Second Chances

Chapter 2

No, no, no. This can not be happening. The guy who spent all of high school terrorizing me? I thought he'd be in jail or dead in ten years. Not standing in front of me and definitely not calling me pretty. And absolutely still not that hot. No... hotter. He's always had the jet black hair and crystal blue eyes but now add tattoos and 10 years worth of gym time.

"You had to have come with someone because I don't recognize you at all? And I wouldn't forget if I hooked up with you." He eyes me up and down.

"Really? You don't remember me, Cameron?" I say, surprisingly confident.

He looks completely dumbfounded and his eyes shoot straight to my nametag.

"Emily- Emily- Em-." His eyes flash to mine. A evil look flashes through his face as he realizes who I am. "Emily? Emily Collin? M & M"

And there it is. The old nickname.

"Most people just call me Lily now."

"Lily." He makes a face. "Not feeling it. We'll just have to find an alternative."

"Who are we talking to, Cameron?" Another guy comes up besides him and I automatically know exactly who it is.

"Justin?!"

*************

Justin danced himself into the friendzone from the first second we met in 9th grade. Unfortunately, I also danced my way into his heart at that same time. I love him to death but not like that.

"Thank you for tonight. I really needed an Justin pep talk." I say after a long night during sophomore year.

"Of course." He responds leaning in. "You know I'd do anything for you."

"Yeah, same." I say turning away and starting to open the door.

"Then why won't you kiss me?" I pause and turn around.

"Look Justin, you're a great I just don't really think th-."

"Stop." He cuts me off. "I've been here before I don't need to hear it again. Let me guess, It's not me, it's you."

"One day you're going to make someone very happy and I'm not just saying that. I just don't think that someone is me."

"That's probably true, but these feelings I have for you aren't just going to go away."

"I know. I do love you, I hope you know that."

"I do."

Our friendship was never the same after that.

*************

He doubletakes. "Emily?! Holy shit! How are you?

He rushes over to hug me. "I'm good. You?"

"Great."

"Oh my gosh sit down. We have some catching up to do." I say to him and he sits, followed by Cameron. I stare at him. He has the audacity to sit at our table.

"What?" He asks.

"The invitation to sit was for Justin, exclusively."

"Well, looks someone got brave over the last ten years." He says, laughing.

"And someone hasn't changed at all over the last ten years." I respond.

He licks his lips before smirking. He looks as though he is about to say something but Lila sits next to me, interruptin him.

"Lily what the hell? Why'd you sit at the furthest table away? I've been looking for you forever." She's slurring her words, clearly already wasted.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Miss Hothead." Cameron says. She looks over at him, squinting. Her jaw drops.

"Aww the douche remembered me."

"Hard to forget when I get to see the scar every time I look in the mirror." He gestures to his eyebrow and sure enough there's a scar. "You're just lucking I was raised to not hit a girl."

"If that's your excuse."

They have a stare down for a good 2 minutes before Justin interjects.

"Ook. Soooo... how have you been the last ten years, Emily?"

"I've been alright. Kind of just trying to figure things out. And you?" I say quickly trying to change the topic off of myself.

"Good. After high school I got offered a full ride to Stanford and that's where I got reacquainted with this delightful human." He gestures to Cameron. "Now we work together."

"Wow." Was all I could get out. I just don't understand boys. Cameron pushed Justin into lockers at least twice a day and now they work together and seem to be the best of friends.

"You're kinda cute. What's your name again?" Lila asks.

"Lila!" I say and she looks at me confused.

"And Justin. We were friends in high school." He responds.

"Wait like Justin, Justin?" She says.

"Lets go get you some water." I say, saving her. She's always liked Justin but never wanted to admit it.

"I got it." Justin says grabbing her. "You two should catch up."

"Wait what? No. Justin don't you dare." He smirks and walks away.

And now we're alone. Me and Cameron. Cameron and I. Yay.