A Thing Called Love

A Ride With EJ

POV JULIETTE

I isolated myself in Ashlyn's bathroom, crying silently a little bit and trying to calm down, and then got Nini's support. She's a very cool friend.

After the whole thing with Gina's moving away again and Ricky snapping out on us and walking away, Ashlyn cancelled the girls' night, because, of course, it killed the vibe.

I'm sitting on the stairs, with my backpack on my arms, still depressed by the big changes today. This and the whole masking thing. I know it's harmful for me, but I just can't just stop doing it. If they saw the real me, I don't think they would like what they would see.

Everyone already walked home, except for me, Nini, EJ and Big Red.

- Do you need me to walk you home?

- Thanks, Nini, but no. I can walk alone.

- Okay. Take care of yourself, right?

I smile and she hugs me again.

- Good night, Ju.

- Good night, Nini.

Then, with her red backpack, she goes away.

Actually, I don't know if I can walk home alone. I'm not totally used to walk at night, because, I'm too anxious and insecure. The news say it by themselves.

I sigh deeply and rest my head on my knees, very tired.

- Hey. - a male confident voice says. I instantly recognize that's EJ.

- Hey. - I say, faking a smile.

- It... Falled apart pretty quickly, right?

- Yes... - my voice is tired too, almost like a whisper.

- You're not feeling good, right?

- You got it right. But it's going to be fine. It's just I go home.

- Look... I know that we aren't friends or anything like that, but... Can I get you a ride home?

I think quickly about it. EJ Caswell and I had a rocky start, but I guess him giving me a ride home would make us even.

- All right.

- Okay.

I get my backpack and walk with him to his car, but not after I say goodbye to Ash and Big Red, who are on a moment now.

- Hmmm...

- What?

- Your car is pretty fancy for an almost senior student.

- Yes, about that... - he answers, laughing. - ...my dad gave it to me when I was 16 and finally got my driver's license.

- That's a good gift.

- That was a compliment?

- Mm-hmm. - I say, getting on the passenger front seat.

He bops his head to the side, believing on it and gets on the car.

- Where is your house? - he says, clicking on the Google Maps.

- It's right there, next to the... - I say to him my house address and he clicks on the navigation button.

- Wow! It's a few streets next to the East High School!

- Yes. Cool, right?

- Totally!

Then a notification chimes on his phone.

- Just a minute.

- Okay.