When You Find Me

Emma pulled back her blankets and sat up, the morning light streaming through the window temporarily blinding her, she rubbed her eyes and stood up barefoot on the cold hardwood floor. Then and only then did she think of the slippers she should have bought a thousand mornings ago, but she justified the regret telling herself the cold woke her up faster. Making a beeline for the bathroom she stubbed her big toe on the doorframe “Owwie, F**K! FUCKITY, F**K! “She cursed now hopping in on one foot while pulling down her flannel sleeping pants, she barely made it to the toilet, her frame arching, nearly jumping off when the porcelain rim touched her skin. “Damn it, why is everything so cold in this f*****g house!” She complained while checking to see if she had peed herself. She had been up less than five minutes and already had been blinded by the sun, frozen and attacked by the house itself. If this were any indication of how the rest of this day was going to go, well, it would be anything but boring.

Washing her face her cellphone chimed from the other room, then twice more. Putting down the washcloth she hobbled over to the phone and sat on the bed, it was Marlie “Hey are you up?” “Hey, am I still picking you up?” “Answer b***h.” She stared at the phone contemplating if she should just go back to bed. “Who needs an education anyways?” She murmured, eyeing her blankets. Another chime then another. “You better have your a*s downstairs and outside be there in five.” Of course, Marlie would be up her a*s to go, she did not want to walk into a new year alone

Emma hurried, putting on the same black jeans and shirt she wore yesterday, she did not have time to dig through her closet for anything else. A quick look in the mirror she tucked her long black locks behind her ears then fiddled with her bangs until they hung straight. Spraying herself with something her mom bought her from bed bath and beyond, she wrinkled her nose at the floral smell. She would have to remember to complain to her mom later. Grabbing her bag, she slung it over one arm and headed out of her room nearly plowing down her little brother. “Move it twerp!” she bossed trying to push past him “But you said
you’d help me pick out an outfit this morning.” He reminded tugging on her shirt. “I got to go. I will do it tomorrow.” But you promised” He begged, looking up at her with pleading eyes. Ever since their dad left over a year ago Elliot had become more dependent on her and in some ways, she had become a second parent to him. She did not mind her new role; it helped her keep her mind off things. “Fine.” She relented before rushing into his room. She quickly found his favorite Pokémon shirt and pair of shorts to match. “Now hurry up and get dressed before mom yells at you and don’t forget to brush your teeth.” She looked down at him then messed up his hair. “You got this.” He smiled at her and grabbed his clothes. “Thanks Emma.” He chirped happily then ran down the hall. “Don’t get use to it punk.” She called out to him.


Taking off in the other direction she ran down the stairs only to sit on the bottom step. “Honk! Honk!” Marlie’s car sounded while Red Hot chili peppers blared from her little Honda. Emma grumbled trying to pull on her other Dock Marten. “Mom! Marlie is here” Emma called out as she tied her laces. “Come get breakfast. “Her mom yelled from the kitchen. ““No time, see after school!” Emma yelled back as the front door closed behind her. “Emma! Emma! “She could hear her mom calling as she headed towards Marlie’s car. Halfway to Marlie’s car, Emma’s attention drifted to a car idling at the corner. It was an older black car, one she never seen in her neighborhood before. A guy about their age was sitting in the driver’s seat smoking a cigarette, he had dark wavey hair that hid his features but even from this distance their eyes locked for a moment. Emma felt unnerved when the gaze lingered too long. Blowing out a large puff of smoke she swore he smirked at her then turned off down the road. “Hurry up. I want time to find my locker. I don’t want to lug around my backpack all day.” Marlie’s voice broke the trance.

Emma tightened the grip on her bag. “Yeah, yeah I’m coming.” She said double timing it to the passenger door. Picking up Marlie’s backpack she tossed it in the back. “What do you have in there? Bricks? “She teased sliding into the seat. “Hey, did you see that black car parked across the street?” “No, why? What did I miss?” Marlie asked. “Nothing I guess, just never seen that car around here.” “Getting paranoid on me? I thought I was the one with problems?” She laughed. Emma just shook her head and turned up the music. Minutes later they pulled into the parking lot of the high school. “Ready?” Marlie asked, pulling the key out of the ignition, and looking at Emma with concern. She knew last year was hard on Emma, first her dad leaving and then the whole Monty thing. “Really you can tell me.” “Where was this concern twenty minutes ago? I mean you practically dragged me out of the house.” Emma managed to smile, reaching over she squeezed Marlie’s hand. “I’m fine, I promise.” Emma let go of her hand and got out of the car. “Come on Marlie let’s seize the day and all that crap. “Cautiously optimistic Marlie wrangled her bag out of the backseat then ran to catch up.

