The Goldman Estate

Chapter 2

Simple Things- hotplug

Emmy Love, Bus Station, 1998

The bus finally arrived. Jinx and I walked in. We were going back to my house. I was a tad bit on edge by seeing both a cheerleader  and a football player from Themis at the bus stop. The football player was looking at all three of us waiting at the sign. He was male the rest of us were females, needless to say I was a little uncomfy.

As soon as I sat down in the window seat, Jinx turned to me.

"You good Emmy? You seem kind of off." She said facing me. I turned to her and folded my hands neatly in my lap. I could feel my smile fade into a frown.

"Something just seems off, ya know?"

Jinx eyed me, opening their mouth then closing it. "I would say you're just overthinking it, but I'd be lying."

Just then the bus stopped. Jinx stood up and grabbed their bag, I copied their movement. Walking off the bus was strange. Almost everyday we do the same thing after school. Meet at one of our lockers, then walk to the bus stop. Take the bus to our neighbor, then get off. However, the only difference about today is, we have barely talked to each other.

I get pulled out of my thoughts as Jinx waves her hand in front of me.

"Girl, have you been listening to anything I've been saying?"

I shake my head telling them no. They sighed, giggling. I knew by the look on their face that she was going to tell me exactly what they said within a matter of hours.

The silence between us was odd, yet comforting. People would think that after being close friends for a little over a decade, we would have many moments like this. Not talking and just hanging out quietly with each other. But, they'd be wrong. We've never run out of things to talk about. Whether it be homework, a stupid joke, or even something as boring as family matters. The silence finally broke when I closed my bedroom door.

"Hey Emmy.." I looked at her, nodding my head to let her know I was listening. "Uhm, remember when on Friday night we were talking about crushes?" I sat down on my bed, patting the seat next to me. I knew that we both needed to be seated for this conversation. About a year ago Jinx sat me down and told me that she wasn't interested in boys. She was interested in women. Jinx's family wasn't supportive, so she didn't tell them. But, she felt as if it was best for me to know. Even if it was going to ruin our friendship. Of course it didn't, at least for me. It only made it stronger.

"I- how am I supposed to phrase this." There was a pause. "I like someone but I don't think she even knows I exist." She looked at me, as if waiting for an answer. I stared at her, my expression asking her for the name of this mystery girl.

"Artemis, Artemis Hawking." Jinx looked down at her hands. I crossed my arms. Now, I know it's not my place to say that she shouldn't like her. However, Artemis was a cheerleader. Cheerleaders' are almost always toxic. At Themis it's basically nine point ninety-nine out of ten cheerleaders are toxic.

"Jinx, I love you. You are practically my sister, but no. Cheerleaders are not to be trusted. Like, ever. But, I know it's not my place to tell you who you can and can't love. So, either way. You will always be a sister to me. Dating a cheerleader or not." I finished my sentence and she looked up at me. Tears were prickling her eyes. She hugged me.

After the emotional moment, I got us some snacks from my cupboard. As I started down my hallway I heard music start to play from my radio. I smiled and walked into my room. Jinx had our homework and pencils out. She motioned for me to sit down. I made my way over and sat down on my bed picking up a pencil and starting on my work.