Eight

After the whole meeting with Nikki everything had quieted down. For the most part anyway. The rest of the week had passed with ease and consisted mostly of me staying awake through all of my classes and acing a history quiz. Megan had been proud and would probably stay off my back for the next few days while I actively avoided Emma during the same week.

That was until Friday when she caught me in the hallway.

"Sam," she called. "Hey, what are you doing tomorrow night?"

I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss her, because I did. I just knew excessively talking to her would cause the weird feelings to resurface. It was happening right now just standing near her.

"Um, I'm not sure," I answered.

"You should come to my house," she suggested.

"What?" I nearly choked.

"I'm having a party. My parents are out of town for their anniversary."

Was it just me or did Emma look extra good today? And how had she gotten away with wearing that low-cut shirt-

"Sam. Hello?"

I snapped out of my head. "Sorry. I uh, was having a moment..."

She wrinkled her brow. "Will you come?"

I nodded. "Y-Yeah, I'll stop by."

"You should. I would really like that."

The tension between us caused me to itch. I decided to break it. "As long as you don't spill your drink on me this time."

She frowned. "Ha. Ha. See you later."

I waved her off with a smile before making it to Megan's class. Instead of standing at the door she sat at her desk, her reading glasses on the edge of her nose. Her long, dark hair flowed over her shoulders and spilled onto the table. Her red pen marked against the papers that sat in front of her.

She felt my gaze and looked up, forcing me to snap out of my head. Her lips pulled into a confused smile as I took a seat. What the hell was that?

Class proceeded with Megan closing up the chapter we had worked on during the week. I grew bored and pulled out my phone every two minutes to check the time. That's when I saw I had a text from Blair.

It read: Heard about Emma's party tomorrow. We goin?

I shifted in my seat before responding, Yeah, told her I would stop by.

She answered immediately. She seriously convinced you to go to another party?

She's a friend. She didn't have to convince me.

You don't go to high school parties willingly, Sam. You and I both know that.

I began typing, Why does it even matter-

An open hand was placed in my view. My heart dropped to my stomach.

"Hand over the phone, Miss Carson," Megan demanded.

I gave her a pleading smile. "Meg... Miss Adams, can I just put it away?"

"You know phones aren't allowed."

"It could be an emergency."

"Like?"

"Like..." I paused. "My older brother. He's in New York and-"

"Hand it over."

I groaned. "But-"

"Detention after class," she finished before snatching my phone.

I bit the inside of my cheek in response.

She put my phone on her desk and returned to her lecture, which then lasted about ten more minutes. I fumed with the thought of detention on a Friday afternoon.

Then the bell dismissed us. Well, everyone but me.

Megan closed her door. "Why do you insist on testing me in front of the entire class? You know I can't go easy on you."

"Detention was a bit drastic," I answered.

"Would you rather deal with the principal?"

I shuddered. "God no."

"Alright then. Come over here."

I threw myself in the desk next to hers. The last thing I wanted to do was waste another hour in this classroom, but I found it nice to sit alone with Megan.

"What do I have to do?" I asked.

"Help me grade these."

She put a stack of papers in front of me and the answer key between us. I grabbed a red pen from her cup and started.

"You know..." I scratched out an incorrect answer. "If you just want help grading, all you have to do is ask."

"Teacher's pet?"

I scoffed. "As if. I just like you a little bit more than the rest."

"Well I'm flattered," she answered with a laugh.

As I sat there with Megan I could feel the lingering tension that always seemed to accompany us. It was active today, like and invisible fog creeping through the vents and surrounding the room. And on top of all of that I could feel Megan conjuring up another conversation in her head. This then made me nervous.

"How long have you lived with Shawn?"

I sucked in a tight breath. It was like a punch to the gut, but why? I should be used to this by now.

I didn't look up. "Uh, almost two years."

"Why'd you get kicked out of your old school?"

I thought back and realized there had probably been a million different reasons why they had finalized their decision. And as much as I hated talking about personal things like this, I found myself wanting to talk about it with Megan.

I shrugged. "I had gotten into a fight with another student, but I had been dodging expulsion for a while at that point. So when they added in my horrible grades and previous record they decided to just kick me out."

"Sounds like you've calmed down quite a bit since then," she added.

"I had to."

"Do you miss it?"

Did I miss it? I sure didn't miss my old high school that was honestly ten times worse than Baldwin. I didn't miss the people. I didn't even miss my parents... Or so I'd like to think. Maybe if I told myself that enough times I'd finally believe it.

