Finding Emma

six

Monday morning arrives too quickly and I find myself dragging out of bed to make it to cheer practice on time. I manage to make myself look like I don't feel completely exhausted with some concealer and a large cup of coffee. When Bradley shows up to pick Eva and I up, I'm slightly more chipper. Even Eva's got a smile on her face, which I have no idea how, considering she's missed a week of school and I'd be crazy stressed out.

Eva climbs into the backseat as I slip into the passenger side. I told her she should sit in the front because I was worried she'd get car sick, but she insisted against it. "Hey Brad! Long time, no see," she cheers as she gives his shoulder a light shove and settles into her seat.

"Hey, Eva," Brad grins, glancing at her in the rearview. "You feeling better?"

"100%. Nothing a week-long nap can't handle."

Bradley laughs deeply before leaning over to kiss me. I humor him with a quick peck but pull away when he leans in for more. "I'm going to be late," I raise an eyebrow at him and gesture to the road.

He huffs and turns his focus to the road, pulling away. "Why must you be such a tease?"

I turn to look out the window. "Am not," I reply matter-of-factly.

He just hums in unconvincing agreement and Eva begins chattering for the rest of the car ride to school. I'm grateful to have someone else do the talking for me.

❁

I rush into Art class, on time by the skin of my teeth. Cheer practice was killer this morning, and I was already feeling sore. When I got to my locker, rushing after the fastest clothing change of my life, Eva was there waiting with Bradley. She was complaining about a bit of a backache, so I offered to carry her backpack to first period. Plus, it gave me an excuse to leave Bradley, who was being awfully annoying this morning. He kept pulling at my hair and trying to steal some kisses in the middle of the hallway, and I must have looked about to snap because Eva had piped up that her back hurt, promptly threw her backpack at me, and pulled me away.

I take my seat next to Nila and sigh, pulling out my compact mirror to check my makeup. "Don't worry, you look smokin' as always," Nila assured me jokingly.

I flipped my curled hair over my shoulder and glanced her way. "Why, thank you."

"I saw you and Bradley in the hall this morning and this girl who looked like your sister was with you guys. Did she make it back to school today?" Nila asked quietly.

"Yes, she did. That's Eva."

"She looked pretty well. How is she feeling?"

"Actually, I think she is doing pretty well. Definitely better than I anticipated," I lowered my voice. "The morning sickness is still rough, but she's handling it all great."

"That's great!" Nila smiles and pulls out her sketchbook, changing the subject. "I need to work on my details with faces. Mind being my muse for a few?"

I shrug. "Why not? Although, I can't be still to save my life, so good luck."

Nila chuckles and turns her chair to face me, opening up her sketchbook. "So... how are things with Bradley?" she asks after a few moments.

I sigh deeply. "I don't know. He's been annoying to me recently and I can't explain why. He's not doing anything different."

Nila raises her eyebrows and averts her eyes to her sketchbook, smoothing some lines. "I can tell you why."

"Please, enlighten me."