Author's Note

Sorry its been forever! I hope you like the chapter though,

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Emma

I sat in the window seat in our pink kitchen, dreaming stirring the straw of my lemonade around in a circle. The sweet aroma of the flowers outside our windows wafted in with the breeze, picking up my hair in its whispering fingers. I love spring¸ I think to myself, a sign escaping my lips. It's the month of new beginnings, and a fresh start, with the flowers popping up and the birds twittering with the daily news to one another. I'm especially excited because spring holds new promises, mainly one from my Mr. Stewart Chadwick. It all started 3 weeks ago, when Stewart asked me to meet him by the bridge in the graveyard, a sure sign that he wanted to talk about something serious. It had become our special place, and we both liked to reserve "important life decision topics" for the spot. And what he told me was definitely a major life decision.

Just then, my phone blares from the table, jarring me from my drifting thoughts. The caller I.D. read "Carrots" with a picture of Cassidy flashing a bright smile and peace sign. I giggle, just like I do whenever she calls. It's Jess and mine little secret that her name is Carrots on my phone, and Cass would be practically livid if she found out.

"Hey Cassidy, what up?" I say, twirling a curl around my finger.

"Emma, I'm calling an emergency Mother-Daughter Book Club meeting, without the moms."

I stopping twirling my hair, and leaned forward, "Why? What's going on?"

"I can't say here, just try to get to my house as soon as possible."

With hurried goodbyes, I snapped my phone shut, grabbed my purple sneakers, and effectively ran into 3 doorways and 2 windows in my haste, before pushing my flailing limbs out the door.

"Hurry up, what took you so long?" snapped Cassidy, pulling my thoroughly winded self into her kitchen. I just shook my head, panting, unable to form words much less breathe without sounding like Darth Vader. With an impatient sigh, she herded me upstairs into the turret, where the other 4 girls of our Mother-Daughter Book Club were already sitting cross-legged.

I took a seat next to Jess, who scooted closer to Megan to make room, and then looked expectantly up at Cassidy. She was still standing, and looked close to a nervous breakdown.

"Ok, we need to stage a serious intervention, like now." Cassidy said, picking at a hangnail.

"Why?" asked Becca, with only a little snark in her tone. Megan nudged her, and shook her head with a frown. "What? I only ask because this had better be important. I am missing a shopping day with Jen. Spring sales will only last so long, you know." Becca said testily.

Jese snorted and I barely compressed a giggle. Of course all Becca is worried about spring sales. What else?

"No, I'm serious guys. I overheard our moms talking, and it seems that Courtney's wedding has made them think the five of us need to have the talk at our next book club meeting." Cassidy said, looking ill.

Becca laughed, "Wait, you haven't had that yet? Wow, my mom talked to me before freshman year."

Cassidy glared at her. "Yeah, I heard her mention that. She said something like you seemed more interested in it than other girls your age? But you must be confused on the time because she said you asked her about it, in like 6th grade."

Becca turned bright red, and opened her mouth to retort, when I butted in. "Ok, ok guys calm down. Let's just try to think this through here." I didn't want to tell my friends about what Stewart had talked to me about, but I had a sinking feeling that if I didn't it would come back to bite me later.

"Well, none of us would make such a dumb mistake and end up pregnant, so there isn't much to worry about," said Jess. She looked at the circle of doubtful faces, then to me for support "Right, Emma?"

I just looked at her helplessly. "Well, actually… it might not be such a bad idea. The first part, not the baby part. " The shock, confusion then hurt that crossed her face made my heart want to break.

"Wait, what? You and my brother want to have sex?" shrieked Becca, gripping her cell phone tightly in one clenched fist.

"Ew, gross Emma! You're in high school for crying out loud!" said Cassidy, a look of revulsion crossing her features. "Why are you thinking about that already? Why would you think about that ever?"

"Guys, come on, it's not like that! I have been with Stewart for a long time, and we just talked about it!" I pleaded; looking directly at Jess, as if to make her understand what she thought I would never do wasn't so bad. "It's not like its just some guy, it's-"

"Do you love him?"

The question, clear and quiet, settled around us like a heavy fog.

"Do you love him?" Megan said more forcefully, looking up finally. Her almond eyes met mine with no judgment, just seeking understanding.

I faltered, unsure of what to say in front of my friends. Love was such a big topic, and none of us had really explored it, let alone questioned it out loud. Love was being swept off your feet, and tears pouring down your face over a stupid fight. Love was squabbling over which way to turn, or what restaurant to eat at after a long day at work. Love was complicated, beautiful , intricate and delicate.

"Yes…" I mumbled, staring at my shoes. "I think I do…"

I wanted to sink into the floor. I had never made such a public declaration of my feeling toward Stewart, and I wasn't sure how they would react. I mean, Becca alone was a scary enough thought, but the other three girls I had been through so much with. We had each seen each other grow into what we are now. Their disapproval was what I dreaded the most.

I finally looked up, to see their various expressions. "Please say something." I whispered.

I need your help! I want to start a series of one shots of different hilarious events for each girl but I need your opinion!

for example: Cassidy Sloane forced into a spa day

Becca does field day

that sort of thing

please R&R or PM direct requests/ suggesitions to me, as I take those more in to consideration.