The skinny girl

Chapter: 9

As Emma, Noah, and Ethan walked, a thick silence hung in the air. The fair buzzed around them, but all she could think about was the tension between the two boys. Suddenly, they passed an ice cream stand.

"Hey, Emma, do you want ice cream?" Noah asked, his eyes lighting up.

"I..." Emma started, but Ethan cut her off.

"I'm her boyfriend, not you. I should be the one buying for her," Ethan said, his voice firm.

"No way! I should buy her ice cream!" Noah shot back, crossing his arms defiantly.

"Guys, can you stop? I don't want anyone to buy me ice cream. I can get it myself," Emma said, frustration bubbling up as she turned and walked toward the ice cream seller.

"Hi! Can I have three ice creams, please?" she asked, trying to shake off the awkwardness.

"Sure!" the seller replied, handing her the cones. "Here you go!"

"Thanks," Emma said, reaching for her wallet.

"That'll be $60.45," the seller said.

"Okay," Emma said, pulling out the cash, her mind racing with thoughts of the boys.

_____

Then the mood shifted sharply. Ethan's voice dropped, filled with menace. "If you don't want to regret this, stop meeting her," he warned Noah, glaring.

Noah laughed, a cocky grin on his face. "You're such a loser. Do you really think she could ever love you?"

"Shut up," Ethan growled, stepping closer, fists clenched.

"Make me," Noah taunted, not backing down.

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "You know she can't like you, so you better watch your move."

"Let's see about that," Noah replied, confidence oozing from him.

"What do you mean?" Ethan shot back, confusion creeping in.

"If she kisses you within three days, I won't bother you two anymore," Noah proposed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Deal," Ethan said, shaking Noah's hand, determination in his voice.

"Deal," Noah echoed, sealing their ridiculous agreement.

______

Emma approached ice creams in hand. "Here's your ice cream," she said, handing Ethan his cone. "And here's yours, Noah."

"Thanks, babe," Ethan said, a grin spreading across his face.

Emma licked her ice cream but froze at his words. 

"Babe?" she thought, her heart racing. 

What did he just call me?

"What?" she asked, turning to Ethan, confusion swirling inside her.

"You heard it. Want me to say it again?" Ethan teased, his smile playful but sincere.

"No, she doesn't want to," Noah interjected, jealousy dripping from his words.

"Who asked you? It's her choice," Ethan shot back, still grinning.

"I think I should go," Emma said suddenly, feeling overwhelmed. She didn't want to be caught in their rivalry.

"Wait!" Noah called, rushing after her. "Is everything okay? Are you mad at him?" His concern was genuine, eyes searching hers.

Emma stayed silent, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions.