Working out with Emily.

Later that day, you get changed into your sportswear and meet with Emily in the soccer field. Oddly enough, you don’t see the woman that has occupied your thoughts since lunch.

“Where’s Megan?” You ask.

“Her grandmother had an accident and she went to see her. She said she’s sorry she couldn’t make it today.” Emily explains.

Oh shit. “Is her grandmother well?” You ask, worried.

“Yes, thankfully.” Emily gives you a relieved smile. “She tripped and hurt her back, but she didn’t break anything. It seems she’ll be fine in a few days.”

“Thank God.” You sigh in relief.

“So don’t worry. Let’s just focus on our workout, ok?” She says, starting with her arm stretches.

You follow suit, and for the next one and a half hour you work through your routine with Emily’s help. She points out how you’re still doing some exercises the wrong way, but unlike before, her words are less harsh.

You notice that, throughout the session, Emily looks like she wants to say something, calling your attention a couple of times before saying “It’s nothing. Forget it.” After you’re done, cleaned up and ready to leave, she finally reveals her intentions.

“Hey, if it’s not a bother… could I hang out at your place for a while?” She asks with slight hesitation, which that in itself is strange for a girl as straightforward as Emily.

“Huh? Sure, I don’t mind.” Actually getting to hang out with someone your age just for pleasure and not for some school-related activity? When was the last time that happened? “Should we buy something to eat on the way?”

Emily seems surprised that you accepted, but her face brightens immediately after. “Sure!”

You buy a pizza in a nearby restaurant and a bottle of juice since Emily tells you she doesn’t drink carbonated drinks. You go to your room and your guest makes herself comfortable sitting in your bed since you don’t really have a couch or anything.

“Sorry to be a bother. I bet you have stuff to do, don’t you?” She asks with a tone of guilt.

“Yeah, actually, but I much rather hang out with you.” You tell her with a reassuring smile. “Besides, I usually rest for a while after our sessions before I start getting more work done. You might not feel it much, but this stuff still tires me out.”

“It’s only been two weeks. I’m not surprised.” Emily says, then glances at your homemade weights sitting on a corner. “I’m glad to know you’re taking it seriously though.” She says, pointing to them.

“It’s kind of addicting once you get used to it. Now I feel bad whenever I don’t work out. It’s like my body WANTS to move.” You tell her, pouring juice into a couple of glasses.

“Right?” Emily approves excitedly of your comment. “Ever since I started in middle school I haven’t been able to stop.” She tells. “Good thing I’ve managed to regulate my training though. I want to keep my body toned and in shape, I don’t want to build a lot of muscle.”

That comment piques your interest. You didn’t take Emily as someone to care much about her figure, deciding to do keep her body strong out of love for soccer.

“Sorry if I’m blunt, but I didn’t think you’d be one to worry about that too much.” You decide to be honest and say it straight. You pass her the glass of juice and she takes it, giving you an annoyed look.

“Why’s that? You think that just because I play sports I’ll act like a man?”

“I never said that.” You try your best to keep a straight face, but inside you’re worried that you offended her. “It’s just that you’ve been so straight forward since I met you and this is the first time I’ve heard you say something like that.” You take a sip from your drink, leaning against your desk in front of the bed.

Emily sighs and calms herself. “Well, this is the first time we hang out for something that’s not school.”

“True.” You take a slice of pizza from the box on your desk and offer Emily one. She takes it and starts eating, leaving an uncomfortable silence for a while.

Eventually, she gives you a look with a wry smile. “I haven’t been very friendly with you, have I?”

“More than the rest of the school, at least. A hell of a lot more.” You admit.

“Yeah, I don’t get why everybody seems to have something against you. I just… saw you around, always looking down, sucking in P.E. and getting treated like garbage. I thought you were someone with no spine who couldn’t even stand up for himself. I guess it took actually talking to you to see how wrong I was.” She gives you an apologetic smile. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine. As long as we’re cool now.” You tell her, then give her a second glance. “Are we cool?”

“Yeah, we’re cool.” She chuckles. “You’re a pretty cool guy, David. If you can balance your school work and your training, you’ll be a nerd with a killer body. You’ll be pretty popular with the ladies.” She winks playfully.

“My, Ms. Miller, are you coming on to me?” You play along, but she immediately starts laughing.

“Hahaha! You wish! And don’t ever call me Ms. Miller again. That’s my sister.” She chides you, but it’s all in good fun. “But I’m serious. I actually think Megan might have a thing for you. She’s been acting weird when it comes to you.”

Wow. Talk about BFFs. Megan hasn’t told her anything and Emily still has a feeling something’s going on.