Friend of a Friend

“Isaac!” Turning towards the new voice, I was surprised to see Sarah come up beside me.

“Sarah. Uh, hey,” I said awkwardly. What was Emma’s friend doing here? How did she know where my locker was?

“I know we haven’t really talked, like, at all. I just want to say thanks.”

“Sure.” I hesitated. “What are you thanking me for?”

She giggled. It was nice. The way her nose scrunched up was endearing. “For Emma. She’s been my BFF since sixth grade. When she told me you two were official… I think I bawled my eyes out for an hour. After all those nights spent listening to her talk my ear off about you, it’s nice to see her so…happy.”

I scratched my cheek, feeling them heat. “She… makes me happy too.”

“I wanted to stop by and give you my phone number too. I know how Emma can be, so if there is anything you need help with, anything at all, I’m here. For both of you.”

One day and I already had two new phone numbers from people who genuinely seemed to care. Mike was always going to be number one, but damn if I didn’t feel welcome. Almost made me tear up.

Okay, maybe a little teary.

“Thanks, Sarah. Really.”

“I’m looking forward to getting to know you more.”

She gave me an energetic hug and a peck on the cheek before taking off with a big smile and wave.

I stood by my locker, stuck in a swirling whirlwind left by her retreat.

Turning to my books, I grabbed my notebook and shoved it into my backpack. Holy shit. Socializing was exhausting.