"No," I answered.

I could feel Megan's gaze on me but I stared down at the papers on my desk. It was hard to think about. My heart ached when memories of my past resurfaced. How everything had gone downhill so fast. I had felt so out of control of my own life. Moving in with Shawn had allowed me to find myself again, but every now and then I still felt lost. Why was that?

"What about you?" I asked. "Do you miss home?"

Megan seemed to find my curiosity fascinating. "Yeah, I do but... It's complicated."

I continued marking papers. "Why?"

"Well after the divorce and Lacey's death... Home doesn't really exist for me anymore."

I stopped marking test and looked up. Shock was evident on my face because Megan rolled her eyes.

"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I shouldn't have said it like that."

"I'm sorry for asking," I answered, feeling bad.

She shook her head. "Don't be. I've made my peace with it."

I tried not to feel so bad but I couldn't help it. How was she still so bright after all of that darkness?

Megan, one of the smartest and most beautiful people I've ever met, had a story I found myself dying to read. Usually after one conversation with most girls I was bored. But this was so different. Not only did Megan have a story, but she seemed willing to tell it without fear. I envied that about her.

"How do you do it?" I found myself asking.

"Do what?"

"Stay so... positive?"

She just smiled. "I believe for every bad thing we go through, there's good to balance it out in the end."

It was a funny to know Megan and I were similar in this way. Our lives were dramatically different, but our views seemed to parallel.

"My way of explaining that is kind of the opposite. Rather than good equaling out the bad, it's the bad that equals out the good," I confessed.

"Yeah well, no offense but you're kind of a pessimist."

I laughed. "Maybe so. But I've seen more evil than good."

"It's all what you choose to focus on," she finished. "And what you choose to forgive."

A small shiver ran up my spine. Where had that come from? Was Megan the spiritual kind? I had never considered myself to belong to any type of religion, much less believe in a God. I found it intriguing to hear her talk like this.

That's when the bell rang, signaling the end to detention.

She sighed. "Looks like you're free to go." She handed me back my phone. "Please remember that you're my student in this classroom. Not Shawn's defiant little sister."

I smirked. "You know you'd be so bored here if it weren't for me."

"Sometimes boredom is a good thing," she stated. "But you're probably right. You tend to keep me on my feet."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Goodbye Sam."

"Bye Miss Adams," I teased before escaping out her door.

* * *

The next night when we arrived at Emma's I wondered why on Earth she was attending a place like Baldwin High and not an all-girl boarding school in England. Her house was massive, with one of those curved driveways and a landscape that had to be kept up by hiring gardeners. I would've thought we were at the wrong house if it hadn't been for all the cars out front.

"Hey!" she greeted at the door, drink in hand. "Glad you two showed!"

Blair walked in first. "Jesus Emma, what do your parents do for a living?"

"Mom's one of the top realtors in the state, dad's a pediatrician," she answered.

"Wow."

I looked at her. "And are they aware you're trashing their nice house with a party?"

"They do not," she smirked.

"Sneaky," I teased.

Blair threw me a look before disappearing, leaving me with Emma.

"Want a drink?" Emma offered.

"You're really asking?" I joked.

"Right. Stupid question. Follow me."

So I did. My eyes traveled down her slim back that was slightly exposed from the way her blouse was designed. Her tight jeans complimented the curves of her hips, and suddenly I felt stupid for avoiding her for so long.

Emma Lewis liked me. She was clearly interested and I was avoiding her like an idiot. I was Sam Carson for crying out loud!

We were alone in the kitchen and I found this too predictable but didn't mind one bit.

"Beer or liquor?" she asked.

"What are you drinking?"

She smirked. "Cranberry and Vodka."

"Oh really?"

"I'm pacing myself this time," she defended.

I leaned on the counter next to her. "Why don't you surprise me?"

This caused her glossy brown eyes to fall to my lips. She shook her head. "I'm no bartender."

"But you know what I like," I countered.

"Fine."

She grabbed a cup and put some ice while I watched her with intent. She looked so good. Her tousled waves shaped her face just right. She almost glowed, and my eyes refused to pull away.

After making the drink she put it in front of me. "Here."

I took a sip. It was sweet, but not too sweet, and it had just enough alcohol.

"Well?"

I smiled. "I feel like I should tip you."

She rolled her eyes and laughed. "Shut up."

"So are you gonna give me the grand tour or not?"

