Beneath the Surface|COMPLETED

seventeen|i don't know why you're just standing out here

**gif of Alejandro (Amara's dad tehehe)**

Wednesday, December 19th, 2018

4:15 PM

It's been almost three weeks since Emery told me about her crush on Adam. Apparently, he likes her too, which is why he's been acting so weird towards me lately. She's been crushing on him for about three months now but she didn't tell me in case there was something going on with Adam and I.

Brett knows about Emery and Adam. I'd be concerned if he didn't know given the fact that Emery and Adam have been inseparable since. Because of this, Brett has to sit through lunch everyday seeing them as a couple. It's kind of a slap in the face, whether she knows it or not.

It's the first week of winter break and I have no plans. For the entire break. As you can see, I am thriving.

As if the universe heard my silent cries, my phone chimes.

wanna grab an early dinner?

It's from Jordan. I haven't talked to him since he apologized for the Halloween party, so this was a bit surprising.

sure. where should we meet?

oof. kinda already outside your house...?

I close my eyes and groan. It only takes me about 10 minutes to get ready, but now I feel the need to get ready quicker since he's already here.

i'll be out soon

"So, what was so important that you had to get an early dinner with me?"

Jordan looks up from his meal. "What? I can't just hang out with my sister's friend because I genuinely want to?"

I raise an eyebrow at him.

"Okay fine," He slightly rolls his eyes. "I need to ask you something."

"Go ahead. I'm listening."

"I don't know what to get Emery for Christmas."

I don't respond immediately as I expect there to be more. After about three seconds, I speak.

"Is that it?"

Jordan nods.

"Um, well why don't you tell me why you stopped talking to her once you went back to school?"

"Are you being serious?"

"Deadly."

"Mar, come on. I'm busy, I can't talk to her all the time."

"Jordan, I've been best friends with Emery since kindergarten, you know that. That means that growing up, I've seen your relationship, and even when you both have gotten busy, you always made time to talk to her. Even if it was a quick text or two minute phone call. So what happened?"

Jordan puts down his utensils before looking at me.

"It's simple Amara. I'm a shit show. I am completely fucked. After the Halloween party, it really hit me that I'm not a good role model for Emery. I'm not a good example. Therefore, she is better off without me."

"You're joking, right? You're seriously kidding." I say.

He shrugs. "No, I'm being one hundred percent serious. I mean, what kind of brother throws a party at his sister's friends house? You trusted me and let me into your home and I trashed it. I got kicked out of my own home for christ's sake."