One Touch

9: Eddie Emilio

A cold sheet of paper was stuck to the side of my cheek when I woke up that morning. It fluttered with every breath that escaped my lips, and my forehead wrinkled, trying to get rid of the sound. I pulled myself up, rubbing my face and peeling off the paper. It came to focus as sleep left my eyes, and I yawned. What is this? Oh. It was the experiment module Rick had given to me a few days ago. I groaned, falling forward and stuffing my face into the comforter.

Was I in my right mind to accept that stupid module? How did I agree to do something so personal and creepy? Every word written on that page proved it to be some kind of confidential mission and here I was, having no choice but to do it.

I groaned again. I could always give the paper back to Rick, but the rewards I’d get for accomplishing it were too good to reject. Why did I care so much about dad, when he hadn’t done anything to show the same?

My car broke down this morning, so I had no other way to go to school except walk the long route through the woods. I wasn’t a big fan of the woods, but I wasn’t as scared as most others going through them. The last thing I wanted to do was ask Caspian for a ride, so the woods it was. I was late for school, as expected. When I walked into class and towards my seat, I was watched like a hawk. I didn’t have to look around to see who was watching me. I got so used to that feeling it became normal.

I hadn’t talked to Caspian, Atlanta, or the rest of their group for days, and I set myself a personal record to beat. I wouldn’t go by a day without thinking about Atlanta, and the great time we spent together before Caspian messed it all up. I gave in too easily, and much faster than I thought.

Lunch was a no better place and I tried to sit facing the other way to avoid looking at the kingdom’s table. Luna and Haiti were the first ones to arrive at our table, and to my unfortunate luck, I sat right across Caspian's group. It was too late to swap seats, and it took all my might to not look there.

“Here are your twenty dollars,” Haiti told me, passing me the bill. I took it. Something was missing, I was sure. I gave them a fifty, not twenty. When I opened my mouth, Haiti interrupted. “So, when is Eddie Emilio coming to our school for the dance classes?”

Luna bounced in a rush of excitement, pulling Haiti in. “Next week! My goodness, he’s like the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. Haiti, you have to see him this year. He’s got these gorgeous eyes, knows fluent Spanish, and oh God, his smile. We have to sign up for his classes.”

Haiti grinned at Luna’s enthusiasm. “I don’t think we have to sign up this year. Everyone has to take the classes during or after school. We’re having a school competition against Applewood Heights.”

Luna gasped. “No. Way.” She looked at me and I raised my eyebrows in attention. “Have you seen him before?” I nodded. “He might be up there at Ryu’s range. Or maybe even Caspian's.”

“No,” Haiti disagreed. “Eddie might be even better because he has a kinder personality. In appearance, Ryu and Caspian are Gods, but, okay, I have to tell you guys this.” She leaned towards Luna in whispering distance. “I asked Ryu if I could borrow his eraser and he gave me such a disgusting look I lost all my respect right then and there.”

“Oh, come on, Haiti,” Luna scoffed. “They’re all like that, but I'd still bang them.” Haiti shrugged, and I glanced towards Ryu’s table. I swore I’d never felt such darkness consume my stomach. It swirled with contempt. Luna was making the worst decision by worshiping’ them, but almost everyone in school was blinded by their popularity.

Atlanta caught my eyes from across the cafeteria floor, and she looked away before I could. I could see the sadness etched on her face. Trust me, I didn’t want to see her sad either. But words had already been said. Promises had already been made.

Not too later, Caspian looked my way and it took me a millisecond to shift my focus on a random object. After the bell rang, I left the cafeteria and headed towards my next period class. I waited against the lockers as students and their clamouring filled the hallways. In class, we were given a work period, which meant a free period for all the rebellions and procrastinators. The teacher left the classroom, massaging his temples. This class must be a handful, I couldn’t deny.

“Guys. Guys!” Ronald called, getting everyone’s attention. “Eddie Emilio is coming to our school next week and he’ll be—” A burst of cheering enveloped the room before Ronald got them quiet again. “He’ll be posting attendance sheets on the announcements boards. Find your classroom. That’s where your dance classes will take place.”

