ethan & emma: talking with you.

New Jersey Pt. 1

October 2018.

Nearly two weeks passed before Emma got the text. 

She had just finished a soul-cycle class, one of her rare moments of actual exercise. Olivia was focused on trying to stay in shape despite their inevitable winter weight gain, and her mindset, unfortunately, was contagious. She'd somehow convinced both Emma and Olivia's other actress friend Amanda to come to soul-cycle with her. 

By the time Emma saw her phone, she was sweaty, smelling like she'd been swimming in garbage, and about ready to pass out. 

"Don't push yourself so hard then," Olivia said, after Emma's thousandth complaint.

"But I need to. I see everyone else around me pedaling faster and I start feeling like I'm a lazy piece of shit. Which to be fair, is true." 

"You're too competitive, that's your problem," Amanda said. "I just look at the instructor lady the whole time, otherwise my feet will fly out of the pedals. When I see her abs, I feel like I too can accomplish anything. Even not hurting myself." 

Emma laughed. She'd seen Amanda on Olivia's Instagram and knew they were friends, but Emma had never really hung out with her before. 

"Dude, I literally banged my knee against that lower rod on the bike. Look at this shit." Emma lifted up her leg, jabbing at the dark bruise developing on her knee. 

"Ouch, geez," Amanda said. "I wear leggings to hide the bruises." 

Emma laughed again. 

"...And because I don't want to shave," Amanda finished. 

"Relatable," Olivia said. 

They were walking outside the gym, the cool air a welcome relief, when Emma flicked on her phone screen.

A missed FaceTime call, and three unread texts. Emma's heart started beating faster in her chest. 

[2:14 p.m.] Ethan: Would you wanna fly out tomorrow?

[2:15 p.m.] Ethan: I know it's super last minute, but you know how my dad's appt keeps getting moved around. They finally settled on the 13th for his first treatment

[2:15 p.m.] Ethan: No pressure if not, just hmb when you're free

She stared down at her phone for a minute. 

"Em?" Olivia asked. 

"Hm? What?" Emma looked up to find Olivia and Amanda staring at her from a few steps ahead.

"Did you hear me?" 

"No, sorry, what'd you say?" 

Olivia laughed a little. "I was just saying that I think I'm gonna do No Shave November, but for my legs. You all right, dude?" 

"Er – Ethan just texted me." 

Olivia furrowed her brows. "Is everything okay?" 

"He wants me to fly out tomorrow." 

"He finally chose a day?" 

"Yeah, I guess so."

"It's kinda last minute..." 

"That's what he said." 

They all piled into Olivia's car, Emma sliding into the backseat. 

"Oh, Ethan's her boyfriend, by the way," Olivia said to Amanda. 

"Ah." 

"I guess I can look up flights to New Jersey," Emma said. "He said his dad's treatment got moved to the 13th."