HIM

chapter 34: Suspicions

I went through my day of school with dread, I hated Mondays. Although I had  every class with Emma, I had something to look forward to.  When the school day was over,  I found Emma and asked if she wanted to hang out. Mainly to get her mind off of things, she still has nightmares, and flashbacks, she even flinches at the slightest voice raise, movement, noise, or word.
Although she is getting better, she seems to be getting worse. Physically she is better, mentally and emotionally, she stays guarded in fear of being hurt again. She said yea, and that it would do some good. We met up at the park, before going to our favorite diner, those were our two main hangout places.

“So, how have you been?” I asked, “Fine.” she said quickly.
“No, Em, really; how’ve you been?” She glanced at me while sitting on a swing. “I am fine, Jack, I’m fine…” there was an awkward silence. “We have that test in history, and spanish on Friday, Right?” I nodded, “Can you help me study, I mean, my grades are good, but they’re going down in those two and I can’t afford to fail these tests.”  She sounded panicked. “Calm down, I’ll help you.” She nodded and started swinging. I knew she loved the park, it helped calm her.
After about an hour of the park, we went to the diner. We ordered some food then talked about random things once we were done eating.  Emma’s phone rang, “Oh, Shit.  I have to go. Thanks for today, I had fun, I’ll call you later.” She said walking out the door, then answering her phone. I paid the waiter, and left. I texted Emma to see what happened,  then headed home to do homework and study for upcoming tests.

She never texted me back, I was planning on going over to her house through the week to help her study.  Around 10pm I went to sleep, wondering about what the phone call was over, until I drifted to sleep. Not knowing what was going to happen.

*******
3 days later.

Emma told me what the phone call was about,  although she’s been acting weird. She is becoming more distant, almost like she didn’t want anybody to look at her, or know that she existed. We were in third period, right before lunch, once the class was over we headed to lunch, shoving our bags in our lockers. We got our trays, sitting at our usual table. I studied her body language, attempting to figure out what was going on. “Are you Okay?” I  finally got the courage to ask as Abby sat right next to Emma. “Yea. fine.” she said nodding. I squinted my eyes, not believing her. Someone dropped their tray and it made a loud noise. Emma  jumped and whimpered, while covering her ears. That isn’t like her.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked turning towards her, placing my hand on her arm. She flinched slightly at the contact. “I’m fine” She stood up quickly dumping her tray and walking away. “What is going on with her?” Abby asked, curious. “I don’t know, I’ll find out” I said, doing the same as Emma. I saw her walk out of the school, Which was unusual for her.

I got in my dodge demon, going to the park first then checking the diner, she wasn’t there. Then it finally hit me,  the lake. I drove there, surprised that I didn’t get pulled over. I got out of the car not even bothering to lock it.  She was sitting on the dock, I walked quietly, and slowly; not wanting to startle her. “Em.” I said as softly as I could. She turned her head towards me. “What?” I edged closer to her. “Can I sit?” She glanced at me before nodding her head while scooting over. I sat down, sighing. “What happened today?” she took in a breath. “Nothing.” I turned towards her a little more. “Is it Rick?” She shook her head. “No, he’s dead, I mean It still bothers me sometimes, well most times.” she said, sighing.
“Then what is it?” I  asked. “I-I can’t tell you.” She said quietly. “Emma-”
“I have to go.” She said quickly. I got up and chased after her but she was already in her car and driving off. “Damn it.” I said getting in my car heading straight home.  “Hey, why are you home early?” my mom asked as I walked through the door. “Uh, long story.” I said walking to my room, shutting the door, throwing my bag on my bed as well as myself.

It was only twelve-thirty. I didn’t really know what else to do. I started doing homework, it was Thursday so we had a few tests tomorrow. About an  hour later I decided to go for a run. I stayed gone until nine, not entirely wanting to go home. I  went home and went to sleep, not knowing what tomorrow was going to bring. Certainly not expecting  what was to come.