Lovely Bones {Sequel to Skinny Love}

Meeting Jo

Emma’s POV

“Got it?” I ask Riley, hoping I didn’t have to go over the plan again. I drum my fingers on the top of my dresser, leaning into the side of it.

“Yep. You’ll come over when Jo is over, and you’ll just act like Toby’s friend. Em, are you sure this is a good idea?” Riley wonders aloud. I groan in frustration through the phone.

“Why does everyone keep asking me this? I’ll be fine.”

“You know we’re just worried about you. We care for you.” Riley responds. I knew they did, but sometimes it was overbearing, overwhelming. Yes, it felt nice to have so many people love me and want to take care of me, but it also got annoying. It stresses me out.

“I know. Text me when she’s there?” I say, wanting to end this conversation on how they just wanted to help and protect me. Well, I don’t need protection.

“Yeah.” With that, I hang up. I didn’t want to hear more about how this wasn’t a good idea. I knew it was going to be hard for me watching them. I knew it was going to be hard for Toby to see me struggling. And I knew it was going to be hard for Riley, worrying I will do something to myself. We all agreed Riley, Toby, Jo, and I would be the only ones in the house. We felt it was better if something happened, that Riley be the only one calming me down and not everyone. Again, it would just stress me out more.

But I was sure nothing was going to happen. Jo couldn’t be that bad. Riley and Toby had been preparing me all week. They had been telling me her favorite color, food, and what she hated in a person. I felt like I knew everything about her. Whether that was a good thing or bad thing, I wasn't sure of. It was like she was this figment of my imagination, like she isn't actually a real person. Yes, I saw her briefly when I came back, but I wasn't really focused on what she looked like. The shock wouldn't allow me to remember details from the day.

I wasn’t going to change myself so I can get along with her. I only have to be around her for a little while.

After two episodes of The Vampire Diaries (Damon looking sexy as ever. I swear he is the only thirty year old that I find attractive), Riley texts. Jo had just arrived. I took my time turning off the TV, and slipping on my converse. It couldn’t look planned.

I strolled to the McDonough’s, taking the long way through the park. It was warm in Orlando, but not so warm that you were sweating. There was a light breeze, and I could wear a three-quarter sleeve shirt if I covered my scars in makeup.

By the time I got to the house, it was about an hour after Jo had arrived. Riley answered the door, his shoulders held up right, and his smile showed relief.  I cock my head to the side with a light chuckle.

“Happy to see me?” I ask, though I figure I already knew the answer. With a swift nod of the head from Riley, I knew I was correct. He turned so I could get inside. The beauty of their house still amazed me.