The player and the shy girl (ΒΟΟΚ2)

Secrets and Consequences

"I know, Emma, and I'm sorry. I was just so stressed out. Everything happened so fast, so out of control."

I understand what she means, but that's not a reason to keep things from your best friend.

"Mia, we've been through so much together. We've been best friends for years, and you were embarrassed about this? Now, of all times?"

"I know you're right. I should have talked to you, but I already explained."

"Sorry, Mia, but I can't accept this, not from you, not from anyone."
I say as I look away, changing my focus.

I'm tired of being that Emma—the one who always cares about everyone, who always gets hurt. It's so exhausting.

I focus on the lesson for now until the bell rings.

I grab my bag and leave the class, heading to the gym. I sit at one of the tables with my phone.
I don't have anything left to say to anyone.

The door opens, and in walk Austin, Mia, Peter, and Lucas.

"Look who it is—the fantastic four," I say sarcastically, and they all look at me.

"Emma, we explained everything. What more do you want us to say?" Austin says as he looks at me.

"Maybe you should've thought about that before doing all of this.
You know, keeping secrets from your best friend comes with consequences," I reply, watching their reactions.

"Emma, we're all friends. Don't say that," Peter adds, looking at me earnestly.

"Oh, really? Some friends, huh? We play hide-and-seek with secrets now?"
I respond, and they all look at me with regret.

"Emma..." Mia says, looking at me, clearly upset.

I wanted to help her, but when your best friend trusts people she just met and doesn't trust you, it's ridiculous.

Lucas watches me and sighs. He knows me by now—he knows how I'm feeling.
He glances at the others and whispers something before they all leave, except him.

"This upset you more than I expected."

"None of you thought about that, though," I say, avoiding his eyes.

"I did, actually. I suggested telling you, but Peter didn't want to."

"Well, at least he thinks about how I'd actually feel."

"Don't say that. They all care about you, Emma."
As soon as I look at him, my eyes well up with tears.
No, no, Emma, not now...
And just like that, a tear rolls down my cheek.

Lucas notices it, again. He's seeing this side of me—the sensitive Emma.

He comes closer and gently wipes the tear away before pulling me into a hug.
"If I let you get back at me today, will you stop crying?"
He says, and I let out a small laugh.

"Why do you do this?"

"Because I care about you, Emma. I know I messed up, and I don't want to see you like this."

If anyone tells me he hasn't fallen for me after all this, I'll push you off the roof of your house, honestly.

"Forgive them, Emma. They care about you, and I know you care about them too," he says while pulling back to look at me.

I nod, and he smiles.
"That's the Emma I know," he says, and I smile back.

"Shall we go?"

I get up from the table and walk with him toward the door. Just as I reach for the handle, he stops me.

"Wait,"
He says, putting his ear to the door.

"The principal's coming!"
He exclaims, and I look at him with wide eyes.

It's forbidden to be in these rooms unless it's gym class or raining outside.

Lucas grabs my hand, pulling me into a storage room filled with gym equipment.

He stands in front of me, shielding me, and since he's taller, we're close enough that I can smell his cologne.

I start to panic.
"Lucas..."
I whisper, struggling to breathe.

"Emma, what's wrong?"
He asks, looking scared.

"Lucas, I'm claustrophobic,"
I manage to say, just as I'm about to faint.

"Emma, stay with me!"
He says, holding my hand.

"I think I'm going to pass out,"
I tell him as my legs start trembling, and I feel like I'm going to collapse.

"No, Emma, you're not going to faint. LOOK AT ME!"
He says firmly, emphasizing the last words to grab my attention.
I lift my head and look at him.

"Breathe, just focus on your breathing."
He advises, but it's not helping.

I start having a full-blown panic attack, gasping for air.
"Emma, I said look at me!"
Lucas says, and as I meet his eyes, he kisses me, gently cupping my cheeks.

I melt into the kiss, and after a few moments, he pulls away.

"Stop,"
I say, staring at him in shock.

He looks at me and sighs.
"Don't scare me like that again,"
He says, pulling me into another hug.

I can hear his heart racing—it must have really freaked him out.

"I'm sorry,"
I whisper, looking up at him.

"For what?"

"For this whole thing. We wouldn't be stuck in here if I hadn't been so mad."

"Emma, your fear is valid. Don't apologize for that,"
He replies, looking into my eyes.