The Rude Awakening of Love

15 - A Night Together

TWO WEEKS LATER - FRIDAY NIGHT

EMERSON'S POV

I've been avoiding everyone for the past couple weeks. I have been so caught up in all my thoughts that I wanted to distract myself and focus on school and work.

Sophia and Ellie had invited everyone to their apartment to hang out. 

Dakota and I walked over to their apartment without saying a word to each other. 

As we walked in, we were instantly greeted by Ellie. 

I gave Ellie a hug as Lily glared at me.

Lily quickly took her eyes on me and focused on Dakota, smiling a cheesy grin at him. He gave her a small smile before walking over to Bentley.

I sat down on the couch and shifted nervously as I glanced around the apartment. 

Dakota had reluctantly to agree to join us all for a casual hangout, though tensions were still simmering between us after our recent argument. 

Sophia had orchestrated this gathering in hopes of smoothing things over, but I couldn't shake the awkwardness that hung in the air.

The apartment was cozy, filled with chatter of friends coming together.

Sophia was busy in the kitchen, prepping snacks, while Ellie, Bentley, and Dakota stood near the counter, engaged in an animated discussion about a recent movie they had watched.

Lily had gone back to her room to finish getting ready for the night. 

Sophia emerged from the kitchen with a plate of freshly baked cookies, placing them on the coffee table with a warm smile. "Alright, everyone, grab some cookies!" she announced cheerfully.

"Let's make this a fun night" Ellie, always the social butterfly, nudged Bentley playfully.

Dakota sat down on the opposite end of the couch from me. 

I glanced at him, but quickly looked away when he looked towards me. 

Savannah and Cole arrived a few minutes later.

"Hey, Savannah, Cole! Glad you could make it!" Ellie exclaimed, waving enthusiastically from her seat. 

I felt a surge of relief seeing Savannah and Cole. Their presence added a sense of comfort and familiarity to the gathering, easing the residual tension from earlier. 

"Scoot over" Savannah said as her and Cole walked over to the couch.

I moved over to make room for them, now inches away from Dakota. 

"So, when are you going to tell us about your latest adventure, Bentley?" Sophia teased, giving him a knowing look.

Bentley chuckled, shaking his head. "It's not that exciting, really," he replied modestly, glancing at me briefly. "Just a hiking trip with some friends."

I nodded, trying to focus on the conversation rather than Dakota's hand brushing against my leg.

I grabbed a cookie from the plate and nibbled on it, feeling Dakota's eyes on me but resisting the urge to look back.