunity as she joined Annabeth, "do you even know how to do the dishes?" Annabeth asked. Emmalyn did know. "Perhaps you could show me," she said. "Pampered rich kids," Annabeth said as she showed her how to do it. Emmalyn understood but shook her head in a no.

"Here," Annabeth came behind her as she slowly guided her hands with her. Emmalyn's heart was pounding, but she tried to keep calm. She felt Annabeth's heartbeat. She kept her eyes on the dishwasher. "You know what Em, only a few dishes are left. I will do it" she said.

Emmalyn frowned at the sudden loss of contact, "I want to help you," she said. Annabeth just laughed, at sound felt great to Emmalyn, and even better than it was because of her. "It's fine," she said quickly turning around, she watched her as her eyes flicked to the doorway, and Alex caught her eye. He saw her staring at his sister. She immediately turned away. The moment was ruined.

Annabeth unaware of the moment turned to face her brother, "what are you doing here?" She asked. "I just you know what never mind" he looked between Annabeth and Emmalyn before he walked up to his room, Emmalyn saw Annabeth turn to her, "please don't mind him, he is just like that" Emmalyn let out shaky laughter as she looked back at the stairs, "sure," "Liv," Annabeth looked at her.

"Do you mind if I talk to your brother you know some advice?" she asked. "Sure" as soon as the reply came Emmalyn sprinted upstairs, she remembered Alex's room was the exact opposite of Annabeth's. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. "Come in" his voice came as she entered. He looked up his face painted with confusion, he was clearly not expecting her.

"I remember you playing," Emmalyn glanced at the guitar he was holding. He nodded as he placed it down. "See what you saw" he interrupted her, "it's your choice and truth to be told she seemed happier from the day she started hanging out with you." He said. She smiled at his words, "you are going to win her back" she assured him. He looked back at his guitar, "I am not good at vocalizing what I feel and if I send her something she will send it back or throw it" he said.

"As far as I know you just need to assure her that you love her, you just need to make her feel special," she stood up. "Alexander if you sit here are mop, you aren't going to get your girl. Tomorrow win the game first and then your girl. Remember grand gestures work if you don't make them cliches. "Thank you, I thought you would be vague," he said sarcastically.

"Good luck," she said as she closed the door behind her. She met Annabeth at the stairs and throughout the night, they watched different plays and movies, at around 4 am amid the climax she felt Annabeth's head on her shoulder. She looked down, she had fallen asleep. She closed the laptop and slowly lay her down. She pulled the blanket up to her chest as she curled towards her.

Emmalyn removed the strands from her face and lay down beside her. Annabeth was not even the slightest bit aware of how beautiful she was, and Emmalyn decided to make her realize it.  She closed her eyes, smiling to herself.