There was a familiar tension wrapped around us and I knew Emma felt it. I was trying really hard to keep my composure and not cross a line but it was difficult. I hoped she didn't feel the need to get weird if I came on too strong.

"Happily," she agreed. "This is the kitchen where the food and alcohol is."

"I love food and alcohol."

"Of course."

She started walking and I followed.

The party was mostly taking place in the living room where the music blared and beer pong tables were set up. People were playing the gaming system in the corner while others chatted away. A couple was also making out on the couch.

"This is the living room where no one in this family actually spends their time," she included.

I looked at her. "So where does your family spend their time?"

"Dad's usually at work or reading in his study. Mom's mostly in her office when she's not working."

"And you?"

"I spend as much time away from here as I can."

Wow. I wasn't sure where this was coming from but I found it sudden. Then again, Emma was probably buzzing and unaware that she was spilling personal information. Or maybe she was aware. I wasn't sure.

Then she led me upstairs. We dodged a few kids while I took another sip from my drink. This was really good.

We ended up in what I guessed to be her room. "This is where I stay when I'm here."

It was a nice room. Twice the size of mine at Shawn's place. Not to mention it was actually pretty clean. Her bed was made. Her desk was tidy. Not a single piece of clothing lied on the floor. It looked so predictable.

I walked over to her bed. "Your room's nice."

"Thanks," she answered. "I always thought it was boring."

I sat on the edge of her mattress. Her soft comforter touched my free hand.

I looked up at her. "Why?"

She watched me. "Just because, I guess."

Her arms were crossed upon her chest and she stood a little too far from me. What was she so desperate to avoid? Was she afraid she'd kiss me again? Was she containing herself like I was?

I stood and walked over to her window, spotting the pool in the backyard.

"You have a pool," I gawked.

"I do," she answered.

"Ever been skinny dipping?"

She tilted her head with a small smile. "Maybe. Why?"

I ran my hand along her desk. "You just don't seem to be the kind."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah," I teased.

She stepped back when I stepped closer. "And what type do I seem to you?"

I continued to move closer to her until she had nowhere else to go. We were close enough to kiss when I answered. "You seem to be real... nervous."

Her eyes flipped back up to mine. "W-Well, I'm not."

"Let's go down to the pool," I suggested while giving her space.

She was attracted to me. It was so obvious after talking to Megan about it. All the signs were there, but why hadn't I seen it before? Was it because she was hiding them? Afraid to allow herself to go further than friends do with me? I had a feeling that's exactly what it was, but I was breaking that tonight. We were both avoiding something that we no longer should.

The chill October air cooled my skin when we stepped outside. The pool was lit with changing colors that illuminated and reflected through the night. It was pretty. Emma was prettier. And I could feel a small buzz creeping up. Maybe there was more alcohol in here than I was aware of.

"It's gorgeous," I admitted, unsure if I was talking about the water or the girl standing next to me.

"You're right."

I looked over. "About what?"

"I've never been skinny dipping."

I laughed. "Emma I was joking when I asked that."

"Do you think I'm boring?"

Woah. What on earth would make her ask that?

My head shook. "No? Why would you think that?"

She looked down into her drink. "I just... you're you and I'm me. You just don't care what people think and I think that would feel pretty liberating. I wish I was like that."

She was admitting something to me and I understood all of it. And she was almost right.

I sighed. "Most of the time you're right, I don't care. But then Blair calls out something stupid I did and I'm embarrassed. Or my brother is disappointed with the grades I make... Or I ask this really awesome girl to homecoming and the last thing I want to hear is a no. Because I care."

I wasn't sure where that had come from, but Emma seemed to enjoy it. And the best part was that it was true.

"That was actually really sweet," she answered before she sipped her drink.

"Yeah well, it doesn't come often."

"I know."

Should I ask her?

I should. I should stop being such a chicken and just ask her why we've been lying to ourselves since homecoming. Why the hell was it so different with her?

"Why are we avoiding each other?" I asked.

She shook her head. "I don't know."

"You don't have to be embarrassed about kissing me. And you don't have to label yourself. Labels are stupid anyway."

I took a big sip of my drink, finishing it off this time. I really needed to chill if I wanted to keep my mouth under control.

"Sam, I've just never been attracted to a girl like I am with you."

Okay, I hadn't expected her to outright say that, but I liked it. She was upfront, even if she was tipsy. It made things easier.

I tilted my head. "Never?"

"Never."

"Well, there's a first time for everything."

She rolled her eyes and laughed. "That's what you say after I admit that?"

