𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 │ 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧

𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍

EMBERLY WAS ENJOYING A RARE tranquil afternoon, perched on a cozy white saucer chair in her room. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm patterns across the hardwood floor. Her fingers danced across the strings of her wooden guitar, the rich, earthy tones blending with the soft hum of her voice. She wasn't sure of the lyrics yet—they floated aimlessly in her mind, waiting to land in just the right order.

The peaceful atmosphere was interrupted by the shrill buzz of her phone on the bed, pulling her out of her creative flow. She sighed, carefully setting her guitar aside and crossing the room to answer.

"Hey, Liv," Emberly said, pressing the phone to her ear as she leaned against the edge of her bed.

"Hey, I need a favor," Olivia said, her tone carrying a mix of urgency and apology.

"What's up?" Emberly asked, bracing herself.

"I need you to go to the school and cover for me."

Emberly frowned. "Liv, you know the one day we don't have school is the one day I don't want to come in, right?" Her voice carried a light edge of exasperation.

Days off were precious to Emberly. With her schedule packed to the brim between school, family obligations, and her music, moments like these were rare gems. The idea of willingly stepping foot on school grounds when she didn't have to made her want to groan.

"I know, I know," Olivia said quickly. "But it's important. Today's the combine, and I really don't have anyone else I can ask."

"The combine?" Emberly echoed, her brow furrowing. "You mean the football thing?"

"Yes," Olivia confirmed, her voice softening. "Trust me, if I had someone else to call, I would. But I don't."

Emberly hesitated, her annoyance flickering with guilt. "And what are you going to be doing while I'm running around doing this for you?"

"I'm helping Asher," Olivia admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "He's off the team, and he's spiraling. Someone has to step in, and if I don't..." Her voice faltered for a moment before she pressed on. "I remember what it felt like to be him, Em. It took me overdosing to finally get it together. He needs someone before it's too late."

Emberly sighed, her resolve softening. "You're too good of a person, you know that?"

"And so are you—if you do this for me," Olivia countered, a slight grin audible in her voice.

"Only because I love you will I do this," Emberly said with mock reluctance. "But you owe me. Big time."

"I know. Thank you."

"Yeah, yeah. I'll be there in ten," Emberly said before ending the call. She slid her phone into her back pocket, already feeling the tug of responsibility.

"Why are you going to the school?" Evelyn asked, leaning casually in the doorway.

Emberly startled slightly. "Do you just stand outside my door, waiting to be nosy?"

"No, not all the time," Evelyn replied with an unrepentant grin.

"Not all the time?" Emberly repeated, her tone incredulous. She let out a disbelieving laugh. "Wow. Anyway, I'm covering for Liv at the combine. Speaking of, what are you doing today?"

"They're playing reruns of Keeping Up With the Kardashians," Evelyn said, as if it were the most obvious and important event of the day.

"So why can't you go instead of me?" Emberly asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Because I didn't answer her call," Evelyn said smugly.

Emberly grabbed a pillow and launched it at her sister, but Evelyn ducked, laughing as she darted out of the room.