Page 32 of Off The Rush
“Alright, so where do you want to start?” I ask, trying to focus on the task at hand.
“Let’s go over the last lecture’s material,” she suggests, flipping open her notebook. “I think it’ll help us understand the assignment better.”
“Sounds good to me,” I reply, opening my notebook to the appropriate page.
Our conversation flows easily as we discuss the various concepts and theories from class. We don’t have to try too hard to connect. We bounce ideas off each other and challenge one another. I can’t help but feel grateful for her presence in my life.
Even if it has to remain platonic.
“JD, what do you think about this part?” Emma’s voice pulls me back to reality, and I focus my attention on the passage she’s pointing out in the textbook.
“Ah, yeah, that’s an interesting concept,” I say, turning it over in my mind before offering my interpretation.
We continue our discussion, getting deeper into the subject matter, and I can’t help but feel a strange sense of contentment. Despite the lingering uncertainty about my feelings for Emma and the unresolved tension with Alec and Luka, moments like these make it worth it.
The sound of footsteps echoes through the kitchen, and I glance up to see Luka entering the room. He looks a bit hesitant but wears a small smile as he approaches the table. “Hey, guys. Mind if I join you? I’ve got some homework to work on,” he asks, his gray eyes flickering between Emma and me.
“Of course not,” Emma responds warmly, gesturing toward an empty chair. “The more, the merrier.”
A few minutes later, Alec saunters into the kitchen, his blue eyes alight with curiosity. “Hey, what’s going on here? A little study party?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.
“Yep,” Emma says, grinning. “Pull up a chair and join us.”
“Thanks,” Alec replies, grabbing a chair and sliding next to Emma.
The four of us begin working together, and to my surprise, I find myself enjoying the shared experience. It dawns on me that it’s not Alec being with Emma that bothers me; it’s the fact that I can’t be with her.
Despite this realization, our study session continues smoothly. This is the most Alec, Luka, and I have talked in the last few days. There is something about Emma that brings out the best in all of us, making everything feel happier and lighter.
“So, do you think you’re ready for the test on Monday?” Emma asks.
“With a little luck, I’m sure I’ll do well.”
“You believe in luck?” Emma asks.
Alec and Luka laugh but I ignore them.
Rubbing my hand against the back of my neck I admit, “Yeah.”
Her eyes light up. “Me too!”
Now I’m smiling and Luka and Alec are suspiciously quiet.
Eventually, the evening winds down, and Emma gathers her things to leave. “Thanks for having me, guys,” she says with a warm smile.
“No problem, Emma,” I reply, trying to sound casual. “Anytime.”
“You should come to our game tomorrow,” Alec suggests.
I love that idea.
I love it less when Alec hands her a jersey with his name and number on it. “You can wear this.”
“I’ll be there,” she answers before giving us all a small wave and heading out the door.
As soon as she’s gone, an awkward silence descends upon the room. I’m not sure how to act around Alec and Luka now. The tension between us has been palpable since we all confessed our feelings for Emma, but tonight felt… different.
“Uh, so,” I start, rubbing the back of my neck. “That went well, right?”
