High school Story

Tryouts

Emma closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "I was wondering if you'd want to go out with me sometime." She replies.

"Oh... Emma... uh... thank you, but no." Caleb responds. They both stand there, silent, refusing to look at each other. You open your mouth, trying to think of something to break the silence.

"Uh... maybe I should give you two some privacy." I say stupidly.

"I think it's a little late for that." Caleb adds.

"I...I'm sorry. I just knew that if I held the question in another second, I'd lose my nerve." she says looking down "which probably would have been better than... this."

"No, it's okay, just, you know..." he trails off. The silence is deafening.

"Are you okay, Emma?" I look at her.

"No. But I will be." Emma says.

"I like you as a person, Emma, but it's too soon after Zoe." Caleb adds.

"So... you're just not ready to date?" Emma adds. For a moment Caleb's eyes meet mine. Then he looks away.

"Yeah I guess that's what I'm saying. But it's not just that. I think you're someone I'll always see as a friend. I'd rather tell you honestly than give you false hope. I've been on the other side of this, and I think it's better to know the truth." Caleb says.

Emma sighs then looks up at Caleb "It's fine. I kinda knew this would happen, but I was worried that I'd never have another chance at this."

"I mean... I think you're really awesome, Emma. I do. But--" Caleb starts.

"You have every right to say no. I don't want to be with someone who doesn't like me as much as I like them." Emma says.

"I know you'll find someone." Caleb says smiling.

"Me too... someday." Emma adds.

"Hey, I know things are awkward right now, but, if you're up for it, I'd still love to get to know you better as a friend." Caleb says smiling.

"I'd like that." Emma says smiling back at Caleb.

"I'll see you in class, then?" Caleb says

"Looking forward to it" Emma replies. Emma and I watch as Caleb gets into his car and drives away. "Is it safe to break down now?" Emma says looking down at the ground. I see tears starting to form in her eyes.

"Emma... I'm proud of you." I say resting my hand on her shoulder.

"For what? Making a fool of myself." she responds.

"No.. for following your goals and working up the courage to complete them." I add.

"Thanks. I just wish I didn't feel like such an idiot." She adds looking at me.

"Love makes fools of us all, Emma." I add. She puts her arms around me, and I pat her back comfortingly. "Are you going to be able to keep it together for the drive home?"

"I'm walking, actually. My mum needed the car today. She's working in LA." Emma says.

"Well, could your dad maybe pick you up?" I ask.

"He doesn't live with...He and mum got..." Emma starts to cry again.

"I'm sorry. How about you come over to my house for the evening? My dad's making fried chicken." I add. Emma looks up at me with a weak smile.

"That's my favorite" Emma says.

"Then it's settled. Let's go then." I say we get in my car and drive home.