Page 24 of Between Here and There

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Emily

“You didn’t seriously think we’d let you spend your first night back alone, did you?” Haley breezes past me and flops dramatically onto my bed. Bon and Kate follow like clockwork, their smiles wide.

“I was kinda hoping for some time to rest, actually,” I mutter, closing the door behind them with a resigned laugh.

“Yeah, right,” Bon says, setting the wine down. “You wouldn’t sleep even if we let you. Your body clock is still adjusting. We’ve got so much to catch up on.”

Kate nods, pulling out a container of my favorite takeout. “Consider this an intervention. You’ve been away too long.”

With a sigh and a smile, I join them on the bed. “Thanks, I guess?”

I take a glass and pour myself a glass of wine while I munch on the snacks they brought. I can feel the girls’ eyes on me as I chug on the wineglass.

“Okay, now spill,” Bon says as she refills the glass with wine. “How in the world did you and Kuya happen? And why the hell did you not tell me?” She smacks my arm playfully. There’s a flicker of annoyance in her tone, like she’s secretly hurt by what I did.

“First of all, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” I hope I sound as sincere as I feel. I really do feel bad about lying to my friends.

Haley raises an eyebrow. “Why did you keep it from all of us? I know you’re used to being on your own, but news like this deserves the spotlight. Were you planning to surprise us or were you just testing if it would last a full week?” She chuckles, but I can tell she wants me to share more.

“Seriously,” Kate chimes in, handing me the container of takeout. “We’re your best friends. We demand answers.”

They’re all staring at me, wide-eyed with anticipation. For a second, I’m taken back to the days when secrets didn’t feel so heavy. When everything we said to each other was without pretense or fear. The sleepovers where we’d whisper until dawn, cramming into the same blanket fort. Riding bikes until the street lights flickered on. Sharing ramen packets like they were gourmet meals. We shared stories and lives.

And here I am, holding a piece of mine back.

They’re my family. Always have been. Always will be. And yet, the thought of baring this to them—admitting how messy, fragile, and small my life feels—fills me with shame. They see me as someone strong, someone they can depend on. How can I tell them the truth? That I’m not worth the admiration? That I don’t even have my own life together?

“It just… happened,” I say as I give myself time to get the story ready in my head. I take a bite to stall more, the taste of barbecue skewers doing nothing to calm my nerves.

“Just happened?” Bon raises her voice. “Did you trip and fall into a relationship?”

“It’s not a relationship… yet… I think,” I say. Okay. Joshua said that the secret to a good lie is to incorporate a bit of truth. I can do that. It’s just like a reverse version of two truths and a lie.

“Look, guys,” I start. “Joshua and I are still, you know, testing the waters.” Lie. “We’re still a new couple, and navigating this thing between us is already so weird. I don’t know how to share it with you.” Lie. “I didn’t tell you because even I don’t believe it.” Truth. Easy peasy.

“So, it’s not serious yet?” Kate asks, and I’m relieved to have dodged a bullet. I nod, unable to look them in the eye.

“Exactly.” I turn to Bon and say, “I hope you understand my reluctance. I’m sure you’re aware of your brother’s reputation and way of life.”

“That’s exactly why I’m wondering how this happened. It may not be serious for you, but this is the most serious my brother has gone. I heard his longest relationship was just hours. You’re already…” Bon stops to think. “A lot more hours ahead.”

We all laugh at Bon’s attempt to make a point. “Wow, that’s... a real confidence booster,” I reply sarcastically.

“I’m just saying,” Bon continues, “Kuya Josh isn’t exactly known for his ability to commit. So if he’s sticking around, it must mean something.”

I bite my lip, trying to keep my cool. “Maybe he just likes a challenge.”

Bon snorts. “Well, youarereally challenging right now.” There’s a hint of frustration in her voice. And I get it.

I shift in my seat, suddenly aware of their scrutiny. “Look, I’m really sorry, Bon. I didn’t plan for this to happen, I swear.”

She’s still giving me that look. Like she’s convincing herself to let me off the hook. “I’m still a bit annoyed at you, you know? But I also really miss you and I want to make the most of the ten days you’re here. So, Em, just please let me understand. Why Kuya?”

I sigh. “Okay, do you need more convincing?” I ask, and she shrugs with a resoundingduh. “You know how I was with Rob, right? We were… proper. Mechanical. Bland. Everything was methodical, and he’s so,soserious about everything.”

“Oh yeah,” Haley interjects, a mischievous glint in her eye. “You guys were the vanilla-est couple I’ve ever seen. Like, no offense, but Rob was just... there.”

---