Across the Hall (girlxgirl)

ten

• E m b e r •

My heart was beating in my ears as I walked downstairs to where Naya was waiting for me. I still felt as though Naya had invited me out of pity but Aunty Amara assured me that that wasn't the case.

Aunty Amara had actually been the most positive aspect to come out of my whole ordeal, she was constantly there for me and went out of her way to teach me things that my mum never did, like how to cook, how to dress fashionably and do my hair, and even how to use makeup. Hell, she even helped me pick out my outfit and considering I'd never had so many clothes, I needed the help. Aunty Amara liked to say I was sent to her by my mum, that she loved having another woman in the house who took an interest in the same things as her.

However, even with Aunty Amara's kind words I still had to calm my anxious mind as we hopped in Naya's car and headed to campus. As though reading my energy Naya played SZA the whole ride in an attempt to calm my nerves. I knew she did it on purpose because one random morning I had mentioned that SZA had helped me during a tumultuous time in my life and ever since then she had Good Days ready to go the second I looked stressed. I hated to admit it but Naya knew me much more than I would've liked, reading me like a book while all I wanted was to go back to sitting on the shelf. 

Unfortunately, the drive didn't last long and within a few songs, we were pulling into an empty spot outside the stadium. Once Naya had parked and switched off the car she turned to me, a seriousness in her green eyes that caught my attention and made me a little nervous.

"I know you don't like crowds so I just want to let you know, if you ever want to leave just tell me and we can go." She offered in an understanding tone and I blushed, looking down at my hands, unable to meet her eyes. I was surprised she even knew a detail so personal, not even Naomi had clocked it.

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." I nodded, clearing my throat before she opened her door and I followed suit. "This place is huge," I noted as we walked towards the sunlit field, vibrating with loud noise and excitement. Even though the stadium was on our campus I'd never seen it, I never had a reason to venture so far out of my way.

"Stay close so you don't get lost," Naya called out as her warm hand intertwined with mine. I could feel the coolness of her rings as she pulled me closer, leading us through the crowded pathway, to the stands.

I followed Naya closely as I tried not to let the warm electricity of her skin on mine stir butterflies in my stomach because I refused to let my mind enter that dangerous territory, and give myself hope where there shouldn't be any. Whatever weird and confusing budding emotions I had for Naya had to be squashed, just like every crush I had before her- her smile just made that a lot harder to do.

We continued to climb the stairs of the stands until I saw her friends' familiar faces sitting in a high row, talking amongst themselves until Olivia saw us and immediately came running over. Just before she reached us I didn't miss the way Naya took a protective step in front of me as Olivia cleared her throat.

"Naya, Ember?" She started, extremely apologetic. "I just wanted to say I am so sorry about what I said the other day, I was so rude and out of line and I truly thought I was helping but I wasn't. Please forgive me?" She ended but Naya didn't say anything, she just looked over at me, wanting to follow my lead instead.

My stomach twisted at the pressure from Naya, Olivia and their friends who were all undoubtedly staring at me, waiting for me to answer. As much as I didn't like her I put my feelings aside, not wanting to be the reason why there was tension in a friend group I was barely even a part of.

"It's okay Olivia." I offered, digging deep to smile at her. "All is forgiven, water under the bridge." I nodded and I watched as a huge grin took over her features as she hugged Naya, crushing her before setting her sights on me, squeezing me as she cheered.