Transformation

Where is Amy?

The following day, I dressed, washed, ate and drove to school. I said goodbye to Jake and went to find Amy. I soon noticed that she was obviously not there, so I wandered around to kill time before my first lesson.

The day passed quickly, with no incredible events, as did the next. On the Friday, it seemed Amy was still away, but she hadn't texted me. Weirdest. Thing. Ever. Whenever one was off, the other would know every detail. Where was she? Was she really ill? No, I thought, her mum would have texted me. These thoughts ran through my head at a million miles an hour as I made my way to the lockers.

Bang! I hadn't been looking where I was heading and consequently had smashed into some poor, innocent soul. Note the sarcasm.

"Woah there, Emily, watch where you're going," said a lightly Australian voice. I looked up into the tanned, grinning face of Matthew Williams.

"Matthew?" I gasped. "I thought you were still living in Australia!" I said astounded.

"No, we moved this summer. Dad resigned. The hours were too long, apparently," Matthew replied, grinning from ear to ear.

"Which subjects are you taking Matthew?" I asked, interested.

"Biology, Latin, Physics and English," he replied smoothly. I blushed. Matthew would just love to know I had a boyfriend. Note the sarcasm.

"I can't believe you're back in England," I breathed softly, smiling widely at him. Matthew laughed.

"Start believing it. I'm not gonna leave you alone now. You know that, right? I'm gonna annoy you forever more."

I whacked his shoulder playfully.

"Shut up, Williams."

"Hi Emily, who's this?" asked a familiar voice as a hand rested on my shoulder. Jake. I saw Matthew's fists clench. This would be interesting. I had the distinct feeling that when I told Matthew who Jake was to me, he'd give him the 'hurt her, I'll break you into pieces and scatter them through the forest' thing that dads were meant to do. Except mine was somewhere off in bum-fuck Alabama or wherever.

"Jake, this is Matthew, my friend, Matthew, this is Jake, my boyfriend," I said carefully, making sure I stood slightly between the two teenage boys. I didn't particularly want them hitting each other. I'd seen enough fights in these hallways over brothers protecting sisters. While Matthew wasn't my brother by blood, he protected me like I was his sister. It could be irritating.

"What?! Emily, since when do you have boyfriends?" he roared.

"Since now Matthew, whether you like it, or not," I snapped back, feeling slightly angry and offended. He was acting like I wasn't 'woman' enough to even have a boyfriend, and I didn't like it. Nor did I like this angry side of Matthew, who was normally so placid.

"You lay a finger on her and I swear I'll-"

"Yeah yeah, save your breath. I've heard all that shit before," Jake replied easily, cutting Matthew off.

I glanced at Matthew as he stalked away, and found myself wanting to go after him. I wanted to assure him... Of what? That there was nothing between Jake and I? That would make him feel better, but would contradict being girlfriend and boyfriend. I swore lightly under my breath as Jake pulled me to English.

"How do you know that dude?" Jake asked with an air of distaste, disdain and disapproval.

"I met him when I lived in Australia," I replied. "He's been a good friend to me."

Jake muttered something that sounded an awful lot like 'bastard', but I said nothing.

***

That evening, after I had done my homework, Jack asked to speak to me.

"So, Emily, how d'you feel about coming to my place this weekend?" he asked easily.

"I'd love to Jack, if it's ok with you that is," I replied.

"Of course, pack your bags and we can go this evening," he smiled. I shooed him out and took out some clothes, a jumper, two t-shirts, a pair of jeans, a tank top and a short skirt. I zipped up my handheld bag and met Jack in the living room.

"Ready to go Emily?" he asked.

"Yup," I replied.

"Bye then Emily," my mum said, coming into the room. She gave me a hearty hug and a quick kiss before returning to her lair. In other words, the kitchen. Probably to do some crossword where you are required to have exceptional understanding of pointless, trivial knowledge. I guess you now know my opinion on crosswords.

Jake held out his hand. I took it and we crunched out into our gravel drive. I hopped into his car and we drove away.

The drive took about ten minutes. After climbing out of the car, Jake opened the door and led me upstairs.

"Emily, I'm sorry but you're going to have to share my room, or use the loft," he apologised.

"That's fine Jake," I said dumping my bag on the bed. "Jake? Do you know where Amy is?" I asked on the slim chance he did. He turned away from me and said nothing.

"Jake?"

"Yes I know where she is, no I can't tell you," he replied harshly.

"What?"

"I'm sorry Emily, this isn't about me, and I only have one guys word for it, it's nothing," he said smiling. I nodded and left the matter. Suddenly I felt tears springing to my eyes as everything caught up with me, my first boyfriend, Amy and now Matthew's disapproval.

"Shhh, it's okay," Jake said stroking my hair softly. I sobbed quietly into his chest as he comforted me. I felt safe in his arms, away from life's terrors.

***

A/N

Hi readers! Thanks for reading my first story, I have the plot line set out in my head. It's a short story but I'll pack in every detail! Please comment, vote, fan, whatever, thanks.