"You're right, that wasn't a good response," I answered. "But if it counts for anything, I'm really attracted to you too. And not just because you're wearing those really tight jeans."

She blushed. "Then why?"

"Because," I paused. "You're not boring."

We hadn't been this close to each other since homecoming, and now that we were it was hard to back away. She just looked so good, and I knew deep down she wanted me to kiss her. I wanted to kiss her too, and the alcohol was making the want to stronger than usual.

And I wanted to really kiss her this time. Not like that lame little peck on homecoming night. And it had honestly been too long since the last time.

I cupped her cheek with my free hand and pulled her into me. Her lip balm touched my tongue first. Then the cranberry. My body was hot with adrenaline when she didn't pull away. Her lips were so soft. Her skin was soft. She was just so soft and gentle. She didn't rush me and I didn't rush her. We just stood there, kissing like actual teenagers and I wasn't sure how I felt about it.

That's when someone joined us outside. That someone being Blair.

"Once again you two are secluded," she interrupted. "Eric just challenged me in beer pong and I need my partner. No offense, Emma."

"Blair, this could've waited," I groaned.

"It really cannot."

"Why?"

"Because he's talking mad shit and everyone's taking his side in your absence."

Okay, maybe Emma could wait just a tiny bit longer. No one talked shit on me at beer pong. I was a known champ.

Emma smiled. "This can wait."

"It won't take long. Promise," I answered.

"You coming or what?" Blair asked impatiently.

I turned. "Let's go win some beer pong."

* * *

Okay, so we schooled Eric and his friend within ten minutes. It was pretty rad. And then the competition kept coming in a sad attempt to dethrone Blair and I, but we never lost. That was until Emma and her friend ended up on the other side of the beer pond table. On one hand I didn't want to lose, but then on the other I just wanted this to end so I could get back to Emma.

Not to mention Emma was really good and I was already drunk.

"Drink," Blair demanded, handing me a cup.

"Why aren't you drinking?" I asked.

"Because..." She hiccupped. "I'm really drunk."

There were two cups left, one on each side of the table. It had been neck and neck the entire time between Emma and I but it was coming to an end. I was determined to win.

"I'm about to take your crown Sam Carson," Emma teased.

"Yeah right," I defended. "This may be your house but this is my game."

We had an audience by this time too. It was intense. The stakes were high. Bragging rights were up for grabs. And I'd be damned if I let these kids beat me!

Emma's partner shot and missed. I held my breath as Emma held her hand up to take hers. The ball left her hand and fell right in with ease.

"Shit," I cursed.

The crowd cheered manically.

"How are they so good?" Blair panicked.

"Hey it's not over," I stated. "If we both make it we win."

"Sam the room is literally spinning."

"Focus then," I commanded. "We are not losing."

"Lord help us."

Blair help up her hand and aimed. Everyone was quiet. Emma's eyes were locked with me, a grin on her face.

The ball fell into the cup. Everyone's cheering pulled me out of my trance. It was my turn.

"Here we go," I mumbled.

I focused on the little red cup at the end of the table. I could do this. I've done it a million times. I was the champ at this. And I would not let Emma take my crown. Not in a million years.

I released the breath I was holding and threw. The ball flew through the air and joined Blair's that was already sitting in the winner's position. Holy shit!

My cheers mixed in with everyone else's. "We won!"

After everyone calmed down from the excitement Emma joined next to me.

Her lips touched my ears. "Good game."

A shiver ran down my spine. "You put up a fight."

She smirked. "Yeah well, I almost won."

"But you didn't."

"Maybe next time."

"Doubt it," I teased.

Then she signaled for me to follow her up to her room with a nod. I did without protest. I figured she wanted to talk about what had happened at the pool. Or finish what Blair had interrupted. Either way I wasn't going to protest.

But when she closed the door behind her and locked it I had a feeling we weren't going to do much talking.

Her lips captured mine with haste. I figured it was because she was drunk. What I didn't know was if she really wanted this.

I pulled away. "Emma, are you sure?"

"I'm sure," she whispered.

My hands fell onto her waist to pull her closer. My fingers curled under the edge of her shirt before slipping it over her head. Her hands played with the button on my pants. She was nervous. I was nervous to, but maybe for different reasons.

I whispered. "You don't have to do anything you don't want."

"I want to," she stated.

She kissed me again, more eager this time. My heart was pounding as we made our way to her bed. This was happening and I decided to no longer over think. We were drunk, and there was a possibility we'd regret it in the morning.

But we could deal with it later.