I blink, taking her in. Her expression is grim, her blue eyes dimmed, and her auburn hair pulled back from her face for once, in a braid like mine. It’s strange and perplexing, to say the least.

“Yeah?” I say uncertainly.

“Can you postpone your thing with Emmitt today?” Rosie asks, fidgeting with the strap of her tote bag. “I really need to talk to you after school. It’s important.”

I stare at her in bemusement, wondering what spurred this. Are we finally going to talk about what’s happening between us? Is this her effort to reach out?

After a moment of observing her anxious countenance, I nod. “Of course. Where do you want to meet?”

Rosie licks her lips, her eyes flicking between me and her hands, where she’s twiddling her thumbs. There’s a palpable tension in the air, thick and buzzing. “Let’s meet near the auditorium. At three?”

I nod again. “At three.”

She leaves a moment later, and I watch her go. I can’t help but feel danger encroaching on me, warning me that this won’t go the way I want it to.

But it will. I’ll say whatever it takes. I just want my best friend back at this point. I’m tired of fighting with Rosie.

I send Emmitt a quick text, explaining I have to talk to Rosie after school today, so I won’t have time to take him anywhere. He replies in an instant, even though we’ll see each other in class in only a few minutes.

EMMITT RAMOS: it’s fine no worries

EMMITT RAMOS: I’m glad you guys are sorting things out

ME: we’ll see I guess lmao

ME: does thursday work better for ur contest?

ME: since we have film club on tuesday and wednesday

EMMITT RAMOS: I have something film-related on thursday :( it’s mum’s last day in the city and she wants to get soup dumplings in flushing afterward

EMMITT RAMOS: maybe friday instead?? but we have film club then too so idk it’s ur pick

ME: friday is best!!!

I don’t explain that I chose Friday because it’s more acceptable to my parents if I’m home late on a day I don’t have school the next day. Not that they’ll be happy regardless.

I wish I could stop fucking caring about their approval.

I take a deep breath, leaning against my locker. Another wave of trepidation runs though me, disquieting and uncertain.

No. Things are going to be okay. They have to be.

I’ll make sure of it.

As soon as English class is done, I grab my things from my locker and head to the auditorium, seeking out Rosie’s red hair.

I find her quickly, waiting near the entrance, chewing on the end of a pen. She sets it down when she sees me, squaring her shoulders as if for battle.