Stay Close✔️

13: Butting In

Fabulous cover made by @Bound_Banshee

13: Butting In

"Do you think that Erin Walters is really going to ask me out?" Selena asked for the tenth time.

"Selena, anything's possible," I said distractedly as I painted her nails. I had discovered that night that I really had a knack for painting them. Probably because I was so OCD about everything, so I made sure they looked perfect.

The navy blue color she'd chosen was perfect for her, too. It complemented her blue eyes and made her skin look perfect, like a pale porcelain doll. I envied the way she was gorgeous without even trying to be.

She ran the unpainted fingers through her hair and sighed in frustration. "But he's just so... Erin. I'm just me. What if people made up those rumors just to mess with me? The 'it' guy asking me out? So not going to happen."

"In case you hadn't noticed, you're the 'it' girl, Selena," I said. "Besides, a walking, talking toothbrush wouldn't even be hot enough for you anyway. It's just his name that gives him the 'it' reputation."

"I suppose so," she said thoughtfully. I finished her hand and moved on to her next hand. "What time is it?"

"Almost eight," I said.

"I like this whole you living here thing," she said with a grin. "It's like a sleepover, all day every day."

I laughed and shook my head. "It's not exactly my ideal situation, but I'd say it could be fun."

Selena had been extremely considerate in regards to my whole homeless situation. She didn't even bring it up. It was like she had this superpower and knew that I didn't want to talk about it, because she didn't mention it once.

I was so grateful to have a friend like that, when Emmett wouldn't be. He was so curious. Why couldn't he be more like Selena?

Because Emmett is Emmett. Don't pretend he's not amazing and doesn't attract you in everything he does.

I let out a frustrated breath and finished her other hand. She grinned down at her nails and said, "Gorgeous. This color is perfect."

"It is," I agreed.

"That's my superpower," she said proudly. "You want me to do yours?"

"No, thanks," I shrugged. "I don't usually get around to taking it off and the nail polish flakes off. After a few days, my nails look pretty crusty," I explained.

Literally the one time I'd done my nails. I hadn't done it again; they looked nasty.

"Well, you know what?" she asked.

"What?"

"I think we should dress up tomorrow. You know, you ditch that black hoodie you always wear for once and wear something extra cute. I'll wear something close to what you're wearing, considering I usually dress up a little."

I frowned at her indication that my black hoodie was ugly. "I love that hoodie," I stated.

"Of course! It's so cozy and big! But I'm just saying you should wear something else tomorrow," she said innocently. I rolled my eyes.

"I'll have to borrow something of yours," I warned.

She grinned and dashed into her closet. "What's your favorite color?"

"Black," I said flatly.

I faintly heard a scoff and the rustling of hangers. "Fine. I'll choose my favorite color," she huffed. I chuckled and looked in the mirror. My hair hung loosely around because I never really had the money to get it cut.