Today… I didn't go.
I skipped school because honestly? I'm tired. Tired of everything. I don't want to walk in and see Gina glued to that idiot Noel, or watch John slip back into his corner while I'm left alone facing Susan and her pack of morons.
But whatever, you're going back anyway, Emma… sooner or later.
After getting out of the bathroom, I showered and got ready for bed. I sat on my mattress, stretching my body with a long sigh. Finally… the weekend.
This week flew by. Maybe because too much crap happened at once, I don't know. Either way, being at home is the only thing that feels safe. And tomorrow my dad and stepmom are leaving for a whole week to visit her family. He really loves her… enough to drop work and everything for her.
But the best part? Freedom. Actual freedom.
I threw myself back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
If you were here, Chloe…
I miss you.
Chloe? Yeah, I know… I haven't talked about her before. But whatever, here it is:
She was my best friend since elementary school. I was the troublemaker; she was the quiet one. Two years ago something happened—she started talking weird, saying things would happen and will happen like she could predict the future. Then she just… broke.
Her parents took her to a psychiatric hospital, and no one's allowed to visit.
I wonder how she is now…
While thinking about her, I drifted off.
1 AM.
"Emma, wake up," my stepmom's voice tore me out of my sleep.
"What?? Did something happen?"
"There's a boy here. Calls himself John. Says he's your friend."
"Huh?" My brain froze.
Why is he here? How did he even…?
"I don't know. Go talk to him. If he looked suspicious I wouldn't have let him in, but he seems like a good kid. Go."
How the hell does he even know where I live…
I walked into the living room.
"John?" I said.
He looked up—same hoodie, hood over his head, half his face hidden.
I couldn't help laughing. "So my stepmom actually let you in looking like that?"
"Sorry… I know I came late," he said softly.
"It's fine."
He looked tense, like he rehearsed this.
"I just… wanted to check on you. I don't have your number or anything, and before you ask—Gina gave me your address."
"Oh. Should've guessed."
He scratched the back of his neck. "Do you… want to go outside for a bit?"
"No—I mean, she won't allow it. My stepmom."
"Oh… sorry. I didn't know."
"It's not your fault. It's sweet that you came to check on me. I guess. But uh… can you take your hood off? It's weird."
John chuckled. "Alright."
When he pulled it back, I just stared at him.
Black hair brushing his neck.
Eyes—blue like actual ocean waves.
And he's… handsome. Way more than he lets people see.
And like an idiot I said, "Why do you even hide your face?"
He blinked. "It's not that something's wrong with me. I just… don't have the confidence to show it."
"John… you're actually really handsome. You should be confident about that."
He smiled—gentle, warm—and I found myself smiling back.
The next morning
My stepmom was carrying the luggage while Dad locked the door.
"By the way," she said without even looking at me, "you're not allowed to leave the house except for school. Understood?"
…
Yeah. Of course. Orders. Always orders.
Dad added, "And you know this neighborhood. They tell us everything. If you step outside without permission, we'll know."
My chest tightened.
They walk out freely, live their lives, and I'm—
"Like I ever go out without telling you," I muttered.
"What was that?" my dad asked sharply.
"You warn me like I'm rebellious or something. Like I broke your rules before. I'm always here. Always stuck in this cage—"
"Is this how you convince us? With attitude?" my stepmom snapped. "Watch your tone."
"What then? Am I never supposed to leave? Ever? I want to live too. I want to breathe actual air."
"You go to school. You breathe there!!" she yelled back.
"That's not a life!"
Dad slammed a vase off the shelf—shards exploded across the floor.
"Enough! Are you answering back now? Have you lost your mind? Go to your room. And if you step out of line even once, you'll see a side of me you won't like. Understood?"
My ears rang. My heart hammered.
I was shaking, staring at him—at both of them.
"…Fine," I whispered. "Whatever you want."
I lowered my head and walked away, refusing to let my tears fall.
I promised myself I'd be strong.
Why am I breaking again?
Why can't I hold it together, idiot…
But once my door closed, the tears exploded out of me.
I couldn't stop them.
Because I'm tired.
Because I'm failing.
Because everything hurts.
I locked the door and sank to the floor, crying silently.
Another dull day.
Another meaningless stretch of hours in a life I'm apparently not allowed to live.
It's funny—some people live my life better than I ever get to.
They finally left. I watched them from the window as they drove off.
Damn it… he warned everyone in the neighborhood not to let me step outside.
Not a single person left out of his little command chain.
Night… around 10 PM.
A knock.
Who the hell visits at ten?
I closed my book and went to the door, annoyed.
"Who is it?"
"It's John."
I blinked, then opened the door.
"Wait—John?? Why do you jump-scare me every night? I gave you my number and—"
I stopped talking when he held up his phone.
"Look," he said, "everyone's been asking about you. And your phone's off."
I looked away, embarrassed. "…Fine. Come in."
He stepped inside, quiet as usual.
"Gina wanted me to tell you she's inviting you to a party."
"What??? A party again?! No, I'm not going. Absolutely not."
"She said it's a normal party, nothing crazy. She didn't explain much, but she said it might help you clear your head a little. And… she also asked me to come with you two."
"…O-okay… but John, I don't think I can go."
Great, he's going to hate me now.
"Why? Because of your stepmom again?"
"They just left for a whole week… but Dad told everyone here to report if I step outside. School is the only exception. I literally can't."
John froze for a second, staring at me in this stunned, almost angry way—like he couldn't believe what he heard.
"I don't want you to pity me," I said quickly. "I'm just explaining. So you understand."
"Really?" he said softly. "Even if I kidnapped you right now?"
"What?"
That threw me off.
"Get dressed," he said, calm but reckless. "Let's see what we can do."
"J-John, I can't—"
"I'll wait outside. Hurry."
This boy is actually insane.
But… maybe a little joy won't kill you, Emma.
And this time I won't be alone. John is here.
I tied my hair up and put on that short dress Chloe gave me two years ago. It's a little shorter now—but whatever. Dad never let me wear anything like it anyway.
When I stepped out, John was waiting on the sidewalk.
He stared. And I didn't know what to do with myself. Compliments and attention… not my thing.
"John… are you sure about this? What if they see us?"
"Gina's outside. Waiting."
"In her car? They'll definitely see us then."
"No. We're walking. Come to your window. I'll help you down. Say I kidnapped you. Say whatever you want. Just… enjoy tonight."
I laughed under my breath. "And when I come back? Do I tell them the kidnapper kindly returned me home?"
"We'll deal with that later. Don't worry."
"…Alright then."
I climbed out the window, and John lifted me down with ease.
"Let's go," he said, grabbing my hand.
"If anyone catches us, let me take the blame," he added. "I'll tell them I threatened you or something."
My voice dropped. "You're really reckless."
He smirked.
(You're probably wondering why I agreed.
Honestly? I was surprised at myself. I didn't say no.
I liked the idea.
I always wanted someone who understood me—someone wild enough to follow through with the stupid plans I make in my head.
I never had that… until now.
I looked at John, at the way he held my hand like he meant it.)
Thank you, John.
To be continued…