It Started With Hello

Chap. 115

"Hey, thanks for the help back there," Emma said to Reina as she packed her backpack. Class had just ended, and everyone was packing up, ready to go to their next classes or to lunch.
Reina slung her backpack over her shoulder as they began walking out of the classroom together. "Hey, it's no problem. Heather was just being a bitch, as if she's ever paid attention in any of her classes."

Emma gave a slight laugh, but it instantly stopped when her eyes met Heather's from down the busy corridor. She didn't think Heather had heard Reina's comment from this far away, so why was she staring at them so intensely?

Reina began talking again, drawing her attention away from Heather. "She's been incredibly annoying since she became the new queen B... Now I know how you used to feel."

Emma laughed before turning her head to look back, but Heather was now gone. Reina stopped walking in front of her locker. Emma opened up her own locker, putting her backpack inside. "Exactly. If it makes you feel better, you're a much better person now. Your daughter would be proud."

Reina smiled while putting her own backpack in her locker. She patted her stomach softly, and Emma looked down, noticing the small bump. "Thank you, Emma. I can't wait to see what she'll become, hopefully a better person than me."

They both closed their lockers and headed toward the cafeteria. Stopping in the doorway, Emma turned toward her. "Hey, do you want to eat lunch with me and Blake today?" Reina's eyes widened. Emma felt like it was time to forgive her. She wanted to extend a bridge, maybe they could build that friendship they once had back again.

Reina hesitated for a moment, looking into the cafeteria toward where Blake was sitting, leaning back in his chair listening to music. "Oh, um, I don't know if Blake would like that. And I understand after the way I treated you." She looked down, picking at her nails.
Emma put a hand on her arm. "I forgive you, Reina. Stop beating yourself up over it. I'm not sure if he'll forgive you as easily as me, but I forgive you."

Reina began to cry right there on the spot, covering her face with both hands. It left Emma surprised before she pulled her into a tight hug. "I thought you would never forgive me," she cried into Emma's shoulder, holding her tightly, her whole body shaking. People watched them as they walked past into the cafeteria. Emma rocked them side to side, trying to calm her down. All this made Emma realize Reina really had a hard life. Not everyone could have gone through all she had. It was admirable for her to want to turn her life around despite everything.

They pulled apart, and Reina wiped her eyes "Let's go get our food, and when we get to the table, I'll do the talking," Emma said gently. Reina nodded with a small smile as they began walking toward the lunch line.

****

To say that lunch was awkward at first was an understatement. Blake didn't understand why Emma was letting Reina sit with them after how she had treated her and her friends. He didn't believe the whole "born again good person" thing. He stayed quiet most of lunch but added a few snide comments here and there. Emma and Reina did most of the talking about random little things until the end of lunch.

They stood to throw away their trays. "Hey, do you want to come over to my house after school? My friends and parents are going to be there to help me look over a few college applications. It should be a chill time."

Reina smiled, finally feeling included, like part of the group. She nodded her head. "I actually walked here today," she whispered, throwing her trash away.
Emma threw her own trash away. "That's okay. You can ride with me and Blake. Give me your phone; I'll put my new number in." Blake rolled his eyes as Reina took out her phone and passed it to Emma. Emma quickly typed in her number just as the bell rang.