| |
Emma
Emma’s ringtone startled her. No one called her anymore. Not that long ago, her phone had been ringing off the hook with drama from Isabelle and crew, but now it was silent. She wasn’t so sure this was a bad thing.
She didn’t recognize the number and answered tentatively, hoping it wasn’t a political poll.
“Hello? Is this Emma?”
Emma grinned with joy at the sound of her new friend’s voice. “Mary Sue!”
“Sorry it took me so long to call. It’s really hard to get permission to use the phone around here.”
“Permission?”
Mary Sue let out a long breath. “First, my parents said I needed to give you some space. Then, we only have one phone in the house, and someone is always on it. But I finally got my turn. I’ve been wanting to check on you. Are you okay?”
“I don’t know.” It was true. She didn’t know if she was okay. “I think I’m okay? But I’m obviously pretty mad. And pretty embarrassed.” It felt oddly good to admit that second part.
“Oh my gosh, don’t be embarrassed. It’s not your fault. And lots of kids have been through the same thing. I’m sure everyone feels sorry for you.”
“I’m not sure I want them feeling sorry for me.” She didn’t want them feeling anything for her. She didn’t want them thinking about her at all.
“I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant. I just meant that people are on your side, and no one’s blaming you. You’re the victim in all this.”
“I think my mother is more the victim than I am, but I think I get what you’re saying. Thank you.”
“What do your friends say about it?”
“What friends?”
“You know. Isabelle and those guys.”
Pfft. “I haven’t heard from them since this all started.”
“None of them?” Mary Sue said after a pause.
“None of them.” She understood Mary Sue’s surprise. She was a little surprised too. She was surprised that Isabelle hadn’t inserted herself into the drama. And she was surprised that Natalie and Raven didn’t care anything about her. “Basically, you’re my best friend now. Congratulations.” She laughed nervously. Maybe she shouldn’t have said that. Maybe Mary Sue wouldn’t want to be her best friend. She’d thought Mary Sue was the weirdo, but that was last week. Now she was the cheating pastor’s kid. Now who was the weirdo?
But Mary Sue squealed. “I would be so honored. I’m not even kidding.” She giggled. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Not that I can think of.”
There was an awkward silence, but Emma didn’t want the conversation to end, so she tried to think of something to say.
Mary Sue broke the silence. “Are your parents fighting a lot?”
“I have no idea.”
“Why, are you hiding out in your room?”
“Not exactly. I’m at my neighbor’s house.” She smiled at Fiona, but Fiona appeared to have fallen asleep in her chair.
“What neighbor?” Mary Sue’s curiosity was piqued.
“Mrs. Patterson. She’s wonderful. She’s basically letting me live here.”
“Live there? Like you’ve actually moved out of your parents’ house?” Mary Sue sounded kind of jealous.
“Not really. Just till all this calms down or until my mom figures out that she needs to leave my father. I don’t really know my plan. I obviously want to live with my mom, but not in the same house as my father.” Her words felt jumbled as they came out of her mouth, and she wondered if she was making any sense.
“I think I can understand that. You must be pretty angry.”
Emma laughed bitterly. “Sometimes. Sometimes I’m just in shock.” She sighed. “I didn’t see this coming. I knew my father wasn’t perfect, but I didn’t know he was capable of this.”
“Is Mrs. Patterson the one who never comes out of her house?”
Emma held her breath, hoping Mrs. Patterson couldn’t hear Mary Sue through the phone, but Mrs. Patterson hadn’t flinched. She still appeared to be sound asleep. “She doesn’t leave very often. She doesn’t need to.” She felt defensive of her new friend. “She’s got an awesome house with a big backyard and a beautiful garden. I don’t blame her for not wanting to leave. I don’t really want to leave here either.”
“Cool. My mom always says she hates leaving home too.”
Emma didn’t think that was quite the same thing as the Puddys lived on a giant farm. “Yeah.” Emma heard voices in the background and a scuffling noise.
“I’m so sorry. I have to go. My dad needs the phone, but let me talk to my parents, and I’ll see if I can invite you over again soon. And this time, we won’t invite Isabelle.”
“Thanks. I’d appreciate that.”
“Which part? The visit or the not inviting Isabelle?”
“Both.”
“Promise you won’t steal my bike and run away this time?”
Emma laughed, and it felt good. She realized it had been a long time since she’d had a genuine laugh. “Maybe. We’ll see how it goes.”
