I stood there, fists clenched, watching Emery's retreating figure. My mind raced with a mix of anger and bewilderment. Why did he always have to make things so complicated?
Just as I was about to turn and leave, Hana appeared by my side, concern etched on her face. "What happened? I saw Emery storm off."
I sighed, shaking my head. "He's being impossible. One minute he's all over me, the next he's acting like I'm the problem"
"Why don't you just forget about him for tonight, okay? We can deal with this BS another time. C'mon, let's go," Hana said, handing me another cup before walking away.
I stared at the cup for a moment, feeling the weight of the situation. Then, with a surge of determination, I crushed the cup and tossed it into the bin. I walked straight ahead, scanning the crowd for Emery. If we were going to talk, it had to be now.
Pushing through the throngs of people, I finally spotted him in the corner, chatting with a group. Without hesitation, I marched up to him.
"Emery, we need to talk. Now," I said, my voice cutting through the noise.
He looked up, startled, but then his expression hardened. "Not now, Lia. This isn't the time or place."
I glared at him, frustration boiling over. "Why not? You can't keep running away every time things get tough. We need to sort this out."
He sighed, shaking his head. "I'm not doing this here. Just drop it."
"Why are you being such an ass? One minute you're cold and distant, the next you're acting all concerned. What's your deal?" I pressed, refusing to back down.
Emery's eyes flashed with irritation. "Because it's complicated, okay? I don't owe you an explanation right now."
I stared at him, disbelief mixing with anger. "Fine. Be that way. But don't expect me to stick around waiting for you to figure things out."
He didn't respond, just turned back to his group, effectively shutting me out. I walked away, my emotions a mix of hurt and rage, knowing this conversation was far from over.
Tears streamed down my face as I stormed out of Jack's house. Screw this night-I was done. Realizing I had no ride, I kicked off my heels and started walking. I might call my dad later, but for now, I needed this dramatic exit. Let me have my moment.
Well, as fate would have it, I didn't call my dad. My legs were killing me, and to top it all off, I lost my phone. Could this night get any worse? Talk about being unlucky.
The last time I glanced at the time, it was like, what, 9:30? And now it feels like a century ago. I'm not technically stranded, but let's be real-surrounded by houses and noisy kids, but miles away from home feels like a special kind of hell. This night just keeps hitting new lows.
Sitting by the side of the road, I feel a wave of hopelessness wash over me. I could have mustered the courage to ask someone for their phone earlier, but now it's way too late for that. I'm not about to call my parents now-it's been too long since I got back to Orlando, and I'm not about to get grounded for two weeks over this.
Just when I thought my night couldn't sink any lower, I heard the unmistakable rumble of a motorcycle pulling up nearby. Great, I thought, now I'm about to get scooped up by some biker gang. But honestly, I was too tired to even put up a fight.
"Lily?" The voice cut through my misery, making me snap my head up-well, as much as I could with my mascara turning me into a raccoon.
"Fuck off, Emery," I grumble, my voice raspy from tears. I sense him bending down next to me.
"Have you been crying?" Emery's voice is filled with concern.
"Oh, what gave it away? The mascara streaks or the puffy eyes?" I quip, my sarcasm oozing out.
"Well, I'd say it's a tie between the raccoon eyes and the overall aura of despair," Emery retorts, his tone matching mine.
"Emery, if you're going to be rude to me, kindly show yourself out," I say, a sigh escaping my lips."And how do you plan on getting home?" Emery asks, his tone slightly softer now.
Ignoring his question, I look away, feeling a mix of frustration and disappointment."Idk, I'll just walk," I reply tersely, still feeling annoyed.
'I'm not letting you do that especially with those sprained legs' he says but I don't respond giving him silence.
He sat beside me, his gaze drifting up to the sky. "Remember when we used to write that blog, 'The Stars We Saw Tonight'?" Emery reminisces, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
"Yeah," I reply softly, memories flooding back. "Those were simpler times."
Emery nods, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, they were."
For a moment, we both sit in silence, lost in our own thoughts as the night envelops us.