“What if you don’t want to attend?” one of the boys from the back shouted.

Ronald shrugged. “You have no choice. If you don’t attend, he might not come back. After all, doesn’t everyone love him?” A dozen girls in the class squealed. “And, it’s something you have to do to stay in school. So don’t skip class.”

“When can we decide partners?” a girl to my left asked.

“That, can be decided on the day of,” Ronald answered. “Any more questions?” There didn’t seem to be anymore, so he took a seat.

Eddie Emilio was a well-known football player of his age, in addition to a choreographer and musician. Ronald was Eddie’s cousin, so he got the news much quicker than anyone else in school did. He took the initiative to spread the news.

When everyone resumed with their business and conducting their own private conversations, Ronald stood up and walked to Atlanta’s desk. We got a seating arrangement, so she didn’t sit beside me anymore.

“Hey,” Ronald said, and Atlanta smiled shyly. Caspian, who broke his attention from Ryu to listen, frowned. “So, um, I thought, maybe we can go grab ice cream after school?” Aw, how cute.

Atlanta’s smile deepened, but it fell instantly when she saw Caspian giving her a menacing look. “Oh, no thanks,” she mumbled. Ronald suggested a different location. “Ronald, I’m sorry, but…” Her hands clenched and unclenched. “I can’t go on a date with you. I’m not interested. Sorry.”

The people who were around them opened their mouths with disbelief, and Atlanta ducked her head in embarrassment. Ronald kept his composure and was nonchalant as he walked back to his desk, but his face was flushed which could only mean he was hurt. I didn’t know who to feel bad for, Atlanta or Ronald.

For the rest of school, I tried not to observe Atlanta and her mood for what had happened. I stayed after school to help my Chemistry teacher clean up the classroom, and by the time I got outside, the sky was a murky black and sunless.

I was not willing to walk in the rain, so I waited at the front of school with my phone out, about to call mom. Little droplets of rain landed on my head and I crept further into the cave of the school building. No other student was in sight as I dialed the number on my phone. My phone call went to voicemail and I put it into my pocket.

In the tranquility, I heard soft sobs somewhere around the school. I ignored it for a minute, but when they didn’t stop, I walked into the rain and turned a corner. At the side of school, beside the door and protected from the roof, I saw a girl crouching against the wall and her face dug into her knees.

By the beige colour of her hair, I knew it was Atlanta as I stood there, not knowing what to do. When my shadows crept onto her, Atlanta’s arms tightened around her knees.

“I’m not coming,” she said with a firm voice. “Just leave me alone, Caspian.” She lifted her head, wiping her tears. When she saw it was me, her hand stilled. “Eve…?”

“Is everything okay?” I asked, although I should’ve left. I couldn’t bear seeing her this way. “What happened?” I had this urge to comfort her, disregarding the agreement Caspian and I came to.

“You’re the worst friend ever,” Atlanta said, but her eyes weren’t filled with anger or disgust. They were helpless and apologetic. “If you have a crush on someone, your friend should know. You should know.”

“Is it Ronald?” I asked, and sat beside her when she began to cry again. “If you like him, then go on a date with him. It wouldn’t be that scary, and there’s nothing wrong with it.”

“You don’t get it,” she whimpered. “Caspian won’t let me do anything. He won’t let me have any friends, or let me go out with any regular boy. It’s unfair. I hate him so much.”

“Any regular boy?” I repeated in confusion. “What’s his definition of the right boy?”

Atlanta froze for a quick moment, and shook her head. “I can’t be friends with anyone but Ryu, Zavian, Amber, and Emerald. I can’t go out with anyone other than Ryu and Zavian.”

“Why?” I spat. “Because you’re all a bunch of high class people who are snobby, rich, and self-centred?” Atlanta didn’t respond, but leaned against me. I rubbed her shoulder. “I’m sorry Atlanta. I didn’t know you had a crush. And we stopped being friends because of me.”

