I Don't Like You [[Short Story/COMPLETED]]

What is this feeling?

Emily and Justin spent the weekend working on the project together. After the party, Emily hadn't talked to her boyfriend or much to her friends. She had a new bond with Justin that was too strong to deny. It was easy to determine that Justin was sweet and caring and that he really appreciated her in every light. That especially showed when he revealed his big idea for the project when they came together to his house to work. It was simple and sweet. Love. Love was what life meant to Justin. The proclamation was just so sweet Emily didn't have words. Especially after he asked to paint her for the project. He hadn't said it, but that easily meant he loved her.

Emily was blushing and she couldn't pick an emotion. She was feeling so many things all at once. "You want to paint me?"

Once Justin realized he had just proclaimed he loved Emily he blushed instinctively.

They sat together on Justin's bed, his room spacious. Artistic values decorated and highlighted the room, making it unique, most of it Justin's own work. Old paintings, drawing and large sketches. Paint buckets hidden in the open and plenty of cups stuffed with brushes. Art tools littering more than a few surfaces making the room look like a studio. It was beautiful and just by looking at the amazing art, Emily was quite happy Justin wanted to paint her.

"I-I uhm...was that too far?" Justin stated awkwardly, putting his hands in his large white hoodie pockets.

Emily was quick to tell him otherwise. "No! It's just...that's really cute. I think it's a perfect idea." She smiled at him, completely genuine.

They both felt awkward but there was something in the air. It felt like a friendship was nestled in their new relationship. They started to fully accept each other in the quietness of their alone time. Justin was as happy as ever Emily had accepted his proposal, and offered for Emily to choose the colors of the painting. Emily wanted to be wearing a red dress, and hold a bouquet of wild white flowers. She laughed as Justin took notes.

They stayed together as much as they could over the weekend, Justin working on the painting and Emily watching in awe, keeping him lots of new company. When Sunday was over and Monday came, the full force of Emily's thoughts came back to her. What were her friends going to be thinking? What was her boyfriend going to be thinking? She hadn't texting him at all, and she didn't really want to. Over the weekend, she realized she didn't love him at all. Travis and her didn't have much in common, or anything in common, and they just dated for show. With Justin, she felt loved for just being herself, and she easily loved Justin for being himself. It was unclear if she was in love with him, but she did like him. She liked him a whole lot.

...

When Emily went to school she went early, gratefully avoiding her boyfriend and a few more students. She didn't know what she would do if she were confronted by them. When she reached the classroom, she was happy to see Justin in the back. He was sketching in his notebook but looked up and smiled at Emily when she came in. It was so warm and welcoming Emily smiled back. It was a little weird and new compared to last week, but things should be even now since she kissed him after all.

When more students started flooding in, Lauren and Yina practically lunged at her. Lauren was the first to speak, "EMILY, what the hell? Why haven't you been answering your phone? Travis is worrying everyone sick about why you won't talk to him."

Emily could care less about him. "I just don't want to talk to him okay?"

Yina butted in, "What are you talking about!? He's your boyfriend. Are you mad at him or something?"

"I just don't think we're compatible anymore."

Both girls shrieked in shock and left their mouths hanging wide agape. What Emily was saying was complete crazy talk. Travis was quarterback on the football team, totally hot, and the most popular guy in school. Any girl would fawn all over him.