Lovely Bones {Sequel to Skinny Love}

Dancing Away The Troubles

Emma’s POV

“I’m glad we’re doing this.” I grin across the table at Alex who is chugging his water. My eyebrows furrow together, and I erupt in laughter. “I honestly thought you would like it!” I defend myself.

“Well you were wrong.” He says, finishing off his water bottle. He places his on the coffee table that we currently have our feet plopped onto. Next to me, Carly plays candy crush on her phone, yelling when she fails. The movie in front of this six of us is abandoned as we make fun of Alex’s face when he took a drink of coffee.

“It’s not that bad.” Wes says from across the room. Avery leans her back on his legs as she sits on the floor in front of him.

“It’s terrible. I don’t know how you guys drink that stuff.” He complains. I roll my eyes and pinch his cheeks.

“Maybe your taste buds just haven’t matured yet. It’s okay, little boy.” Alex swats my hands away from his face, playfully glaring at me.

“Says the only girl in this room who isn’t sixteen.”

“My birthday is only a few months away!” I exclaim.

“Em, I’m almost a year older than you.” I glare, and hit one of his broad shoulders.

“Well it’s not my fault my parents decided to start later than yours.” I say. “But just remember, I’m smarter than you.” Alex rolls his eyes, and swipe a piece of hair out of his eyes.

“Yeah, yeah.” I look over at Zak, who was sleeping on the chair to the left of me. I look over to Carly, noticing she had given up on the addicting game.

“Would you be mad if I played a little prank on your boyfriend?” I ask.

“Mad? I’ll help!”

Fifteen minutes later, Zak had miraculously grown the facial hair he had wanted since we were little, with the little help of a sharpie.

“I’m glad you’re out of your funk.” Alex whispers beside me. I look around making sure no one else heard his comment.

“I wasn’t in a funk.” I say, avoiding his eye. “Just a little down is all.”

Alex noticed I wasn’t going any further on the subject and, thankfully, let it drop. I turn my attention back to the screen, but could still feel Alex’s gaze on me. Ever since Justin let me go, I think Alex feels as it is his responsibility to protect me—to fill Justin’s shoes.

But I don’t need it. I can do just fine on my own.

*~*~*

“What’s up?” I ask, while Riley leads me into the living room. He plops down onto the couch, pulling me down with him.

“I’m so bored it’s not even funny. My parents went out, Connor went over to Braiden’s, and Toby has locked himself in his room. I haven’t seen him all day.”