Chapter 4
1097 Words
My dreams that night were a hazy blur. I remember Aidens face laughing, taunting me for even imagining he could be attracted to me.
"You are the least fuckable thing I can imagine. I would do a garbage disposal before you. "
I woke up at least once shaking. I woke poor Lena up too. I told her it was a bad dream and she stroked my hair until I fell asleep again.
"You had a rough night. Do you remember what your dream was about?" Lena asked, concern etched on her face.
I shook my head. "No, it was all a blur." I only half lied.
We headed down to find breakfast still in our jammies, I prayed to any God that would listen for Aiden to be gone.
The velvety sound of Links voice traveled to the stairs followed closely by his moms musical laughter.
"Morning, Emmy!" My other mom greeted smiling from the table. "I hope you're hungry, I made waffles."
"I love waffles!" A deep voice behind me startled me before I could respond.
"Well then, get in here!" Mom said, far too cheerful to my mortal enemy.
Perhaps referring to Aiden as my "mortal enemy" was a little dramatic, but this is my head and I can be as dramatic as I want.
I carefully, but quickly, sat on a chair next to Lena having just been reminded by my self consciousness that I was still wearing the shorts from last night. Wearing them in front of Lena, Link, and mom two was one thing- but I wasn't as comfortable around Aiden.
We ate our waffles and made comfortable conversation. Aiden almost seemed human to me, almost genuine. For a brief moment I could see why so many girls liked him, he was sweet and charming when he wasn't being a world class tool.
"Emma and I are going the trails in a bit." Lena announced, I made a pouty face at her. "Oh quit whining!" She teased and nudged my arm, earning a laugh from our companions.
"Fine." I said exasperated "Please keep in mind that some of us have short legs and can't walk as fast as others." This earned another laugh.
"What are you doing today, boys?" Other mom asked bringing her coffee to her lips.
"Link and I are going to meet up with Evan and Jeremy, probably catch a movie or something, Ms. Marshall." Aiden explained
"Please, I'm either Pam or mom." She explained gently. "Now, if you all will excuse me, I had a long night and I would like to get some sleep." Pam is an ER doctor and works nights. Pam has never been married, she used artificial insemination to have the twins.
"Let's go, gorgeous!" Lena said, tapping my shoulder.
I gingerly but quickly stood up and walked to the stairs feeling eyes bore into my back.
I changed into a blue Spider-Man shirt, black yoga pants and black sneakers, I threw my hair in a messy bun.
Of course my best friend looked like a model to go hiking. She wore a pink t-shirt, black leggings, and pulled her hair in a high ponytail.
She was effortlessly beautiful.
Lena grabbed her camera and we pulled away in my bug.
Roscoe arboretum had beautiful scenery, a butterfly house, ponds, and hiking trails. It was pretty common to see weddings being held here as well as family photo shoots.
We took the "easy trail" so my friend could take the pictures she wanted and I could walk at whatever pace I wanted.
Stepping on the trail there was a brown squirrel on the trunk of a large oak tree. It looked like he had been climbing up and stopped, his belly was pressed against the bark and his head was looking up. Lena managed to snap a picture above him, capturing his confused face.
"I had no idea AJ was going to stay last night." Lena said as she snapped a picture of a bee on a purple flower. "It's a good thing you wore your hot pants to bed." She winked and I rolled my eyes.
"Whatever is going on in your head is only in your head." I said sidestepping a log.
"I'm not so sure, Em." Lena retorted "I think he's always had a thing for you." I rolled my eyes and kept walking. Aiden Gray was the last thing I wanted to talk about.
"I'm thinking about making homecoming less formal and more fun." I said changing the subject.
"Yes! I'm so over the silicone squad making a big deal over some stupid school dance!" Lena exclaimed excited at the prospect. Silicone squad is a nickname Lena gave to Callie and her clique. My best friend could easily be a member based on looks alone but she wouldn't be caught dead with them.
"Maybe Jeremy will ask you" I paused "Or you could ask him." I suggested
"Yeah, sure, I'll ask him as soon as I can string two words together when in his presence." She said rolling her eyes. She snapped a picture of chipmunk holding a nut.
We continued in silence through the rest of the trail, Lena snapping pictures and me mentally kicking myself for wearing my "hot pants" last night.
❤❤❤
I spent most of my day in my room, reading and napping. Mom called me down for dinner and family night. We do this every Sunday, dinner and board games. It was the highlight of my week.
We had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. I grabbed a Coke from the fridge and joined my parents at the table.
I talked about my sleepover, leaving out a couple details, and the hike we took so Lena could take pictures. Mom said Market Basket approached her about selling her jams and peanut butter there. She is so excited her hobby is producing a career. Dad complained about the "dinosaurs" in the Ohio capitol who kept filibustering him. He spent the weekend in Columbus trying to move his motion forward to no avail.
We cleared the table and brought out Cards Against Humanity. We spent a couple hours laughing and playing the most outrageous pairings we can think of.
My parents started giving each other the "look" so I excused myself to my room.
Grabbing jammies and a towel, I patted my bare feet to the bathroom for a hot shower to ease my tight muscles.
I fell asleep listening to the rain putter against my windows, hoping tonight will bring me more rest.
- Writer
