Just Us

Chapter 13

Jake

So today has been... odd. But looks like the party is still happening, so that's good. I hope.

As I walked out of school, I saw Gabriel and Frank talking. Hopefully, they don't see me.

As I thought that, I saw Gabriel look up at me, smiling and waving me over. Perfect.

"Hey." I said as I walked up to them.

"Jake. We were actually just talking about you." Fuck.

"Really? Uh, why, what about?"

"Wouldn't you like to know? I actually have to get going. Gabe, Jake. I'll see you both around." He walked off, leaving me alone with-

"Jake? You okay?" I looked over at Gabriel who seemed concerned.

"Yeah. Yeah I'm fine, why?"

"You just look kinda sick. I was gonna ask, if you're free, if you wanted to come with me to a few stores? I have to get a few things for the party tomorrow and I could really use the extra pair of hands. Frank just bailed on me, so..." He looked at me, expectantly.

Oh. Shit, he's asking me to hang out. Like, outside of school hang out. I should answer.

"Yeah. Yes, yes that uh... yeah. I'm free."

"Awesome. Uhh, I was actually gonna head out now, did you need to stop by your house for anything?"

"Uh, no. Nope, I'm good."

"Cool. C'mon, my cars this way."

Emily

"Sorry I can't come over today, I've got some stuff I gotta finish up at home."

"No, really, it's fine. I promise." It's true, I will be fine. But, I really wanted Ryleigh to come over today. Jake's out having the time of his life with his dream boy, I figured I could at least have a friend to help me out. But, I get that she has family stuff.

"Emily? You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay. Uhh... just text me if you need anything. See ya."

She waved as she walked away, heading towards her house. Which leaves me to walk inside mine, alone with my mother. Perfect.

I opened the door and walked inside. not seeing her anywhere. Okay, maybe she's in her room? I could maybe get to mine withou-

"Emily? Jake? Is that you?" Of course.

She walked out from behind the wall to the dining room, papers in hand. She looked over at me and smiled briefly before looking around, probably searching for Jake.

"Where's your brother at?"

"He's out with a friend."

"Oh. Well, I'm glad he's become so friendly lately. Why aren't you out with him?"

"I just... I'm not up for it." I crossed my arms and started heading towards the stairs.

"Emily? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

"You seem upset, what's wrong? You can talk to me sweetie."

"Mom, I'm fine. You don't actually wanna know. It's about Dani."

"Emily..." I ignored her as I kept going up the stairs.

"Mom, don't. Alright? Not today."

Jake

This is pretty fun. Just driving from store to store, buying stuff. I'm surprisingly chill.

"Jake!" I snapped back to reality and saw Gabriel looking at me.

"Sorry. Uh, what did you say?"

"You space out a lot. I was saying, Frank's getting alcohol. What do you drink?" Drinking. I forgot that was a thing people did at parties.

"Uhh... I actually haven't drank before." His eyes nearly fell out of his head when I said that. Is it that strange?

"You're joking. Seriously?" I simply nodded in response.

"Wow. Huh. Alright, that's cool. I swear I'm not gonna pressure you or anything."

"Well, I can try it, right? Like, whatever you drink I guess."

"Yeah. Yeah, it's not nearly as bad as people say it is. Now come on, I think we got everything we need. And I really should be getting back home."

"Really? But it's only..." I pulled out my hone and checked the time. "... it's already six? Holy shit."

"Yeah. Time flies, huh? Anyway, let's go. I can drop you off, or if you want we can still hangout. I can always just take you home later."

"Wha- are you sure? I don't want to bother you later on, it is already pretty late."

"Pretty late? You can't have this attitude if you're gonna be at the party, its only six! And besides, if it gets too late you can just spend the night. It's not like we don't go to the same school." Shit. I should respond. I should say yes. Do I say yes? Would that be weird? No, he's the one that asked me. But, why? Maybe-

"Jake? You don't have to, sorry. I can take you home if you want."

"No!" Stop yelling, dumbass. "I mean, uhh... no, I'll come over." He smiled at me, with a face that clearly had confusion on it.

"Alright, let's go."

Emily

I've spent the last few hours doing absolutely nothing. Did today suck complete ass? Yes. Was I hoping my brother would be here to distract me or something? Yes.

But I can't get that mad at him, he's out with his crush. I gotta be happy for him... but it's just hard. This day... this week has been hell so far. I just want all of this to be over.

"Emily?" You've got to be fucking kidding me. This isn't happening right now. That's not Dani.

"What are you doing here?" I stood up from my bed and looked in her direction. Why was she here?

"Uhh... well..."

"Did Jake tell you to come over? Or was this just your own dumb idea?"

"No, actually it was... your mom."

"If you're gonna make up excuses at least have them be realistic."

"I'm serious! I'm... she did. I kinda thought that maybe... maybe you wanted to talk? I just-"

"I don't. Not today Dani, please just... go. I don't know what she told you, but I don't want you here."

"Em, please just talk to me. Isn't that what you wanted? To talk?"

"What I wanted? You're joking, right? What I wanted was for my girlfriend to not ditch me for her ex. What I wanted was to talk when I was upset and needed to talk. What I wanted was a girlfriend who wouldn't lie to me and her parents about what she's doing. And now what I want, is for you to leave."