Behind The Smiles

Chapter 2

Emily's POV:

  The day starts like any other. I roll out of bed, go through my morning routine—shower, breakfast, and the usual half-hearted goodbye to my parents before heading to school with my brother, Ethan. It feels like just another day in my predictable world.

Classes drag on as usual. I'm barely listening, my mind wandering. Eventually, the bell rings, signalling the end of our morning block.  I head to our usual group spot in the garden. The sun filters through the trees, casting a dappled light across the tables and benches.

As I approach, I catch Elijah's voice. He's sitting with Ben and Sam; his friend from third grade. Sam's known Elijah forever, and they've got that easy, almost brotherly bond between them. Normally, hearing them joke around would make me smile, but Elijah's words stopped me in my tracks.

"She just hasn't made any progress," he's saying, his voice frustrated. "I feel like... I don't know, like we're stuck or something."

Ben raises an eyebrow. "Progress? You mean with Emily?"

"Yeah. She's so... I don't know, she's nice and all, but it's like she's never fully in it," Elijah mutters, rubbing the back of his neck.

Sam chuckles, nudging him. "Maybe she's just shy. Not everyone can be Mr. Smooth like you, Elijah. And let's not forget, Em is way better than other girls."

But Elijah doesn't laugh. He looks down, clearly wrestling with his own doubts, plus I can't believe what I'm hearing. I feel like my heart just skipped a beat, and not in a good way. Am I really holding us back? Is that what he thinks of me?

Taking a deep breath, I step forward, clearing my throat so they notice me. Elijah's head snaps up, his expression shifting from frustration to surprise. I didn't mention what I overheard, but the sting of his words hangs in the air. Determined not to let it show, I lean down and give him a quick kiss, then sit beside him, resting my head on his shoulder as if nothing's wrong.

Ben and Sam exchange a quick, puzzled look, clearly noticing my sudden affection. Elijah gives me a small, uncertain smile, his arm slipping around my shoulders. The moment feels awkward like we're trying too hard to be something we're not. But I ignore it, smiling up at him, hoping that somehow this small gesture will be enough to bridge whatever distance he's feeling.

Leah and River arrive shortly after, and we settle in for a quick lunch, chatting and joking. I try to act like everything's fine, but inside, Elijah's words keep echoing in my mind.

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The rest of lunch passes in a blur, my thoughts spinning with questions I don't dare to ask aloud. Why does Elijah think I'm not putting enough effort in? What does he expect from me that I'm not giving? By the time we're all heading back to class, I feel like I'm just going through the motions, barely aware of what's happening around me.

When the final bell rings, we regroup outside. Ben suggests a party happening tonight at his cousin's place, and everyone seems excited. Leah and River are all in, and Elijah and Sam nod, ready for the weekend vibe. But as usual, I'm hesitant. I've never been that comfortable at parties, and I know my parents will need some convincing.

"Come on, Em," River says, giving me a playful nudge. "It'll be fun. You need to let loose a bit."

I force a smile. "Alright, I'll ask my mom. No promises, though."

After some long-winded texting and back-and-forth with my mom, she finally gives in. With a sigh of relief and a tinge of nerves, I start planning what to wear.