My girl Neighbor

60

Sam left after an hour, they are also celebrating her Dad's birthday today.

After the early dinner, we all moved to the living room. Everybody was catching up, Kate of course is still talking. They all had drinks in their hand and my Mom even handed me one.

"It's your birthday, also, you won't be driving anywhere so." Emma laughed at her.

We both are at the island counter with our backs facing the others on the couch.

"You haven't chosen a school yet?" She started.

I shook my head. "I haven't even decided on what to take as well."

"Hmm, you want my help?" I took her hand that was on the counter with mine. I intertwined our fingers and just stared at them.

I felt Emma hold my hand tightly while her thumb made a circular motion on top of my hand. I smiled at that, my eyes met hers and darted at her lips.

"If only we were at your place, I would've kissed that beautiful lips." She was flustered hearing what I said. She took her drink to her mouth and drank till the last drop.

"Seriously, Jen. I'm here, we can talk about college. I finished one, you know?" She tried to joke and continued.

"I can suggest some schools for you to apply for... Or would you rather have Kim's list?" And with that, I burst out laughing. I think even a snort came out of my nose which made Emma even laugh harder.

"Hey, what's so funny over there?" I heard my Dad talking to us.

I just waved my hand and didn't even look at them.

"Ohhh!" I have my hand on my stomach from laughing so hard.

I found Emma's eyes staring at me, she was smiling. How could I tell her that I was choosing between hers and my dream school?

"I love you, Em." My voice sounded heart-rending.

"I love you too, Jen."

"But seriously, we can talk about it. I know something is bothering you and I think I know what." I just stared at her hazel eyes, of course, she knew what it was. She's done college and she knows the process. I took my gaze from her and focused it on the counter.

I kept my silence.

"Let's talk about it when we're alone, cool?" She bowed her head slightly and peeked from my hair to search for my eyes.

I gave her a weak smile.

"Hey, that seems to be deep." We were both startled when Anne greeted us from behind. She turned to the other side and took a beer from the fridge.

"Your Ex over there is a real chatty." She leaned over the counter facing us.

"She's not my Ex." I frowned at her while Emma let out a soft laugh.

"She's not? Hmm..."

"What?"

"Well, the way she speaks about you, know things, I mean, I know you were best friends and it was normal for her to know things about you, but the way she speaks about you, the way her eyes lit just talking about you... There's... You'd think that you both dated in the past and she was still into you, you know what I mean?" I still have my brows furrowed while Emma listens intently.

"She just, she talks about you like you guys were in love in the past and she was reminiscing the old good times."

My eyes automatically rolled while I blew out air.

"Ignore her." I told Anne.

Both she and Emma laughed at my visible annoyance.

"You think we can go to my place tonight?" Emma asked me when Anne left.