HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS

Chapter 15 : Morning Reflections.

Emma's POV :

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow in my room. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, still replaying the events of the previous night in my mind. The party had started out so perfectly—laughter, dancing, and the thrill of being with Jax. But everything had shifted when Sophie's careless words had cut deep.

I rolled over and glanced at my phone. I had a message from Olivia checking in on me, but I ignored it. I wasn't ready to talk about what happened. I didn't want to relive the moment I felt the warmth of Jax's hand in mine, followed by the chill of betrayal from someone I had hoped would become a friend , a sister. Instead, I wanted to curl up under the blankets and forget it all.

A soft knock at the door startled me from my thoughts. "Emma?" my mom called, her voice tentative. "Can I come in?"

"Yeah, sure," I replied, trying to mask the heaviness in my voice.

She opened the door and stepped inside, a concerned expression on her face. "I wanted to check on you. I heard there was some drama at the party last night. Is everything okay?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to put my feelings into words. My mom had been different since marrying Sophie's dad. She was happy, but I often felt like I was no longer the priority in her life. "Yeah, everything's fine," I said, keeping my tone neutral. "Just... the usual high school stuff."

"Emma," she said, her voice softening. "I can tell something's bothering you. I know I haven't been around much, and I'm sorry. But if you want to talk, I'm here for you."

I took a deep breath, the weight of my emotions bubbling to the surface. "It's just hard, Mom. I feel like I'm always the outsider. Like I'm in a competition for your attention with Sophie. And last night, when she made that comment about you choosing her over me... it felt like my worst fears came true."

Her expression shifted to one of concern. "I didn't realize you felt that way. I never meant to make you feel left out or forgotten. This new marriage has been a big change for all of us."

"Yeah, it has," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I feel like you've bonded with Sophie while I've been left behind. I miss the way things used to be. I miss being your priority."

My mom sat down on the edge of my bed, her eyes softening. "Emma, you will always be my first daughter. Just because I'm trying to make this new family work doesn't mean I love you any less. It's just... different now. I'm trying to navigate this too."

"Different?" I echoed, the bitterness creeping into my voice. "It feels like you've forgotten about me completely. I came here to start fresh, but I feel more alone than ever."

Her gaze dropped to her hands, and I could see the regret etched on her face. "I'm sorry if I've made you feel that way. I want you to know that I'm proud of you for being brave and trying to fit in. It's not easy for anyone, especially with everything that's changed."

"Mom, I appreciate that, but it's hard to see you and Sophie laughing and getting along when I feel like I'm still figuring everything out. I want to be close to you, but I don't know how."

She took my hand, squeezing it gently. "Let's work on that together. I want to understand what you're going through, and I want to be there for you. Maybe we can have a girls' day soon—just you and me."

I nodded slowly, feeling a glimmer of hope. "I'd like that."

As we sat there, I realized that despite the turmoil of the past few weeks, my mom genuinely cared about my feelings. Maybe I had been too quick to push her away. It wouldn't be easy to navigate this new life with Sophie, but maybe I could find a way to make it work.

"Thanks for listening, Mom," I said, a small smile breaking through my earlier frustration.

"Always," she replied, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "And if you ever need to talk about anything—school, friends, or even Jax—I'm here."

My heart warmed at the mention of Jax. "Jax is great. He makes me feel seen, like I'm more than just 'Emma, the new girl.'"

She smiled knowingly, a hint of motherly pride in her eyes. "That's wonderful to hear. Just remember to be open with him too. Communication is important in any relationship."

I sighed, knowing she was right. "I will. I just wish it didn't feel so complicated sometimes."

"It will get easier, I promise," she said, getting up from the bed. "I have to run a few errands, but let's plan our day soon, okay?"

"Okay," I replied, feeling lighter as she left the room.

As the door closed behind her, I took a moment to collect my thoughts. I could choose to dwell on last night's drama, or I could focus on what really mattered—building relationships, healing, and finding my place in this new chapter of my life.

With a newfound resolve, I picked up my phone and typed a quick message to Olivia, ready to let my friends in and embrace whatever came next. Life in Ridgeview wasn't going to be perfect, but with Jax by my side and my mom willing to try, maybe it could be something beautiful after all.