Danger Signs // Demi Lovato // 4

24. Honey, I Don't Need New Friends

Friday couldn't have come sooner. We had decided to go to Paige's house after school before heading to class.

Emma was already in the room, reading, and Brie strutted in just after I sat down. She gave me a disgusted look as she started to walk behind me to get to her seat. While she was behind me, she kicked the leg of my chair, causing it to wobble and me to desperately grab onto the table.

I groaned in frustration as she and several other people in the room laughed. Emma gave me a sad look, but it meant nothing since she laughed along.

Maybe I should have switched. Or gotten Demi and Maia to make Stricker move Brie and Emma, I thought waiting for class to start. But it was too late now, with Demi on tour and Maia... doing whatever she was doing.

She had seemed so out of it at dinner the night before, glancing around like she was waiting for something to happen. Whenever I asked a question, or said anything at all, she only seemed like she was half listening. And Jay being there made it even worse because Maia was trying to get to know her better, but something was really bothering her. Jay sent me looks, and all I could do was shrug because I was just as confused as her.

Class started, pulling me from my thoughts, and I took notes, Brie's foot kicking mine every couple of minutes. When class was half over, she began kicking my foot harder, and more frequently. I shot her a death glare and she just smirked. I watched her thigh move and right as she was about to swing her leg, I moved out of the way.

"Shit!" she yelled out, her boot clanging against the metal legs.

Everyone stopped to see what had happened, Brie bent over in pain.

Emma looked shocked, like I'd punched her.

"Is everything alright over there?" Ms. Collins asked.

"Yeah, I think she just got a taste of her own medicine," I said, before Brie could speak up to pin her injury on me. "Could I use the restroom?"

Ms. Collins seemed confused, nodding, and walking back in front of the board. "Okay, turn to page 89, please."

I grabbed my bag, sending a smirk to Brie before I left the room. I went to the closest bathroom, at the end of the hall, going into the largest stall. For a long time after I was done, I just stayed there, waiting for the bell to ring.

Finally, I unlocked the door and went over to wash my hands. I jumped back when I saw someone standing at one of the sinks.

She turned to face me.

"Emma, you scared me to death." I groaned and started washing my hands.

Emma just stood there.

I threw my paper towels away, her still staring. "Okay, what do you want? This is getting creepy."

She smoothed the frizzy baby hairs surrounding her face, then said, "I just feel bad about everything. I'm not expecting you to forgive me, or anyone else, but I just wanted to tell you I'm so sorry about what happened. I wish I would have spoken up, because you were the best friend I ever had but-"

"But you couldn't, cuz you were just trying to save your own ass," I said, crossing my arms. "I get it."

She sighed. "I've known Brie since elementary school. When she told me to do something, I had to listen. She was the first friend I ever had, and after all she did for me, I couldn't turn on her. Not for some new girl."

"Some new girl," I repeated with a scoff and eye roll. "Such a Brie thing to say. Are we done here?" I just wanted this conversation to end, but I had no intention of going back to class.

"Um, no? I heard you're dating that girl... Jayden? I'm really happy you found someone who makes you happy."

"Thanks," I said, emotionlessly. I started to turn towards the door, but Emma reached out and grabbed my arm.

"Wait, there's one more thing I have to tell you." The desperation in her eyes was almost sad.

I stopped and shook her arm off, mine still crossed. "Fine."

"I just feel like I owe you this," she said, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes for a moment. "I know we weren't the best, me, Brie, and Keely, but your new friends aren't much better."

"I don't see how. They actually stick up for me."

She looked hurt, but continued. "I mean, they do things that are dangerous, Rosie. Like, life-threatening."

I furrowed my brow. "Like what? Drag racing in abandoned malls?" I asked sarcastically.

I could visibly see Emma hold back her eye roll. "Please listen to me, okay. I know what I've done, but I wanna make it right and warn you that your new friends... well, you might be better off without them if you value your health. And life."

It finally clicked, or so I thought, and I glanced up at the ceiling before meeting Emma's eyes again. They were glazed over. "Weed doesn't kill," I said.

"That's not what I mean," she said sharply. "I just don't think you want to admit it."

She started to go, but this time I stopped her. I had one question. She looked at me in confusion.

"Admit what?" I asked, seriously.

"That what your friends do, your new girlfriend does, is dangerous. It ruins lives, Rosie. I just... I thought you would know better." With that she pulled her arm away, my hand falling limp to my side as she left. The door banged loudly and I heard the echo in my ears until the bell rang several minutes later.