Crush(ed)

Chapter 2: Sweet 16

At the age of sixteen, the twins, Gemma and Emma, had embarked on a journey of change and self-discovery. With each passing year, their lives had taken on new shades, and while some things remained constant, others had evolved in ways they could never have predicted.

Emma, in particular, had experienced subtle transformations. She had gained a bit of weight since they were thirteen, a fact that wasn't lost on anyone. People now remarked how easy it was to differentiate between the twins. Gemma, with her slender frame, had been the epitome of teenage beauty, while Emma, with her curvier figure, had become accustomed to hearing well-intentioned comments about her sister's looks.

As for Alex, well, he had grown even more popular in school, if that was possible. He had an aura that attracted people like a magnet. Not only was he the tall, smart, and beautiful boy with the most perfect jawline, but he also possessed a rare quality that endeared him to everyone—he was kind and understood women, unlike the other boys in his grade who thought being mean was cool.

Alex wasn't just the handsome guy who read books; he understood and celebrated the strength and wisdom of women.

Girls at school constantly tried to strike up conversations with Emma, hoping to get a good word put in for them with Alex. It both annoyed and saddened Emma, for she harbored a deep, unspoken crush on him. She felt invisible, a mere pawn in the matchmaking game. However, out of the kindness of her heart, she played along, hoping that one day, Alex might see her for more than just a messenger.

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Emma couldn't help but notice how close Gemma and Alex had become. They discussed a wide range of topics that often left Emma feeling left out. They talked about sports, math problems that would stump even the brightest minds, and their own budding relationships. Emma had never been in one herself. She had had a few guys flirt with her in the past, but it always ended the same way—they'd eventually lose interest and move on, leaving her with a broken heart.

Emma's appearance had also changed a bit. She now wore glasses, which added to her bookish image. While she might not be the smartest student in class, she found solace in her love for English and poems. The world of words was her escape, a place where she could lose herself and forget her insecurities.

But there was one person who seemed to understand her, at least on some level—Adrian. Emma had been talking to him quite often lately, much to the chagrin of both Gemma and Alex. They complained that he always seemed to get in the middle of their time together, although Emma often felt invisible to them anyway.

However, Emma couldn't help but like it when Alex got a little irritated at her spending time with Adrian. It made her heart flutter, a tiny glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, he might have some feelings for her too.

Despite the passage of time, Emma's crush on Alex had not diminished one bit. She still gave in to his every wish and tried to make him happy. And, just as before, she could get pouty with him in an instant, only to melt when he consoled her with that charming smile of his.

On this particular morning, as they rode the bus to school, Emma and Alex sat together while Gemma took the seat just ahead of them. The trio engaged in a lively conversation about random topics, their laughter filling the bus. In the midst of their exchange, Alex casually brushed a strand of Emma's hair from her face, causing her cheeks to flush with a delicate shade of pink. Neither of them noticed the small, intimate gesture as they continued their banter.

Arriving at school, they went their separate ways. Emma's first class was English, a subject that she always looked forward to. They were currently studying "The Brook," a beautiful poem filled with vivid imagery and allegorical themes.

As she entered the classroom, Emma spotted Adrian, who had become a familiar face over the past few weeks. He gestured for her to sit beside him, and she obliged. Adrian seemed genuinely interested in her thoughts on the poem, and they engaged in a lively discussion about its meaning and symbolism.

After a few classes together, Adrian asked Emma if she'd like to join him in the cafeteria for lunch, and she agreed. As they made their way to the bustling cafeteria, they spotted Alex sitting alone at a corner table, his expression clearly irritated. Emma couldn't ignore the pang of hope that fluttered in her chest at the sight.

However, as she settled down with Adrian and they started chatting, Emma couldn't help but notice Alex sitting by himself, a noticeable distance away. Her heart ached for his companionship, and she excused herself from Adrian, promising to return shortly.

She moved toward Alex, who glanced up at her with a hint of annoyance still lingering in his eyes. Emma, determined to ease his discomfort, smiled sweetly and began talking to him. Her light-hearted banter and playful teasing gradually lifted his mood, and a genuine smile broke through his initial irritation.

Curious about his earlier demeanor, Emma finally mustered the courage to ask, "What's your problem, Alex?"

He sighed, his brow furrowing slightly. "It's just... I don't know, Emma. I don't trust Adrian. I've got a bad feeling about him."

Emma tried to reassure him about Adrian's intentions, but they both agreed to drop the subject for now, not wanting it to overshadow the day.

That night, as Emma lay in bed, her heart was filled with hope. Maybe, just maybe, Alex's irritation earlier meant something more than she had dared to imagine. Excitement coursed through her veins as she drifted off to sleep, a smile gracing her lips. For the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to dream of possibilities, knowing that tomorrow was a new day with its own set of surprises and uncertainties.