Sinking Ships

Chapter 13

***Evan's P.O.V.***

As I closed the bathroom door, my instinct was to press my ear against it. I hoped that I would be able to hear their conversation for the most part, but then I decided, that I should let them have their confidentiality. So I sat on the toilet seat, whipped out my phone and entertained myself. It was clear that they had moved to Emelia's room, but even if I wanted to, I couldn't hear much. It's fair to say that I got bored many times. I studied my face hard in the mirror, and pointed out every flaw. I tried to do some pushups and I tried to do some sit-ups but the tiled floor made it too uncomfortable. At one point I opened the door just to get a gulp of fresh air, because I was suffocating from inhaling my own recycled air from this tiny room.

It wouldn't be my preference to be confined to this bathroom, but if it meant that Chelsea and Emelia could smooth things over, it would be worth it. It was only while I was in the bathroom that it dawned on me that I was a part of the problem. I contemplated walking out to talk things through with them and settle everything, but I stopped myself before I could, knowing I would only make things worse.

But how could I avoid these problems if no one wants to say anything? That was the main problem here. They weren't communicating with each other and for that, I cannot apologize. But then again, asking Emelia on a date probably wouldn't have been the nicest thing to do. I had to talk to Chelsea as well. Because I too was hiding things from her.

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I didn't speak to Emelia or Chelsea again until I saw them in school the next day in homeroom. I still sat in the back of the class, but I was able to spot the pair from my seat. By the looks of it, they didn't seem to talk much. Yikes. I decided that I should intervene. I couldn't stand to see them so separate from each other. We had math first, which didn't really allow me to talk to them. At break, I just couldn't find them, and decided to chill with Jamal. When lunch rolled around, I was able to find Emelia, but Chelsea wasn't in sight.

I walked over to the table outside where Emelia was sitting, surrounded by other friends, people I was not familiar with. Nevertheless, I forced my way in. I greeted everyone, and blended in with the conversation. It was boring though, I can't even lie. They all spoke about things that weren't of any interest at all to me. So I pulled Emelia aside and asked if we could talk.

"I didn't get around to rescheduling the date..." I started off. I felt like it was the wrong time to bring this up, but at that moment, it was the only thing I could think of saying. Emelia looked at me in pity, and I braced myself for some sort of bad news or regret for opening my mouth. As she forced a smile, she said,

"You know I'd love to go out with you," and then she fell silent. I was too worried to even pretend like I wanted to wait to hear what she said. So I jutted in, a but. She sighed, "But I feel like it's going to be too complicated, you know, with what's going on with Chelsea and stuff, especially after yesterday." She trailed off yet again.

"How did it go yesterday by the way? What happened?" I asked, subconsciously trying to change the topic. It wasn't really any of my business, but I felt like I at least should know some part of it.

Emelia looked around hesitantly, and led me away to an inside corridor. It was desolate. There was absolutely no one around, which amazed me. I didn't realize that so many people would've preferred to chill outside. We stood in front of a couple of lockers and she fiddled with the buttons on my shirt. She was wearing her emotions on her sleeve, all without having to say a thing. What did I pick up? She seemed anxious, nervous maybe, but like she was trying to hide it. Finally, she took in a deep breath and exhaled.

"I told her everything last night. Every last thing. It felt like it was too soon though, like I said it at the worst possible time. She started speaking first, told me that she was a complete idiot and freaked out over nothing and that it wasn't anything worth falling out over. And that she forgives me. I could've left it right there, and honestly right now I wished I did. But a part of me knew that it was better I tell her now than later.