Rumor Has It (Rumor Has It #1)(33)

“Well, I missed class yesterday,” I start to explain, finding my voice. “And Mrs. Yanick said there was that assignment due tomorrow.”

“Yeah?”

“Well, see, I was hoping maybe you could help me with it.”

She stops in her tracks, her head spinning around as her eyes met mine. “Excuse me?”

“No, I mean …” I’m losing it. I have to make it sound better. “Not, help me with it. I can do it.”

“Yeah, because I was gonna say, what was all that 3.95 GPA business?”

“Right.” I let out an embarrassed chuckle. “Yeah, see? I can do it. But, I just want to double check my stuff. Remember, I’m trying to get straight A’s?”

“Matt can’t help you?” She starts walking again.

“Well, he could, but he’s got a lot going on with Student Council.” I crack a smile, hoping to alleviate the mood. “You know, President stuff and all that.”

To my surprise, she smiles too. Thank you, Matt, Mr. Class President.

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“Really? Awesome.” I take a deep breath, trying to keep from getting too excited.

“What’s your number? I can go over some stuff tonight if you want.”

“Oh,” I shoot her an apprehensive look. “Actually, can we meet up tomorrow? Like, at lunch?”

“At lunch? You want to go over your work an hour before class starts?”

“Yeah?”

This is it. I hold my breath as she stares at me for a moment, weighing the pros and cons, and whether or not she even believes me. I feel like my life's being held in the balance.

"Fine." She waves her hand in the air. "Where do you want to meet up?"

Before I know what I’m saying, I blurt out, “How about by that oak tree? That place I saw you sketching in the courtyard.”

I close my eyes, realizing how dumb of an idea that is. She must hate that place. Even if she doesn't, why the hell would I bring it up? It's too close. She's going to figure it out, and then I'll be screwed.

"By the oak tree …" she says, before gazing down at the ground. She seems hurt all over again.

"Or, in the quad, if you want? Or in the library. Wherever, really."

“No,” she responds with renewed determination. “The oak tree is fine.” She stops and puts a finger in my face, her eyes squinting. “Don’t be late.”





Chapter 24





Emma





Another day, another morning of no new texts. The last messages we exchanged were about my friends hating him, and now I'm wondering if those are going to be the last text messages we send to one another. But I went the entire day yesterday without a text from him, and more importantly, I didn't want to text him. Working on my Heartbreak painting has become a release.

The class before lunch I go over my history assignment. It's a packet covering different events of the Civil War. I went over the homework last night, and I'm not sure how much help I'm going to be for Carter. If he covers different topics than I did, I guess I can just see how good it looks. It still seems weird that he wants to meet up at lunch, right before class, but I'm trying not to think about it. It's not like he's trying to hit on me or anything, right? I mean, who would do that by asking someone to look over their homework?

When the bell rings for lunch I make my way over to the courtyard, and as I get to the oak tree, my phone chimes.

BigBaller27: Sorry I've been MIA lately. Been super busy





A revelation hits me.

Emerald22: It's fine





And it really is.

BigBaller27: How u been?

Emerald22: Ok

BigBaller27: So, just throwing this out there. Remember that time I offered to get u a soda?

Emerald22: Yes?

BigBaller27: Maybe today?





Is this guy for real? He bails on me, and now he wants to act like it's no big deal?

Emerald22: I actually can't talk right now. I'm meeting someone BigBaller27: Meeting someone???

Emerald22: Just a friend… well, not really a friend. Just a guy from history class BigBaller27: Should I be jealous?





I can’t help the small grin I get, but still shake my head, because I feel like we’re a long way from him being able to get jealous over me meeting someone.

Emerald22: U don't get to be jealous. Maybe if u would've met me like u said >:) BigBaller27: Ouch





Okay, that might’ve been a little harsher than I meant it to be.

Emerald22: Sorry

BigBaller27: Don't be. I deserved that. Hey, I gotta go. I'll try to text u later Emerald22: Ok





As much as I've wanted to exchange texts with him, I don't feel anything. No nerves from exchanging messages and no sadness as he cuts the messaging short. Maybe being stood up by him has affected me more than I think.

I take a seat at the oak tree, again not feeling anything. No remorse or heartache over remembering the last time I was here.

“Hey,” Carter says, behind me.

“Hey.”

"You like Pepsi?" He asks, and before I look up, I feel something cold against my arm. I look at the bottle, then up at him.