Finally Safe

Chapter 6

Emily: •Hey short-stack, we still on for lunch ;)

I quickly text back a reply and start heading for a cute little Greek restaurant a few blocks away. I arrive before Emily and am seated. While I'm waiting my mind wanders to Jase and I'm thinking about his perfect smile, and the way his kiss made my cheek burn. I'm so caught up in my thoughts I don't notice Emily arrive and sit down.

"HELLOO, earth to Char!!" she's waving her hand in front of my face and I jump. I can feel my cheeks heat from my embarrassment, and I push thoughts of Jase aside.

"Sorry, sorry, lets order drinks," she gives me a look and calls the waiter over. I don't say or make eye contact with him, and Emily knowingly orders for me. After he leaves she focuses on me and a huge smile appears on her face.

"So what had you all completely zoned out, were you thinking about a certain someone...maybe your roommates brother," a sly smile appears on her face while I feel mine become even more inflamed. Busted.

"What the hell are you talking about no I was not," I lie there is no way I would admit it. She literally sits there and laughs at me.

"Babe you can not lie to save your life. I can tell it was him, the room had so much sexual tension you could cut it with a knife. You are completely into him so spill the beans," sometimes I really hate her for knowing me so well. I flip her off, yes very classy and mature of me, but I decide I should tell her because I'm literally confused out of my mind.

"I just... it's weird and different with him. I mean you saw how I was after it happened, I wasn't able to go two seconds without a panic attack. But he just makes it easy and I don't even realize we are talking, touching, or making eye contact..." I trail off not even positive how I should explain it.

She gives me a look of sympathy, "I'm not really sure why that is but maybe it's a good thing." I'm puzzled and ask her why that is.

"Well, maybe hanging out with him will help you get used to it and help you see that not all guys are like that..." I think about what she said for a minute and it does seem like a good point.

"He asked me out, like on a date..." I nervously start twirling my hair. I look at Emily and see her eyes wide and mouth wide open. "Are you trying to catch flies like that," I tease trying to lighten up this conversation. She snaps out of it and starts squealing.

"Oh my god, it's my Shortys first "official" date!!!" she stands up and awkwardly tries to hug me over the table. I look around and people are staring at us...

"Well it might not actually happen... We're only going out if he wins the football game Friday," I explain, she pulls away to give me a worried look.

"Do you think you'll be okay going to a football game, those people can get pretty crazy," I'm sort of doubting my decision now I know she's right but I really want to go.

"I just want to feel like a normal college student once in my life. I want to move on from the past." she nods her head and changes the subject for me. After lunch I hug her goodbye, she's leaving tomorrow before the game. I wave to her and head towards my car when my phone buzzes with a new text message. I secretly hope it's Jase, but as soon as I see the caller ID I know it's trouble.

Unknown#: •Do you really just think you can run away, you'll get what's coming to you

I get in my car and head back to the house, no one is home and that actually makes me happy. I go in my room, lock the door, turn on the shower and cry. I cry for the girl who made one mistake that ruined her life.