She sat up. “It’s not because of you,” she assured me. “It’s not your fault. Nothing is your fault.” She leaned on me again, clutching my arm in need of support. “I’m being selfish.”

“No, you’re not.” Rather than her, I was the one acting foolish. For two minutes, we stayed like that, like we were friends again.

The rain grew and the warmth of her body reminded me I wasn’t alone. At least, I wasn’t alone right now at this moment. I began to get drowsy, wanting to go home but stay here until Atlanta felt better. But I began to get tired. The day’s probably dragging me down.

Footsteps loudened outside the doorway and both of us straightened. We both were afraid to breathe when Caspian stopped in front of us with Amber right beside him. Here goes the lecture.

Caspian looked from Atlanta to me, and to our arms around each other. “Atlanta, stop doing that!” he yelled, and she bolted to a standing position. I was weary as I stood myself.

“Sorry,” Atlanta squeaked, but Caspian wasn’t any happier. “I just wanted to be with a friend. I didn’t mean to…” She gave me a look. “You’re okay, right?” I nodded, although I had no idea why she asked me that.

“What did you say?” Caspian said to me, and I recoiled at the sharpness of his voice. “You said you’d stay away, didn’t you?” I nodded weakly, but didn’t have the courage to speak.

“You can’t be easy on her anymore,” Amber encouraged him. “Tell her, curse at her. Then she’ll know how valued she is. The farther she is away from us, the better. Right, Caspian?”

He stared at me and I clutched my backpack, waiting for his reply. “Right,” he said. I should’ve expected his answer, but it hit me like an rapid wave. “She’s nothing but a loner who won’t stand a chance with us.”

My jaw dropped. His ego was almost painful. I picked up my backpack and slung it onto my shoulder. “Thanks,” I said, attempting to hide my hurt with sarcasm. “I’d rather be a loner than a narcissistic snob.”

“Eve…” Atlanta began. She was genuine, like she felt the wave that hit me. Caspian didn’t move as if he was preparing for a punch to the face. Amber was on the verge of speaking, but I beat her to it.

“And I don’t know, why,” I said, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I don’t know what your problem is.” I walked by, pushing past him. And as I did, I said, “Asshole.”

I was dead through the whole way back home, drenched in the rain as I felt an extra fifty pounds weighing me down. I was in bed the whole day, doing my homework as the rain pelted on my windows. My anger cooled at a slow rate, but by that late evening, it had disappeared.

As the rain died down, I heard a knock on the door downstairs. I dragged myself towards it and unlocked it. Odelia came over today to check on dad, and I welcomed her in.

What I didn’t welcome in was Caspian, who stood behind her. He must’ve gotten the hint when I shut the door in his face, and took Odelia towards the stairs. Mom wasn’t home yet, so I had to escort Odelia.

“Hon,” Odelia said, stopping before we went upstairs. “I know the rest of the way from here. I need to be alone with Mr. Evans, and complete silence.”

“I’ll be as quiet as possible,” I assured her.

“I need only us two in the house. Is your brother home?” she asked. I shook my head and she was relieved. “Great. Is it okay for you to step out for a minute? Caspian wouldn’t mind keeping you company.” I was about to object when she added, “Please. For what I have planned today, I don’t want any other entities near your father.”

I sighed. If it was for dad, then I’d do anything. Odelia thanked me and began to head upstairs. I reopened the front door and saw Caspian rooted to the same spot he was in before. Now, he had his hands in his pockets. I closed the door behind me and brushed past him, going onto the sidewalk. I wanted to ignore him, and I wanted him to let me be. What happened at school today was fresh in my memory, and I didn’t want things to get worse.

When I heard footsteps following right after me, I knew this day was going to get worse. I walked faster, and so did Caspian. The pavement was stained with rain and the trees were wet with small droplets sitting on the leaves. I loved the smell of rain, and I couldn’t enjoy it with Caspian there.

I turned around and walked back, passing him. He fell in stride with me. I had it. “What do you want?” I asked, stopping in front of him.

