The late afternoon sun slanted through the kitchen window, casting a warm, golden glow over the college brochures scattered across the table. The air was filled with the low murmur of conversation and the lingering scent of her mom's fresh-baked cookies.
"I think UCLA would be your style," Kandy said, pointing at the brochure for the University of California, Los Angeles.
There were so many colleges that wanted Emma to join next year; the sheer number of glossy pamphlets and folders was overwhelming. Her mother couldn't stop mentioning that all those extracurriculars really did come in handy. Honestly, Emma knew colleges would want her, but she wasn't expecting this. The table was literally covered.
Whitney shook her head, her finger tracing the glossy page. "Nah, that's not Emma's style. It would be way too hectic for her there." Kandy shrugged before nodding in agreement. Emma's eyes rested on the brochure, a pang of defensiveness hitting her.
Blake watched her closely from the sidelines. Sure, it was a big university and far away, but it was also a place she had actually considered. She always thought her dream was to be a simple history teacher, but with all these options, maybe she could be so much more. Maybe Whitney was right, though; maybe it was too different, too far out of her depth. Her friends didn't seem to notice her drifting mind and continued to talk around her.
She finally snapped out of it, looking away just as Claire smiled, sliding another brochure in front of her. "I still think going to the University of Seoul would be a vibe." Niki laughed, turning toward Emma with a grin. "Do you even speak Korean?"
Emma nodded shyly. She had been a bit of an overachiever in middle school, taking foreign language classes where she learned Korean, Spanish, and German. She didn't really retain any of the languages anymore, having only applied to the school in the first place just to see if she would be able to get in. "I took a class a long time ago. I basically don't remember anything." She slid the paper back to Claire.
Claire pouted, sliding the paper into the "no" pile. "I could help you brush up. Think it over, Em." Emma shook her head. Seoul was definitely a no in her mind. That was way too far away. She didn't want to go somewhere too far away.
"Way too far away," Blake said, nodding from across the table while absently twisting the rings on his fingers. He seemed okay with the idea of her going away for college; he hadn't really made any comments against it. A possible long-distance relationship might be in the cards for them, but she had a feeling they could work it out no matter the distance. She didn't know what his plans were, but they would have to talk about it at some point.
"I agree!" her mother yelled from the living room, making Emma look back. Her mother was peering over the back of the couch, her eyes fixed on the TV.
Her father gently tapped her shoulder, a silent signal to sit back and let them have their privacy. Emma appreciated her parents giving her the opportunity to choose her own path, something she didn't think was possible just a year ago. So much had changed, to the point where one of her biggest enemies had finally become her friend again.
Speaking of Reina, Emma couldn't help but wonder where she was. Reina had sent her that text when school ended saying she would see her soon, but over an hour had passed. Emma glanced at the clock on the microwave, assuming Reina just got busy with something.
"I still think the college Whitney and Claire go to is a great option," Emma said, looking up to see Niki holding out the folder for the University of Miller Creek. She took it and opened it, her eyes scanning over the classes and the happy, smiling students on the front.
"My friend said they do have a great Historical Studies program," Whitney said with a smile. It sounded like a great option to Emma. She would be close to her family, her friends, and Blake. Maybe this was the best option.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the background noise of the news. "Hey, Emma, isn't that young girl who was tutoring you in math?" Her father called from the living room.
Emma looked back, confused, before standing up and walking into the living room behind the couch. Her father turned up the volume. It was their school's junior on the screen.
"Is that... Mr. Fletcher?" Blake questioned, standing up from the kitchen table and stepping behind her. The girls looked at each other, their confusion now turning to concern.
"I was doing my rounds like I do every night before locking up the building for the night. I'll never unsee what I saw here tonight in that shed behind me. It's saddening and to such a young girl as well..."
Mr. Fletcher wiped tears from his eyes. The school's storage shed was visible in the background, dimly lit by police lights. The camera cut back to the newsroom, where the anchor wore a grave expression.
"It comes as shocking news that the body of a young girl was reported dead this evening inside the storage shed at Miller Creek High School. We are unable to give the identity of the young female at this moment, but we can inform you that she was pregnant at the time of death. It's with a heavy heart that I must report unfortunately the police were unable to find the body in time to save the unborn baby's life. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this young woman. We'll give you more information as it comes. But on to lighter news, baby panda Bobo was born at the local zoo today..."
The news anchor continued with a bright smile, as if moments earlier he hadn't been reporting on a murder. The jarring contrast sent a shiver through Emma. A high-pitched ringing filled her ears, drowning out all other sound. This couldn't be happening. Reina... no. She was about to turn her life around for the better. She was changing; they were going to be friends again. Everything was going to be okay again.
"Reina..." Emma whispered, the name a fragile, broken sound in the sudden silence. Blake put a hand on her shoulder as her body began to shake uncontrollably. Her father muted the TV as both her parents turned in their seats to face her.
"I'm so sorry, dear..." her mother whispered. But Emma's eyes were glued to the silent screen, unable to believe this happened. Just a few hours ago, they were laughing and bonding. Just a few hours ago, Reina was talking about her future plans, hopes, and dreams. Just a few hours ago... Reina was living and breathing. Now... she was dead.
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...
