SURRENDER || ethma

the confrontation

emma:

Ever since I was a kid, I've always found that one of my favorite hobbies is eavesdropping. And I must say, I'm really quite good at it.

Before my parents got divorced, I used to hide in the living room and hear every harmful thing they'd say to each other. I'd usually pick different spots; behind the couches, or under the staircase.

They obviously never knew I was listening in or they wouldn't have said those horrible things so loudly. But I was sneaky and wanted to constantly be informed about everything going on, even if it hurt me.

And that's something I've always sort of kept with me.

I find it more of an instinct now, really. I can't control it - even if the topic doesn't interest me whatsoever, I'll still listen in on something if I have the chance.

And that's how I ended up here. Ear to the door of the boys locker room, praying that nobody would see me looking so pathetic as I tried to make out the words of mumbling teenage boys after their morning gym class.

"So would you fuck her?"

"Emma Chamberlain? No way in hell!" Grayson's voice is easily recognizable - at least I'm fairly sure that's Grayson, because him and Ethan sound the same, but considering Ethan's already done that... Grayson seems like the most correct answer.

Ethan's signature scoff can barely be heard. "Good. I'd beat your ass for that one, bro."

I can't help but chuckle. I'd like to see Ethan try.

"Yeah, right. Don't pretend like you still care about Emma."

Ouch. That stung a little.

"The only reason you're even talking to her now is-"

"Emma!" The sound of Jess's voice makes me practically jump out of my skin. Damn it, why'd she have to interrupt me right then? Regardless, I abandon the door and make sure nobody else saw me, bouncing over to her and  trying to keep my breathing steady. Thank God Jess found me, because if it was anybody else I'd be mortified for life.

"Jess. Hey." I reply groggily, still in slight disbelief that I really just spent three minutes listening to locker room talk rather than doing something productive. Who am I becoming?

Jess must be thinking the same thing, because she shoots me a weird look. "Are you okay, Em?" She asks, concern evident in her eyes. I wish I could say yes.

But the honest answer is no, not even a little bit.

Ever since Ethan texted me last night, claiming he didn't cheat on me, my minds been racing. I didn't sleep at all last night. In fact, after reading it, I almost went right back into the house just to tell him off for being such a liar. There's no way he didn't cheat on me. He's just saying that to try and get me to help him.

Although, I guess I never really fully asked him about the situation. After seeing Shelby's Snapchat story with him, I was hurt enough. I didn't wanna ask him about it and hear him give a half ass excuse. So instead, I told him we were over and that I was done with his bullshit. He said he was the one who was supposed to be mad, not me. And that was that.

But I'm not stupid. Shelby was his ex. She wanted him back. And after we got into a huge argument, he went to her house and she posted him half naked. That would have to be one hell of a coincidence if he didn't cheat. And even if he didn't - that's still an asshole move.

"Emma! Hello? Are you okay?"

Jess finally snaps me back to reality, yet again, and I feel my face go pale. Ugh. Today is not my day, and it's only 9:00 in the morning. "Um, honestly no." I say meekly, not bothering to explain. "I think I might go to the nurse's office or something." I say, and before giving Jess a chance to question me further I run off.