"Sooo, where'd you sneak away to last night?" Kandy asked with a grin, slowing her pace to match Emma's. Everyone else was hiking ahead of them, chatting amongst themselves. Luckily for her, his parents didn't question her personally when she and Blake emerged from the woods earlier. They probably didn't want to make her embarrassed or uncomfortable; they were likely giving Blake an earful right now, though.
She watched his back from behind as he, Chris, and Alex had some lively conversation about who would win in a fight: werewolves or vampires. He was laughing about something Chris had said, throwing his head back, eyes closed. It made a small smile make its way onto her lips.
"Hello? Earth to Emma!" Kandy waved a hand in front of her face, laughing.
Emma quickly snapped out of it. "Oh, um, I'm surprised Chris didn't tell you anything, considering he was the one that found us." No offense against Chris, but he was kind of a loudmouth, so it was odd to hear he hadn't told Kandy anything.
Kandy shrugged, glancing up at Chris's back with a pout. "Blake probably made him promise not to tell. But you could let me in on the secret now." There was no way Emma would tell Kandy; it was totally too embarrassing. She looked to the side, sighing, deciding to try to shift the conversation. "How do you know I left the tent last night instead of this morning? You were asleep when I left the tent."
Kandy rolled her eyes, smiling while bumping her shoulder against Emma's. "I'm a light sleeper. I knew as soon as you left. I was waiting for you to come back. I waited so long before I fell back asleep."
Emma bit her lip, kicking a rock. She didn't mean to make Kandy wait up for her. God, this was all so embarrassing. "I couldn't sleep last night... I was going to go for a walk to tire myself out, but Blake was outside too, so we decided to go together. We found a clearing, laid down, and ended up falling asleep. That's all, no big deal," she whispered. Kandy just smiled at her, totally not believing her lie.
She suddenly winked. "Alright then, keep your secrets." Emma laughed softly at the Lord of the Rings quote while shaking her head "Oh, before I forget, my birthday is coming up in a few months, January 1st. I'm sure my mother would love for you to come to the party she's throwing for me. You can even bring Chris along; it would honestly be so much more enjoyable if you guys are there." The night would be a total bore if none of her friends came.
Kandy tapped her chin, thinking it over. "Well, me and Chris will be at his parents' on Christmas, but we should be back by your birthday. We'll definitely be there!" She smiled, pulling her into a tight hug. "Don't worry about getting me a gift; the fact that you guys will be there will be enough." She said before pulling away.
Kandy shook her head. "Don't be crazy! Me and Chris are both getting you birthday and Christmas presents. We'll leave your Christmas presents at Blake's house." Emma grinned, so happy she was able to find friends in Kandy and Chris. She had never had close friends before; she felt so loved here, around everyone.
"Come on, slowpokes!" Alex yelled back at them, waving his hand for them to pick up the pace. They quickened their pace, joining up with the rest of the group. She walked beside Blake. He looked at her with a soft smile, which she returned. In this very moment, she couldn't be happier.
YOU ARE READING
It Started With Hello
Romance***** Emma Pear knew she wasn't the most popular girl in high school. Her nose was usually buried in a textbook, and her grades were as spotless as her reputation for always following the rules. "Nerd" was a label she'd long since embraced. Her pare...
