Chapter 26: Emmett

Everything was a mess—with Kyle, with Tasha, with everything in between.

Kyle still talked to me, but it wasn't the same. He was awkward, distant, and I knew he blamed me for his and Milton's breakup. Watching him like this sucked. I wanted to fix things, but I didn't know how.

Then there was Tasha.

Our project was due in a week, and we hadn't spoken once. She ignored my calls and blocked my texts. And it wasn't just the project. My room, my car, everything reminded me of her. Not hearing her laugh, not seeing her smile—it was driving me crazy. She wasn't just my project partner or some girl I used to know. She was my friend.

Maybe my best friend.

I missed her. I'd ignored all the signs before—how her cheeks would flush when we talked, how her eyes seemed to light up around me. Deep down, I'd probably known she liked me. I just didn't want to admit it, even to myself.

This was all my fault, and if apologizing could fix even a fraction of what I broke, I'd do it.

I spotted her in the hallway and made my way toward her, ignoring the tightening in my chest. Milton was standing in front of her, arms crossed like a bodyguard. His glare hit me the second I got close.

But this time, I wasn't backing down.

"Pinky," I started, my voice cracking despite my resolve. "I need to talk to you."

Milton's scowl deepened. "You think you're gonna talk to her, asshat?" he growled.

I clenched my jaw. "I want to apologize," I said, forcing the words out.

Milton scoffed, but before he could say more, Tasha touched his shoulder. Kyle appeared beside me, out of breath, his presence catching Milton's attention.

Milton's gaze shifted to Kyle, and for a moment, the tension shifted. They looked at each other, something unspoken passing between them.

"I need to talk to you," Kyle said, his voice strained.

Milton hesitated, his jaw tightening. Then, with a look from Tasha, he gave a small nod and followed Kyle down the hall.

And just like that, it was only Tasha and me.

I turned to her, but the girl I remembered wasn't standing in front of me. She didn't have her usual glow or that easy, genuine smile. She was wearing pink, but it didn't suit her—it was muted, like everything else about her.

"Pinky," I said softly, unsure if the word would land.

Her jaw tightened, and her eyes flared with anger. "Don't call me that," she hissed.

The sting of her words hit harder than I expected, but I deserved it. "I'm sorry," I whispered.

She crossed her arms, tilting her head. "For what?"

"I shouldn't have told you I loved you when I didn't," I admitted. My voice wavered as I added, "If I'd known—"

"Known that I loved you?" she interrupted, her voice cracking. Her eyes burned as she forced a bitter smile. "What would that have changed, Emmett? I still would've gotten rejected."

Her laugh was sharp, cutting through me. "You know what? Fine. Meet me in the library at lunch today and tomorrow. We'll finish the project, and after that, I don't want to hear from you again. Just... pretend I don't exist."

She slammed her locker shut, the sound echoing through the hallway as she walked away. I stood there, stunned, realizing how much damage I'd done.

We weren't friends anymore. And nothing I said or did would change that.

I tightened my grip on my backpack and walked down the hall, turning a corner. I stopped short, noticing Kyle and Milton in the distance. They didn't see me, so I stayed hidden, watching.

Kyle rubbed the back of his neck nervously, while Milton frowned.

"You wanted to talk. So, what?" Milton asked, his voice guarded.

Kyle took a deep breath, reaching for Milton's hand. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice cracking. "I messed up. I should've stood up for Tasha. I should've told Emmett to apologize instead of just letting it go. She's my friend too, and I failed her. I was wrong, and... I'm sorry I hurt you."

Milton's lip quivered, and a single tear slipped down his cheek. Kyle wiped it away gently.

"I love you," Kyle said softly. "I don't want a mistake to ruin us."

Milton looked away, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm still mad at you."

Kyle pulled him into a hug, holding him close. "I know," he said.

"I love you too," Milton murmured, his voice breaking.

I felt a small smile creep onto my face. Kyle's neck turned red, and a huge grin spread across his face as they held each other. I slipped away quietly, glad to see him happy again.

By the time I got to my car after my last class, Kyle was standing beside his, looking lighter than I'd seen him in weeks.

"You're in a good mood," I commented, unlocking my door.

Kyle grinned. "I got my boyfriend back. You know that, though—stalker."

I laughed. "You caught me."

Kyle hesitated, then shook his head. "You know what? Never mind."

I waved him off, and we said our goodbyes.

When I got home, the air felt heavy the moment I stepped inside. Isla was sitting at the kitchen counter, tension radiating from her as she glared at me.

"You know she really liked you, right?" Isla said suddenly.

I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, chugging it down before responding. "Yeah, I know."

"No, you don't," Isla snapped, standing up with fire in her eyes. "You know why Tasha didn't want you to know Mom and I were helping her with prom?"

I sighed. "No, but I'm sure you're gonna tell me."

"She told me," Isla said, her voice tight, "that you were always worried girls only wanted you for your money. She didn't want you to think she was the same. It took Mom practically begging her before she finally agreed to let us help. And you know what else? She cared about how you'd think she'd look in every dress she tried. She cared about you, you asshole."

Her finger jabbed into my chest, her face twisted with anger.

"You're going to regret letting her go, Emmett," she spat. "And when you finally figure out how stupid you've been, don't come crying to me."

She stormed off, leaving me standing there, her words ringing in my ears.