Free Falling

Chapter 9 | Bless His Soul For Getting Involved

"Emma, it's okay to have those moments." He says, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"But I shouldn't have lashed out...I'm better than that."

I'm better than him. 

But am I really?  

"Emma, no one's perfect. Don't forget, you're human just like everyone else."

I nod, giving him a small smile.

"Thanks Alex." I tell him. "Listen, I have to get home before they start worrying about me."

"Okay, be careful yeah?" He says, opening my car door for me. 

I thank him and nod before closing the door and driving away.

Fifteen minutes later, I'm pulling into my spot in the driveway. Sighing when I see the gang's cars, I grab my things and chaos greets me when I open my door.

"She was with you last!" Dwight says, running a hand through his hair. 

"That doesn't mean I follow her every move!" Jake shoots back.

Why do I always cause so many problems? 

"Boys, calm down." My mom says, stepping in between both of them.

Kara looks over and sees me and I see her sag in relief.

"Em!" She says, coming over to hug me.

"Hey." I say back, hugging her.

Since when was the gang hanging out again?

And at our house?

What did I miss?

"So...y'all are talking again?" I ask, gesturing between them all.

Jake and Kara look at anywhere but each other, Jake scratching behind his head and Kara blushing.

I guess that's a yes.

"Yeah we're all besties again!" Austin says, swinging his arm around Travis's shoulders.

"Don't touch me, you weirdo." Travis mutters shrugging off his arm.

"Okay, can we go back to the fact that Emma was practically missing for like an hour?" Sierra says, pointing at me.

I look off to the side, avoiding eye contact with everyone in the room.

"Coach Wilson just needed to talk to me after practice that's all." I tell them, still not meeting anyone's eyes. 

They don't need to know right?

I don't need another pity party.

I can feel Dwight and Jake's eyes on me, and I know that they don't believe it. But, I ignore them anyways. 

"Anyways, I'm hungry." I say, trying to move away from this conversation.

"Luckily for you, dinner is done." My mom says. "We were just waiting for you to come back."

I throw my bag into a corner and follow everyone into the dining room.

"Lasagna? Again?" I say, turning to mom.

Why did that come out so rude? 

"I thought it was your favorite?" She says, a little dejected which just adds to the guilt. Just as I'm about to say something, Jake cuts in.

"It's perfect mom, thanks." He gives me a look but I just look down, pulling my chair out and taking a seat.

I'm such a disappointment.