Just as a warning, this chapter is mostly dialogue. I have to build things up properly before the fun stuff can happen, so thank you for dealing with the slower material. I promise things will get more heated later on, these conversations are just important to leading up to some more serious topics and ideas.
Thanks for everything!
Keep Writing
Reyna
CHAPTER 10: Apologies and Assumptions
EMILY'S POV:
"Oh."
I felt my heart freeze, and I gaped at the empty space in front of me.
"You can't make it can you." I snapped.
"No, it's not that, I just-"
I sighed as Spencer struggled to come up with an excuse.
"You forgot." I said pointedly.
I heard her sigh on the other end, and I felt my heart break a little.
"I didn't mean to, I woke up late." She replied. I rolled my eyes.
"It's okay. I understand. We can always reschedule." I muttered.
"No Em, I shouldn't have forgotten." Spencer answered.
"No, you shouldn't have, but you did, and it's okay. Everyone forgets things, I forgive you." I tried to conceal my true emotions, but I could tell that she knew what I was really feeling.
"I'm sorry Em. I'll…call you later and we can reschedule. I'll make it up to you, I promise..." Spencer trailed off. "Love you Em."
"Yeah." I ended the call, and tossed my phone and car keys onto my bed. I pulled off my shoes, and the jacket I had ironed the night before. I shouldn't be this upset at her, it's only one date, and it wasn't super important.
I sighed and walked over to my window seat. I was about to change into something comfier when I realized; I shouldn't have had to get dressed up for nothing.
Pulling out my phone, and slipping my shoes back on, I dialed Hanna.
HANNA'S POV:
I was watching a movie on Netflix in my pajamas when I heard my phone go off across the room. I sighed, and contemplated ignoring the call, but figured it was probably something important. I got up slowly and walked over to where my purse was on the floor.
I pulled my phone out of my purse where it was left the night before, and placed it against my ear.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Hanna, do you want to go shopping today?" Emily's voice sounded from the other end.
I laughed. "I'm always up for shopping. Weren't you supposed to go shopping with Spencer though?" I asked, uncertain of what was happening.
"I'll tell you about it later." Emily muttered. I knew better than to pester the girl by asking more questions, and left it at that.
"Alright. What time?" I asked.
"Well, I'm already at your house…I kind of figured you'd say yes and just went ahead and came over." Emily replied guiltily.
"Wait, what?" I pulled open my blinds, and laughed as I saw Emily sitting in her car. She waved at me.
"You know me too well." I chuckled. "I'll be down in a few."
Of course it was more than a few, but I was still down after about ten minutes.
I hopped in Emily's car after telling my mom where I was headed, and we drove to the mall in silence. I wanted to ask her what was up, I could tell she was upset, but I figured I shouldn't stress it yet.
After a decent hour of shopping, laughing, and trying on clothes, my patience finally blew.
"Emily," I said once we got back in the car, some three hours later.
"What happened?" I asked.
She sighed, and bit her lip.
"It's really nothing…" She trailed off.
"Obviously it was nothing, it's eating you up I can tell. Spit it out." I demanded.
"Spencer forgot about our date today." She muttered.
"Really?" I was surprised. Spencer rarely forgot things.
"I know. It's unlike her. However, I shouldn't be so upset. It's only one time. I was just really excited." Emily mentioned.
"I understand. Did she tell you why she forgot?" I wondered.
"Not really. She was pretty vague." Emily groaned. She turned and looked me in the eye.
"Do you think something's up with her?" She asked me.
"Uh, I don't know?" I was surprised, I didn't expect that from her.
"She's just been so quiet, and distracted lately. I'm worried about her." Emily sighed.
"I don't know Em, but if you want I can talk to her." I suggested.
"That's okay. You don't have to, I'm probably overreacting." Emily muttered.
"No, I've noticed it too know that I think about it." I replied. "Something must be up with her. I would ask her about it, but you and Aria probably have the best luck." I pointed out.
Emily sighed. "I guess that's true. She probably thinks I'm mad at her though…maybe I'll ask Aria to check in on her tomorrow at school."
"Sounds like a plan." I grinned. Emily was still a bit down about Spencer missing their date, but I could tell she was in a better mood than she was before.
She dropped me off at my house, and I thanked her for the invitation.
"Are you going to call Aria?" I asked.
"Yeah, I'll call her when I get home. Are you sure I'm not overreacting?" She double-checked, obviously worried about angering Spencer if she assumed something was wrong.
"I'm sure. She's just not herself. Maybe she's still recovering from the incident with A, but I think it's something more. You should check it out, just to be safe. Besides, she's your girlfriend, she can't get mad at you for caring." I reassured the stressed brunette in front of me.
Emily sighed.
"Thanks Hanna. You're the best." She grinned, and I waved as she drove off.
I sighed as I walked back into my house, hoping everything would turn out for the better.
EMILY'S POV:
When I got home, I pulled out my phone and called Aria. I wanted to call Spencer and check in on her, but I had to make sure I wasn't freaking out over nothing. I know Hanna told me I was fine, but I had to double-check.
"Hey Em, what's up?" Aria's voice rang from the other end of the phone line.
"Aria, I'm worried." I stated bluntly. I didn't want to waste time.
"I know." She chuckled. "You're worried about Spencer."
I gaped at the phone.
"How did you know?" I asked, uncertain of what sorcery my friend must be using.
"You're always worried about her. It's sweet." She replied, laughing. "Besides, she's been acting off lately, so I figured that you'd be extra worried than normal."
I sighed.
"You've noticed it too?" I asked her.
"Yeah. She's just...not here, mentally. She seems to be in another world at the moment, which is unusual for her." Aria mentioned.
I ran my fingers through my hair.
"Thanks for your input Aria. I think I'm going to call her and ask." I muttered.
"Wait, I thought you two were hanging out today? Did she go home already?" Aria wondered.
"No, she never came over. Apparently she forgot. Before you say anything, I've already forgiven her, it's okay." I added, hoping Aria wouldn't stress the issue.
"Okay. Still, something's definitely up. Good luck Emily. If anyone can break through her shell, you can." Aria muttered hopefully.
"Thanks." I hung up, and turned around to dial Spencer.
SPENCER'S POV:
After my conversation with Emily, I felt horrible. I was so wrapped up in my dealings with A, and Bethany, that I had forgotten something.
I cursed at myself, I normally wasn't so forgetful.
How could I have done this to her?
Don't fret over it. She understands.
I sighed, and rubbed my temples.
"I know, but still, I feel horrible." I was about to continue talking when I heard my bedroom door open.
"Hey honey." My mom smiled at me from across the room.
"Hey mom, when did you get back?" I asked, uncertain.
"A little while ago. Who were you talking to?" She questioned.
"Emily." I spat out quickly. She nodded in consideration.
"Okay. Well your father and I will be upstairs, it's been a long few days, and we'd love some sleep." She glanced at me, hinting that I should stay quiet while they were catching up on needed sleep.
"Sounds good mom." I muttered, and she closed the door and walked into her room. I sighed.
That was close. You're a good liar.
I sighed. "Yeah. It comes with practice."
Suddenly my phone started ringing from across the room. I sighed, and walked over to it.
Emily's name popped up on the screen, and I froze.
Are you going to answer it?
I sighed. "I don't know, she's probably still mad at me." I groaned.
She'll be more mad if you ignore her.
I chuckled. "You are very right there Bethany."
I brought the phone to my ear, and pressed the accept button.
"Emily?"