Beneath the Surface

"We better get going."

I say, feeling my cheeks flush and looking down.

He studies me more closely.

"Did you blush?"

He says, coming closer.

"Um, no."

I reply as I walk toward the exit of the alley.

"You never blush, what happened now?"

He looks at me curiously.

"Nothing,I didn't blush."

I say, continuing to walk.

"I'll pretend I believe you."

He says, walking beside me.

We walk, and the time has gone past 6...

We reach the car and head home.

We've been home for a while now, and Lucas and I haven't exchanged a word since before...

I get up from the bed and head to the living room.

I turn on the TV and play some music on YouTube.

I call Mia since we haven't talked since yesterday.

× "Hey, lost little one!"

× "What are you up to?"

× "I'm good; how about you?"

× "I'm fine, how's Lucas?"

× "He's great. What are you doing today?"

I ask, hoping we can hang out later.

× "I'm with Alex, babe."

× "Oh, okay."

× "Did you need something?"

× "I was thinking of going out, but it's okay."

× "Are you sure?"

× "Yeah, you stay with Alex and send him my regards."

× "Alright, babe; we'll talk tomorrow at school. Kisses."

I hang up the phone.

Ugh, what am I going to do now...

Well, I hope to find something to do, even though it looks like I'll be keeping company with chips and a movie tonight...

I pout and look at the music.

My phone lights up with a notification from Instagram.

It was Austin from yesterday.

Yeah, we exchanged Instagrams.

I open our chat.

"What are you up to, little Emma?"

"Hello to you too, Austin :)"

"Come on, it's nothing."

"Alright then. I'm good; how about you?"

"I'm fine, just bored."

"Oh, so that's why you messaged me?"

"Can't I message the girl I met yesterday?"

"Okay then, justify that"

"What are you doing tonight?"

"Staying home, you?"

"Same here. You should come out."

"Sure, why not?"

"Great, Emma, we'll meet at the square in an hour then, what do you say?"

"I'll be there."

"See you soon ♡"

At least I found something to do, you know...

I head to my room and pick out clothes to wear...

After 30 minutes, I finally find something to wear: a black hoodie and black Nike joggers.

As usual, I start taking pictures in the mirror.

Come on, don't tell me that when you don't wear something you like, you don't take mirror selfies!And then story.

EmmaNuela

Answers in your story:

Itsmia Oh god help! stop it bestie! <3

PeterYo Emma you want to end us?Godhelp!

LucAs  Manu U are turn me on stop!

Aus_tin Come on girl!U are gonna be late!

I step out of my room after what feels like 100 hours, and the time is now 19:50. Once again, I'm going to be late...

I head to Lucas's room, knock on the door, but there's no answer...

I open it and see him sleeping, then close it again and go to the living room, leaving him a message on his phone that I'm out for a walk.

I leave the house and start walking toward the park...

It's not far, just a short 5-minute walk.

After a little while, I arrive and see Austin waiting for me.

"Look who it is, our different Emma!"

He says, smiling as he hugs me.

"How are you?"

I ask, studying him carefully.

To confess something, he's not a bad guy, he's handsome, sweet, and very fit with good taste...

"I've been waiting here for 2 minutes."

"Sorry, it won't happen again."

I say, and we both laugh.

"Where are we going?"

I ask.

"Well, do you want food or somewhere to drink something?"

He replies.

"Hmm, let's drink something, I've already eaten."

I answer.

"There weren't any options; I was in the mood for a drink."

He says.

"So that's how it is, huh?"

"Fine, if you wanted to eat, we could have gone for food first, but then we'd definitely go for a drink after."

He tells me as we walk.

I smile.

"Well then, Emma, tell me about yourself; I want to know more."

"What exactly do you want to know about me?"

I respond, and he looks at me.

"About you, your interests."

He says as we enter the café and sit down at a table.

"Well, I really enjoy cooking, and I want to study that. I've been living on my own for a few years now."

I say, "My life isn't that interesting. Now tell me about you."

"I really like technology, I've been into computers since I was a kid, and I live with my parents, but I'm preparing to get my own place soon... I have a younger brother."

He says.

"Why do you say it's not interesting? Siblings, parents—didn't you mention them?"

"My parents don't live anymore, and neither does my brother."

"How? If you want to share..."

He says gently.

"I have no problem telling you, Austin. They died in a car accident. I was in the car too, but I somehow survived."

I say, looking at him as he gazes back, shocked.

"And now you live completely alone?"

He asks.

"I have my aunt, she helps and supports me always."

I reply, smiling.

"I'm sorry, Emma."

He says.

"You don't need to be. I've learned that I can stand on my own two feet now."

I answer, and he looks at me with a smile.

AUSTIN