They barely made it down the hallway before they heard a loud, high-pitched squeak. “Ekk! Oh my god, guys!” Danny ran up to them, her blonde pony bouncing from side to side. Crossing her arms around her books, Danny’s perfectly groomed brows arched as she leaned in. “Did you see Katie’s and Monica’s skirts? I mean they practically look like prostitutes.” Danny said at a volume much louder than a whisper. Emma and Marlie looked at each other and rolled their eyes. “Way to start the year, Danny.” Marlie stated dryly as she shoved her backpack into her locker. “What, it’s not my fault they decided to dress like Britney circa 98.” Danny said innocently. “Right…right?” Danny asked them. Emma and Marlie just laughed. Oblivious to her social faux pas, Danny giggled. “I need to tell you guys all about my summer. See you two at lunch?” She asked. Her large blue eyes looked expectantly to each of them. Without waiting for an answer, she turned, her ponytail swaying back and forth as she disappeared into the crowd of students.

Morning classes went by in a blur Emma got through them without bumping into Monty once. Undoubtedly, he was still avoiding her, she couldn’t blame him because she had been doing the same thing. Ever since Monty asked Emma out things had been strained between them. She didn’t see Monty that way, they had been friends too long. He didn’t take it well, he slowly stopped texting her, he would leave a party if Emma showed up. He drew a line in the sand, and he made it a point to stay on his own side. Once Monty started dating Jess, Emma thought they could get back to normal, but he never reached out. In fact, she had seen Monty and Jess at the fair. She ran into them at the concessions stand while waiting for her order of cheese fries. Jess had been nice enough to Emma, Jess asked how her summer was going and told Emma about her family flying in to visit. But when Emma asked Monty about his summer job, he said. “It’s a job.” and that was it. Jess gave Emma a sympathetic glance then followed behind Monty into the summer’s night. That was the moment she truly felt like she had lost one of her best friends and she missed her friend. She had never known Monty to be so cold. She knew she hurt Monty, but he has been hurting her ever since.

Emma met Marlie in the cafeteria and got in the lunch line, shuffling behind the other students as they picked out their meal. “This is like prison food.” Marlie said sticking out her tongue, she let her head fall to the side while making choking and gurgling sounds. “It’s not that bad if you stick to the fruits,” Emma laughed, nudging her friend. “Come on, drama queen. Let’s find a shady spot on the quad.” Sitting under a tree, Marlie poked at her food. “Here, take my yogurt” Emma handed it to her then picked up a couple grapes. “So…did you see Monty yet today?” Marlie asked, trying to tread lightly on the subject. “No, and I am okay with that. I do not think I am ready to deal with him acting like I don’t exist.” Emma said before popping a grape into her mouth. “You guys can’t avoid each other forever, you two should talk.” Marlie encouraged. “I know, I know, but he isn’t exactly making it easy.” Emma replied. “Who said it was going to be easy, didn’t some famous person once say” ‘Nothing worthwhile is easy?’ Marlie pushed. “If they were so famous, you’d remember their name.” Emma retorted with a chuckle. Giving up, Marlie changed the subject. “What is your next class?” “Umm, I think geometry.” Emma said while flipping through her book to find her schedule.

“I almost didn’t see you guys over here.” Danny said, sitting down beside them. “You guys have to see my pictures! I love New York! All the stores, museums, and hot artist types, yum! Did I mention stores?!” Danny giggled. “Next time you two must come with me. My dad wouldn’t care if I brought friends. Danny rambled on about outfits she bought and how the guy at the motel “totally” had a crush on her. Say what you want about Danny, but she had a way of lightening the mood. “Do you two want to meet at The Rack after school? Burgers are half off, and pool is free until five o’clock.” Marlie shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind getting a burger. Wanna go, Emma?” Emma looked at them both. “I was thinking about walking home. If I hurry, I could make it over to Elliots school and walk him home for his first day.” I need the exercise anyway.” Emma finished. “Are you sure? I can take you and pick up Elliot.” Marlie offered. “No, you guys go. Have fun. I really could use a walk.” Emma said, grabbing her book and tray. “If you change your mind. Just meet Marlie and me there.” Danny suggested then gave a wave. “Tootles ladies” My next class is way at the other end of the school with that she once again vanished into the herd of students. “Text me when you make it home?” Marlie asked while dumping her tray. “Sure, we need to go over the open roles in theater.” Emma said. Marlie smiled, dimples tugging in at her cheeks. “This is going to be our year. Anna is not getting the lead again.” Marlie said. “I don’t think that’s up to us.” Emma, reminded. “Is it too early for her to have a nasty fall?” Marlie, joked. They both laughed then once again headed off in different directions. Walking away, Emma felt relieved Danny hadn’t brought up Monty or Jess or that they are now an item. Maybe she hadn’t heard yet or she was too absorbed with regaling her time in New York. Either way worked to benefit Emma.

