Page 5 of Make It Without You

“You remind me of a wildflower. Soft but strong and pretty.”

“Thank you,” I tell him.

“You’re welcome.”

Emily

The rest of the week went the same as my first day. Having James to sit with on the bus and his friends at lunch, has made me rethink my choice to stay a loner.

“Are you coming to the football game tonight?” James asks as we’re walking down the hallway after the last class of the day.

It’s the first JV home game of the year. The energy throughout the school was infectious and made it difficult for anyone to focus.

“Um, I wasn’t planning to. Why do you ask?”

It’s taken me a bit to warm up to talking with James. He’s the first boy I’ve had as a friend. He’s my first friend in general as my shy personality scares people off.

James scratches the back of his neck. It’s something that I notice he does when he’s nervous to ask a question. We may have only been friends for a few days, but he’s one of the best friends I’ve ever had. “No reason.”

Deciding to be brave because I think that’s what we both need, I ask him. “Did you want me to come?”

“You don’t have to. But if you want you can sit with Kamryn.” He rushes out as if he’s afraid I’ll turn him down. The thought crossed my mind as I’m not used to socializing with kids fromschool. My school spirit level equates to a trip to the dentist to get my wisdom teeth pulled.

“I’ll come to the game.”

He releases a huff of air before responding. “Cool. Is it okay if I text Kamryn your number?”

James and I exchanged numbers after the third day of school. He mainly texts me and I text back emoticons. I’m a terrible texter but with James, I think I can get better.

“Sure.”

“Okay.” Our steps slow down right before we get to the exit doors to the buses. “Well, I’ll see you after the game.”

“Yep. Good luck James.”

“Thanks, Em.” He’s slow to backup and I lift my hand in a small wave.

Walking to the bus, I mentally run through a list of what I want to do this weekend. But since I’m now going to a football game tonight, I’ll have to rearrange some things. Is that a bad thing? I can’t figure that out yet.

Unknown number: Hey, it’s Kamryn.

Me: Oh, hey.

Kamryn: Did you want to sit with me at the game?

Me: That’d be great.

Kamryn: Awesome! I usually sit with Liam and James’ family, so you’ll be a nice mix- in.

Me: Thanks? I think.

Kamryn: It’s a good thing. Did you want a ride to the game?

Me: If it’s out of the way you don’t have to.

Kamryn: It’s no problem. I get a ride with Liam’s parents, so I’ll ask them if it’s okay.

Me: If you’re sure…

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