Crush(ed)

Chapter 5: Too young to love this deep

On a bright Saturday afternoon, Adrian arrived at Emma's house around 1 pm to pick her up for their movie date. Emma was excited, looking forward to spending time with her friend and enjoying a carefree day. As they headed to the cinema, her thoughts momentarily drifted away from Alex, and she felt a glimmer of hope for a more carefree future.

During the movie, they shared hushed discussions about their favorite characters. Emma was particularly captivated by Katniss Everdeen's resilience, while Adrian admired Peeta Mellark's courage and loyalty. They laughed and whispered throughout, enjoying each other's company without the complications of romantic feelings.

After the movie, they ventured to the arcade, where the lively atmosphere and flashing lights created a thrilling backdrop. Emma and Adrian engaged in friendly competition, indulging in a variety of games. Emma found herself having a blast, her laughter filling the arcade, but she also had a moment of realization—despite Adrian's kindness and his clear interest in her, she couldn't help but see him as just a friend.

As the day progressed and they worked up an appetite, they decided to grab some burgers and fries at Shake Shack. While savoring the delicious meal, they chatted about various topics, feeling comfortable in each other's presence. Emma cherished this newfound friendship with Adrian, but it couldn't replace the feelings she held for Alex.

When Adrian dropped her back home in the evening, Mama asked Emma how her day had gone. Emma hesitated but decided to open up.

"It was a lot of fun, Mama," Emma began, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "But, you know, I couldn't help thinking about Alex."

Mama listened attentively, her wise eyes filled with understanding. She had seen her daughter struggle with her emotions for Alex for a long time and had a sense of how challenging it was.

Emma's voice quivered as she continued, "Mama, will I ever get over that boy?"

Mama smiled gently and drew her daughter close, offering a comforting embrace. "Oh, my baby girl," she whispered, planting a tender kiss on Emma's forehead. "You're too young to be feeling so hopeless about moving on. But I understand that everything feels heightened and tough at your age."

Emma blinked back tears, her mother's warmth enveloping her. Mama's words resonated deep within her, a soothing balm to her wounded heart.

"All I can say is, this too shall pass," Mama continued softly. "Either Alex will see how much you like him, and you'll be together, or he never will. But you cannot let your worth be based on whether or not he likes you. Live the life of the teenager you are. You'll regret it if you keep thinking about a boy who doesn't care."

As Emma pondered Mama's words in her room later that night, she felt a mix of emotions. Her love for Alex was undeniable, but she also understood that she couldn't wait forever for something that might never happen.

Feeling overwhelmed, Emma decided to go for a walk to clear her mind. The park near her house beckoned, offering a quiet sanctuary in the night. She found solace in the darkness and the gentle rustling of leaves.

As she swung on the swings, contemplating her feelings for Alex and the day she had spent with Adrian, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Mind if I join?" Alex's voice, warm and familiar, cut through the silence of the park.

Emma's heart skipped a beat, and she turned to look at him. "Does it matter if I say no?" Her voice carried a hint of bitterness, a reflection of the frustration she had been harboring.

Alex seemed momentarily taken aback by her response. "It does, you know?" he replied softly, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and concern. "I can go if you want."

Emma immediately regretted her sharp words. "C'mon," she sighed, feeling the tension dissipate. "You know I was being sarcastic."

Alex settled down on a nearby park bench, and Emma joined him. As they sat side by side, he spoke gently, "I cannot tell sometimes."

Feeling a surge of anger at their recent misunderstandings, Emma couldn't help but challenge him. "Why? Is it because you're a boy and I change around you to be annoying and desperate?"

Alex's expression shifted to one of uncertainty, and he replied cautiously, "Hey, can we talk?" Emma looked at the mud on the ground "I suppose we gotta."

Seated on the park bench, Alex began, "So, did you hear me talking to Dom the other day?"

Emma rolled her eyes at how carefully he was treading. "Loud and clear."

Alex looked down, a sense of shame washing over him. "Is that why you've been mad at me?"

Tears welled up in Emma's eyes again, but she didn't want to give in to them. Instead, she remained silent.

"I'm so sorry, Emma," Alex continued, his voice filled with remorse. "It's just... I'm not used to seeing you with boys because you're always hanging around us. So maybe I got a little worried? Because how well do you even know that guy?"

Emma rose in frustration, her voice trembling with anger. "Then you should've said that to me, not some guy who doesn't even know me!" Her irritation was palpable. "And Adrian is an amazing guy, for your information. I've never uttered a word about any of your ex-girlfriends, even when they ridiculed me for my weight or the books I like. I've supported you through it all. So, why are you so bothered by my new friend?"

Alex sat there, taken aback by Emma's passionate outburst. Her words struck a chord, making him realize how thoughtless he had been. "You're right," he admitted, standing up, his voice tinged with regret. "I shouldn't act like a child just because you have a new friend. I won't do that again. I promise. And I'm sorry for talking behind your back...and I'm really sorry for ever allowing anybody to speak of you like that. I sincerely apologize. I always assumed you didn't care, but I can now see that you clearly do."

Tears streamed down Emma's cheeks as he spoke, and Alex tenderly wiped a tear from her left cheek. Her face flushed with warmth as she struggled with her emotions. She couldn't understand how to let go of her feelings for him, especially when Alex showed such understanding when they were alone.

Deeply concerned for her, Alex wrapped her in a comforting hug. It was an unfamiliar sensation, as they had never been physically affectionate before. Emma's breath caught in her throat, and she momentarily ceased crying. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she feared it might leap out at any moment. Oblivious to her turmoil, Alex continued to comfort her by gently rubbing her back.

As if that weren't bewildering enough, he leaned down and planted a kiss on her forehead. "I'm truly sorry, Emma," he murmured. "I can see that I've hurt you a lot."

Unable to control her emotions, Emma pushed Alex away and ran back to her house, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't bear to stay any longer, not when she felt like she was on the verge of confessing her love for him.

Alex stood there, stunned by her actions, for a brief moment before calling out her name in alarm as she ran off. Emma paid no heed, driven by her overwhelming emotions. She couldn't stay any longer, for fear that she would reveal her deepest feelings for him. The idea of moving on from her intense crush on Alex seemed even more distant now.

Inside her room, she could hear the constant ping of messages from both Adrian and Alex. Adrian's messages were full of enthusiasm and excitement, while Alex's were filled with confusion and apologies. But Emma ignored them all, locking herself in her room as she tried to make sense of the tumultuous emotions swirling within her.

She lay on her bed, her heart still racing, realizing that moving on from Alex was going to be more challenging than she had ever imagined. As exhaustion finally overcame her, she drifted into a restless sleep, her dreams filled with the complicated boy who had taken up residence in her heart.