The afternoon was much like the morning apart from seeing Monty in the hall. His eyes met Emma’s then quickly darted away as if the sight of her repulsed him. She fought the urge to walk right up to him and tell what an inconceivable a*s he was being, but she decided that the filled hall wouldn’t be a suitable place to have that conversation. After her last class, she rushed to her locker. Pulling out her backpack she shoved her books and papers inside. If she wanted to make it to Elliot, she would have to leave now. She managed to make it out of the school and down the sidewalk without having to stop and talk with anyone. She seen a group of girls she knew from theater, but they were so engrossed with their own conversation that they hadn’t noticed Emma slink by. It felt good to be out in the fresh air and away from school, away from everyone. Emma was about a block away from Elliot’s school when her phone chimed with a text message. It was her mom. “Honey, I picked up Elliot from school, I’m taking him for a haircut. I left food in the fridge for you. Should be home by five or six.” “Great.” Emma huffed to herself while stuffing her phone back in her pocket. Determined not to let anything else put a damper on her day, she put in her earbuds, the sound of Aerosmith filling her ears.

Reaching the end of the block, she pushed the button for the crosswalk while humming to the song. The light turning green Emma looked both ways and walked out into the street. She was about halfway across when she heard a horn blaring and tires screeching. Terrified, Emma turned just in time to see a car skidding towards her, gripped with fear she couldn’t move, it was like she was glued in place. Her heart beating wildly, she closed her eyes tight anticipating the impact of the barreling metal. A second went by then another, she could feel heat warming her legs. Opening her eyes, the black car had stopped within an inch of her. She wasn’t sure if it was adrenaline or something else, but she balled up her fist, hit the hood and yelled. “Watch where you are going a*****e, you’re going to kill someone!” She wasn’t sure when her legs started working again, but she took a few steps back. The black car rolled forward passing Emma slowly. “You are the one who needs to watch where you are going, Emma.” He said in a calming tone, and in a moment that seemed impossibly long their eyes met once again, his dark orbs churning with flecks of gold that glinted in the sun. Revving his motor, she took another step back as he took off down the street.

Hungrier than she thought, she ate three slices of pepperoni pizza, a bread stick and finished a can of coke. Elliot and her mom buzzed about their day. Apparently, Elliot made two new friends and has decided he loves art. Mom opened a savings account for a new customer and decided she wants to get some highlights next time she gets her hair done. “Emma, do you want to color with me?” Elliot asked. “Sure.” Emma answered. They spent the next half hour coloring a picture for his new teacher. He told Emma how the sun didn’t have to be yellow and how the girl next to him got in trouble for talking during class. “Bath time, Elliot.” Mom said, holding her hand out to him. “Is everything alright, Emma? You’ve been quiet tonight.” Mom asked while Elliot tugged her hand. “Yeah, I’m just tired.” Emma said, stretching. “I think I’m going to bed early.” “Alright, but if you need to talk… I’m here.” Her mom’s words trailed off as she gave in, letting herself be pulled away by Elliot.

After getting her pajamas on Emma put her long hair up in a messy bun and sat down on her bed. Her phone vibrating from somewhere within her covers. She threw back the blankets, grabbing it.

4:22 pm; Marlie “Hey, we are still at The Rack if you want to come.”

4:47 pm; Danny “There is a guy here…omg… he is seriously HOTT!”

5:01 pm; Marlie “Help! Danny is drooling all over some dude, how embarrassing….”

5:56 pm; Marlie “Just made it home, text me.”

7:43pm; Marlie “Hey, where are you?”

8:34pm; Marlie ‘Missed call.’


“Crap.” Emma cursed under her breath and quickly texted them back, explaining she got caught up with family stuff and would see them at school tomorrow. After plugging in her phone, she walked to the window and peered out at the street. Nothing. “You’re being crazy Emma.” She said aloud. Getting into bed, she turned off her lamp before pulling the covers over herself.

Author's Note

I haven't made edits and it is a work in progress.