He halted. “Nothing. You’re the one who’s getting in my way.” Are you kidding me? I crossed the street and he did the same. I gave him a look. “How strange. We’re in perfect sync.”

“Why do you keep doing this?” I asked flat out. “Can’t you leave me alone? What do you want from me, Caspian? Please explain to me.”

“Atlanta sent me here to apologize,” he replied, and I gawked at him. “She won’t listen to me unless I do this. Try to cooperate with me.”

“Your apology is accepted,” I said, turning back. I wanted to get away from him. I wanted no thought of him or memory with him. Before I could walk away, Caspian held my wrist.

“I’m sorry,” he said, and I pulled on my hand. He held it tighter. “I’m serious.” Here we go again. I didn’t need his apology if the next day, he was going to act against it.

“I said, I accepted your apology,” I repeated. “Now, let me go. We’re done here.” Caspian didn’t let go, and blood began to rush in arm. Why did I always feel this whenever he held me?

“Listen, I don’t know how to make you stay away without being a d**k,” he explained. I tugged on my hand. “I know it’s unfair but we have no choice.”

“I get it. You hate my presence,” I said. “I understand. We’re clear now, right? I’ll stay away. Can you stay away from me, too?” Caspian was near to scowling, agitated for some reason I didn’t know. “Now, let go.”

“You still don’t get it,” he said, low and dangerously.

My hand turned pale and I began to freak out. “Caspian, you’re hurting me!” Caspian let go in an instant as if I shocked him. I held the numb part of my arm and closed my eyes. “What are you doing?” I asked for the millionth time. “You have a girlfriend. You shouldn’t be doing this.” All he did we hold my hand, but that alone felt a little disloyal to me.

“Is your arm okay?” he asked, and I opened my eyes. He was worried. It was real with the way he looked at my wrist. I nodded, speechless. His eyes moved up and met mine.

I wanted to break the silence, but didn’t know what to say. “I,” I began. I glanced around, my hands in the pockets of my sweater. “I really want to be with Atlanta. Be friends with her.” Caspian didn’t react. Good sign. “I promise I’ll do whatever you want if you let me be her friend. Promise.”

His brows furrowed, but he relaxed after I gave him a pleading look. Great sign. “I have one condition.” My heart beat faster, as I froze in my spot. “Don’t ever touch her, or let her touch you.”

“What?” I said, expecting something more complex. “That’s it? I…I can do that. I accept.” To be honest, I was relieved it was this easy. I smiled at him, grateful for his once-in-a-lifetime generosity. Caspian eyes widened the slightest bit. “Thank you. I—”

“I have one more condition,” he interrupted. I—oh. Not all my excitement flushed out, but it wavered uncertainly as I realized he wasn’t done.

“What is it?” I asked, almost too afraid of his answer. Caspian’s eyes narrowed at me and he stepped forward. I felt a sudden chill run down my back. Did I let my guard down too soon?

“If you’re messing with Atlanta, you’re automatically messing with me,” he told me. Yeah, I understood that from the very beginning. But the way he said it this time was different. Odd. “You have to tell me every single thing you do together. You’re going to be my messenger, or like a news reporter.”

“Then what’re you?” I asked. “An overly protective brother?”

“Take it however you want,” Caspian said, turning around. “You’ll be reporting to me every day. Any missed day means you can’t be friends anymore.”

“So basically, I have to see you every day for this,” I said. “I have to talk to you. Are you sure you want that? Because you seem to hate me and being anywhere near me.”

He began to walk, and I didn’t follow him. “Those are my conditions. Take it, or leave it.”

My obvious choice was to take it, but I didn’t understand his conditions. What was wrong with touching Atlanta, and why did I have to tell him every single thing? He wasn’t my mom or some guardian angel. I didn’t see why he should take so many precautions for something so trivial.

But the happy fact was that I’d get to be friends with Atlanta again. It was all that mattered to me, and I was sure she’d be ecstatic. Then, we could talk more about her crush and even Eddie Emilio. We would be ordinary friends, and I wanted nothing more.