The Connection

6

I looked at her like she's got two heads. Emma has always been obsessed with cheer. For her to say she quit there had to be a hell of a reason. I don't say anything waiting for her to finish.

"I-I overheard the football team saying they were going to drug the cheerleaders at our annual cheer and basketball camp this year. I told the other girls but they wouldn't believe me."

I can see her tears falling, I grab her pulling her into my lap. "It's not your fault they won't listen. I'm very glad you quit I would kill someone for hurting you." I spit with venom.

My blood boils thinking about what Brad said. I need to do something to help those girls. "We need to find a way to expose the truth" I hear Mandy speak up. "They can't get away with this! No girl deserves to be touched without her permission!"

It's pain behind her voice as she speaks. Again I wonder who has hurt her. Emma looks at her tilting her head, meaning she's interested in her she wants to know more about her.

"Who hurt you?"

The question shocked Mandy just as much as me. How'd she pick up on it so quick? "Wanna know what's funny Rain asked me the same thing earlier today." She lets out a dry chuckle.

"I don't want to talk about that right now, when I'm ready I promise I'll tell you both." She says Emma doesn't push like she usually would. "Wait does this mean you two will get along?!" I ask with a little too much excitement.

I really thought Emma would hate her she's never been the one to share my attention. It's always just been US it's how we both wanted it. But now I know I want this friendship with Mandy just as much.

"I never not liked her Rinny you just assumed I wouldn't like her. I'm not the same girl from 2 years ago." Sadness invades her voice making me pull her to my chest.

"This morning it sure didn't seem like it, you were jealous of her calling me her bestfriend." I laugh at her making her hit my chest. I hear Mandy laugh at our interaction. "I didn't know the spot was already taken. Rain just feels normal to me."

Emma lifts off my chest looking at her. "Where did you come up with the name Rain?" She asks I smile knowing the answer. "Rain brings me peace, Serenity means peace and calmness that's what I felt when I first met Rain peace, I haven't felt that in a long time."

Her voice fades towards the end. Emma doesn't say anything it kinda makes me nervous I never know how she's going to react. "Yeah... I know what you mean it's the same way with me she's always been my safe place. I couldn't live without her."

"I don't think I can now either.."

~~~

"I don't think I can now either" plays in my head all night. She keeps saying these things and they're confusing to me. With Emma in my arms asleep I can't help but feel like something is missing. I pull her on-top of me, I love the feeling of her weight on me.

"Nooooo stoopp" she whines.

Cry baby ass. "Shhh I wanna feel you more" I hear her hum a response making me laugh lowly. It's the weekend and I'm not sleepy at all I keep thinking of a certain blonde. Who hurt her? Are they still hurting her? What's her story? Why do I wanna protect her so much.

I pull my phone off the dresser going to my text messages.

To: Mandy✨

Hey you up?

It's pretty late but I'm more of an night owl.

To: Rain

Yeah.. can't sleep

To: Mandy ✨

You confuse me..

Bubbles appear then disappear I stare at my phone waiting for a reply.

To: Rain

You confuse me also.. I never felt this before I feel like I can tell you anything that scares me.

I want her to tell me everything. I know I feel something for her; I don't think it's anything more than friendship. Emma been the only girl I've loved since I can remember. I choose to call her, I know Em won't wake up she's a deep sleeper.

She answers after the third ring.

"I want to be there for you, I know we just met but I feel a strong connection with you." I rush out to her I can hear a dry chuckle from the other end of the phone. "Well hello to you Rainy! I-I this is new for me I just need time Rain I promise I will tell you everything."

I can hear the strain in her voice. I can feel my heart clench knowing she's been crying. "Okay I'll be here when you are ready pretty girl. Get some sleep I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight Rain."

The call ends and I let out a breathe I didn't know I was holding. I wrap my arms together around Em sniffing her hair: Her scent washing over me calming me. I've never been a patient person but I will be for her. I finally let sleep take over me.