Just take my hand

Rosco waited for the longest time out front of the school for Emily. He guessed she wasn't coming so he went to his first class. He supposed everything was all right. He hoped. But somehow, he thought she was pulling back even if she wanted everything rushed forward and plans on how they could leave this place.

He didn't have it in him to runaway. It wouldn't solve a thing. For starters, neither of them had the cash. Rosco was beginning to think he wasn't risky enough for Emily. Maybe all this was just some figment she'd thought up, and he'd somehow been a part of it. What if she felt nothing at all for him? Maybe it was somebody else, and he was just the substitute. Naturally, he didn't listen to thing in his English class and neglected to turn in his paper.

He was in the hall when he realised what he'd done. He was sure he was fucked in more ways than one, but then he looked up and saw Emily.

"Where have you been?" He knew she was out of it. She was holding her hand with a makeshift bandage out of paper towels and pink duct tape. "What happened?" Maybe this was bad. Maybe she should have been at the emergency room.

"Nothing." She remained even lipped as if she had a secret.

"You don't call. Its been days. I leave messages. You won't talk to me, Emily." He laid down the facts in case she'd forgotten.

"There were a lot of things." She was vague.

"I see." But he didn't. He thought they were tight. He thought this might be the real deal. Had to be. He could tell from the moment she touched him the first time. But now, it was if it wouldn't last. It was as if she wanted him to shut him out. "OK, later then." He nodded. Taking a step back. "But you'll-"

"Yes." She was sharp with her tone as if she didn't have time for this. "I'll call you. Everything is OK."

"Promise?" He wanted to believe her.

"Promise." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Then let go. The bell rang. Rosco wasn't hanging around for the next class.