Emerson's POV
ONE MONTH LATER - HALLOWEEN
As I got ready for the day, I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation. Tonight, Ellie had decided we were all going to a haunted house, and I was hoping to reconnect with Dakota.
The past month had felt like a slow drift, and I wanted to pull him back to the surface.
After a quick breakfast, I met up with Savannah at our favorite coffee shop. The bustling, decorated with pumpkins and fake cobwebs, perfectly capturing the Halloween spirit.
"So, what's the plan for tonight? Are you excited for the haunted house?" Savannah asked.
I nodded, stirring my pumpkin spice latte, a smile creeping onto my face. "Yeah, I think it'll be fun. I just hope Dakota is in the mood. He's been...distant as usual."
Her expression turned serious, "Have you talked to him about it?"
I shook my head, feeling a mixture of frustration and sadness. "I've tried, but every time I reach out, it's like he builds these walls. I just want him to open up."
"You know he cares about you. Just give it a little more time. Maybe tonight will help break the ice."
I took a sip of my latte, hoping she was right.
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As we started to move toward the haunted house, I took a moment to fall back and talk to Dakota.
"Hey, you ready for this?"
He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "Yeah, I guess so."
I felt a familiar pang of disappointment. "You know, it'll be fun! Just a bunch of spooky decorations and jump scares. Plus, we're all in it together!"
He shrugged, a flicker of something - maybe interest - crossing his face, but it disappeared just as quickly. "Sure, whatever you say."
I tried to hide my frustration as we approached the haunted house entrance. I wanted him to share in the excitement, but all I felt was the growing distance.
As we entered the queue, the atmosphere became charged with anticipation. The spooky music and decorations surrounded us.
"Let's make a pact! No one gets left behind in there!" Ellie exclaimed.
We all nodded in agreement, but I could feel my gaze drifting back to Dakota.
"This place is supposed to be terrifying!" chimed in Sophia.
As we entered the haunted house, the darkness enveloped us. The sound of creaking wood and eerie whispers set the tone, and I clutched Ellie's arm tightly.
"This is going to be so much fun!" I said eagerly.
Ellie smiled at me. I could feel Dakota trailing behind, his energy feeling muted.
The first jump scare came quickly, a masked figure leaping out from behind a door, and I screamed, instinctively pulling Ellie closer.
YOU ARE READING
The Rude Awakening of Love
RomanceEmerson and Dakota were randomly assigned to live together in a small college apartment. From the moment they met, there was an instant clash of personalities. Emerson was organized and meticulous, while Dakota was care free and laid back. Their dif...
