A Thorn In The Flesh

A Misunderstanding

Nathan's P.O.V

As promised, the suits from the tailor arrived, they were at my doorstep as I got back from school. One look in the mirror and I knew I had not made a mistake taking Zeke's offer. If only my mum were still alive, she would have taken a photo and joked about how fast I'm growing up.

I take a look at the time and smile. It's six and I'm going on a date with Emma. I have everything planned out perfectly, I even got Zeke to lend me his car. I spray some cologne and walk out of my house. My dad has been busy with work. He doesn't get home till midnight sometimes.

The sound of the car as I turn it on feels like music to my ears. While I haven't had a single car in seventeen years. In the three years that I've known Zeke, this is his tenth car. He changes cars like some people change their toothbrushes. He has offered to gift me and Emily his old cars but our parents always say no. Something about some gifts being too expensive to be accepted.

I pick up the bouquet I got and step out of the car as soon as I get to Emma's house. One knock, two knocks, three knocks and then the door is immediately opened.

Emma stands on the other side, a big smile on her face, showcasing her perfect set of white teeth. Her hair is in a style where most of behind abd just a little is in the front, framing her beautiful face and giving her ears room to shine. My gaze drifts to her lips. I've never been as attracted to a girl as I'm attracted to Emma. I could kiss her all day and not get over it.
“You look beautiful” I say, handing her the bouquet, she collects it and her smile widens. She goes in to keep the flowers and soon she is back, joining her hands with mine and letting me lead her to the car.

“The suit suits you perfectly. You're my own handsome gentleman” she stops me from walking and just wraps her hands around me, letting me hug her. We stay like that for a few minutes and then we separate and continue our journey to the movies then to Fred Le Bomb restaurant. The dinner with Emma is perfect, a little too perfect. We finish the meal in time and instead of a stroll, I take her for a little ride before driving to her house.

“I'm worried about your friend” Emma blurts out of nowhere as soon as I stop the car in front of her home

“What friend?”

“Emily. She doesn't like me”

“Don't be silly, she's just taking her time to get to know you”

She places a hand on my chest and I'm forced to look her in the eyes
“Emily said something to me today”

“What did she say?”

“She said that she doesn't like me and will do anything in her power to break us up”

A frown plants itself on my face as I stare at her. I can't even take her seriously.
“Emily would never say that. Enough with the unnecessary joke”

She places a hand on my hand in a rushed manner
“I'm not lying. She said she likes you and should be with you. She said I was wrong for you, so she would help you and get rid of me”

“So you expect me to believe that Emily has a crush on me?”

“It's not a crush, she likes you”

“Stop the jokes. Okay?”

“There's no way, you've never noticed it. Think about it,. don't you think that maybe she doesn't want to bw juat your friend” Emma says seriously. If it wasn't about Emily, I would've believed her but Emily doesn't like me. Emily is like a sister to me and I a brother to her.

“Goodnight” Emma suddenly yells and leaves the car. I watch her leave, unable to go after her because her words still echo in my head.

Why would she lie against Emily?

I reverse and drive out of Emma's drive through and drive home. I'll return the car on my way to school tomorrow which is Thursday.
As I'm driving home. I can't get Emma's words out of my head so I stop at Emily's house. I don't even know what I want to ask her. It's plain dumb to think that Emily would like me. She doesn't see me in that light. Emma must be going a little crazy.

From where I parked the car, I can see Emily's room light still on which means she's awake. I don't see her father's car anywhere so I knock on the door and she answers in a matter of minutes.

“I thought you were my dad” she says sounding a little disappointed

I shrug her words off and let out a little chuckle
“And here I thought, you'd be happy to see me”

She lets out a little smile but it doesn't reach her eyes, it's almost as if she is faking it.
“Pardon my manners. Come in but you can't stay long. My dad would be back soon and you know how he is about having boys over, even if it's you or Zeke”

I nod and walk into her living room. Turning my back to make sure her dad is driving in behind me. I don't know what he is so worried about. Zeke and I are basically Emily's only friends. Not letting us in means not letting anyone in.

She sits on the couch and I follow suit
“I need to tell you something Nate” she lets out after a second of silence

“I’m listening”

Her eyes look away from mine and she starts biting her nails.
“Well it's about Emma” she begins to say
“That day at the movies. I saw her with her college boyfriend and they kissed” 

My eyebrows furrow in confusion at her words. I know Emily would never lie but Emma had said…. No there's no way Emma would be right about Emily trying to sabotage my relationship. 

“She said she was babysitting” I manage to say after I realize I've been silent for too long.

She moves closer to me and this time she doesn't look away. She lets me see her eyes cause then I'll know she isn't lying
“I know what I saw. I've been keeping it from you because I knew it would shatter you”

If she isn't lying, then could Emma be lying? No it's probably just a misunderstanding. Maybe Emily doesn't know what she saw. And Emma is just misunderstanding Emily's friendship.
“I should go” I stand to my feet bug Emily quickly holds my hand causing me to stop in my movement.

“Nathan. I'm sorry, I know you think you love her but…”

“I do love her” I peel her hand off mine and walk out the door. I hear her calling me from behind but I don't answer and just drive away.