When the final bell rings, I damn near bolted to the parking lot. I couldn't get to the library fast enough. I figured out what I wanted to say, and I just hoped she wants to hear it. When I get inside, I go over to our usual table in the back and wait. Since Bri's last class today is PE, it takes her about 20 minutes to get here. Meanwhile, I've been a nervous wreck, fidgeting with everything close by.
When she walks in, I stand up to give her a hug, breaking my heart all over again when she dodges it.
"Let's get started, I'm only here to be tutored after all"
Crap, she doesn't even want to talk?
"You're right. However, I was hoping that we could talk a bit as well?"
"There is nothing to talk about. If you're not going to tutor me, then I see no reason to stay here."
She starts to get up, but I leap over the table to stop her.
"NO, please wait."
I get a few glares for speaking so loud in a library, but I don't care, all that matters right now is the girl in front of me.
"I just want to explain, I am genuinely sorry for what I said and how I worded it. I know it doesn't necessarily make it right, but I just want to tell you where it came from. I understand if you don't want to, though."
She stays still, but I can see the doubt in her eyes.
"Let's make a deal. You let me explain my behavior, if you still don't want to see me after that, I'll get you a new tutor. I have a friend that's just as good at this stuff as I am. If you don't want to hear me out, that's fine as well. We'll just finish this session and after that it depends entirely on you if you want me to continue your sessions or if you want me to contact my friend."
Realizing I'm still standing, I sit down while Bri thinks it over. I'm starting to get nervous again when she takes a couple of minutes to answer.
"Fine, but not here. If you want to do this, I don't want it to be at a place where we have to whisper all the time."
"That's totally fine. How about we go to the park?"
"Sure, but I'm with my bike today, my car broke down earlier this week. Just wait for me at the main entrance."
"I can give you a ride if you want? Your bike can easily fit in my trunk, so if you don't want to see me afterwards, you can still just leave.
She seems reluctant at first, but eventually she agrees.
We've been sitting in a remote clearing for a few minutes now. I don't dare to open my mouth, scared that this will be the last time that I'll talk to her. Scared that all this will be over before it has truly begun.
"Look, if you don't start talking, I'll start walking."
"Please don't. Just... just give me another minute. Let me gather some courage."
I take a few breaths and start talking.
"I want to start by saying that I'm not ashamed of us, of you. How could I be? You are Bri fucking Paulson, you are the prettiest girl in our school. Hell, even our state. And you don't seem like the type of person to care more about other people's opinions than your loved ones. What I said came out wrong.
Remember that night at your place? When I told you I had been in a relationship before, but it didn't end well?"
I see her nod and continue
YOU ARE READING
Though the storms will push and pull (we will call this place our home)
Storie d'amoreA collection of the stories that fill in the gaps in "a pretty girl walks by my locker" and some extra scenes along the way. Experience the highs and lows of Emilee and Bri's relationship. Who knows, maybe we'll even get a glimpse of their happily e...