Blackmailed Into The Band

Opinions and Mild Rainbow Stuff

" Let's take a picture!" Emily squealed as soon as Carter joined us. " My phone is dead, Lexia, use yours," She said.

My eyes widened. My phone was in my bra.

" I left my phone at home," I said.

" What the heck... You go out without your phone?" Carter asked.

" No, I just happened to forget it today," I said, acting like I was a mess.

Josh came back from the bathroom as our food arrived and we ate in silence. Carter grew irritated with Emily scooting closer to him every few seconds.

Josh on the hand, had a great time holding my hand under the table and playing with a ring I decided to wear today. It wasn't the most punk rock accessory but he was fond of it.

The table felt awkward as we sat in total silence, only starting conversations when the waiter was near. I loved Emily, but this obsession with Carter was starting to freak all of us out. I ignored her and made sure Josh was eating instead.

Over the last few weeks, he stopped throwing up. That was enough progress. The way he ate was still off, but when we were together and food was present, I made sure he ate everything.

" So is anyone else... Excited for more snow?" I asked, scrunching my nose. Excited for snow?

" We've had enough already," Emily scowled.

" I like snow," Carter said defensively.

I could feel Josh trying to hold his laughter in.

" Snow is the most annoying thing on the planet," Emily said. " What do you even like about it?" She asked Carter.

" That I can play outside without sweating-"

" Play? What are you, six?" She asked.

" So how about those midterms coming up?" Josh asked, saving me from changing the topic. " I hear they're much harder this year," He said.

I nodded, adding something stupid about our exams. Everything was going great until I felt a vibration in my bra. I glared at Emily who was furiously texting me.

" I have to use the bathroom," I said, getting up and leaving before they said anything. Once inside, I pulled my phone out of my bra and sent Emily a few words about cooperating with Carter if she wanted his hand in marriage.

Apparently, I said the wrong things. When I walked back out, Josh was the only one sitting at the table with a stunned expression on his face.

" What happened?" I asked, preparing for the worst.

" He saw the text messages about marrying her. And he just... blew up, like a hemorrhoid" Josh said.

I sank into the chair beside him. " I told her this would be a disaster," I said.

" Whatever. Carter wasn't very happy about being here in the first place."

I wondered why Carter didn't find Emily interesting. Sure he was gorgeous but I doubt he was arrogant. Plus, Emily was pretty cute and I'm not just saying that because she's my only friend.

" Do you think he likes someone else?" I asked.

" Probably," Josh said with a smile. " Maybe that's why he rejects every other girl."

" Or maybe he just doesn't like girls," I said.

Josh laughed. " He likes girls. Trust me."

" How do you know?"