I arrived later than anticipated due to being stopped by a few people on my way out. Plus I had to let my mum know I'd be a bit late home.

As I entered the park, I saw Emma pacing in front of one of the benches. She was biting her nails. She hadn't seen me approaching her. It's not like I'm purposely late.

Once I was within hearing range, I called out, "Hey Emma!"

She whipped her head to the sound of my voice, her shoulders sagging at the sight of me as she dropped her hand from her mouth. She smiled and returned the greeting, "Hey Ella, I was just waiting for you."

I didn't want to let her know I saw her nervousness as it might make her panic so instead I smiled and replied, "Sorry I'm late, I was a bit caught up at school."

She nodded in response. She sat down on the bench and gestured for me to do so too. I took a seat next to her, setting my bag in the middle of us. I hope I don't have to start off again.

"Um, firstly I want to apologise for my standoffish behaviour last week. I was a bit, um, misled with a few facts," she paused to think her next words through. I nodded encouragingly for her to continue, "Well, some one told me that you were trying to keep guys away from me and that the one guy you punched wanted to ask me out."

Ask her out? That idiot had other vulgar plans. Her sources are very inaccurate. My face must've said my thoughts because Emma started rambling out another apology.

"Stop." I held my hand up. I couldn't take anymore of her continuous apologies, "Calm down and carry on what you were originally saying..."

Emma took a deep breathe and mumbled something, probably a curse, before she started taking again, "Look the point is, I now know I was wrong about the whole thing and that you were just sticking up for me."

"Well apology accepted. I know things can easily get twisted in rumours. Next time just approach me if you want to know what really happened. That idiot must've been trying to save his reputation so it's understandable for things to get twisted," I said honestly. I still remember it took people a bit too long to get over.

"Thank you," Emma's confidence seemed to return, she wasn't fidgeting as much, "I also want to admit I was wrong about the guys thing last week at my house."

"Haha, don't worry about it. You're not the first person to come up with such an idea. There's probably a list of people," I replied. Well that list starts with Marissa so I can only guess where that idea came from.

"Well Marissa mentioned something about-"

"-Don't worry about her. She's another story all together." I cut her off.

"Oh, ok but there was something a bit interesting she did say about you that I want to know...?"

"What did I do now?" I asked. Seriously!? I've been good this week. Well considering it is still Monday.

"She said the only reason you wanted to help me was to keep me away from Ashton."

I had to laugh at that one.

Emma looked slightly confused but just waited for me to finish. I should probably be glad she didn't storm off the way I was laughing.

"Ashton and I have a totally platonic relationship," I eventually chocked out.

"But you hang out a lot outside of school and the inside jokes? I've even seen you a few times!"

"We share a love for Pokemon Go! Can you blame us for sharing a hobby? I mean even your brother has joined us. We're not into each other like that, well I like to think that." I continued to clear up the issue. I have to mention this to Ashton. He's going to run for the hills...

"Oh, then why doesn't he respond to my flirting?" she frowned.

"Ashton probably didn't notice. He is generally a quiet guy. Hates talking." I attempted to put her off him. Or he was uncomfortable with you hitting on him. I don't know, I'm not the guy!

"Oh..."

"Yeah, are you interested in him? I could set you up if you want but I don't think Mark will be happy." I used reverse psychology on Emma. Hopefully she's already put off by him.

"Not really, he's cute but not my type," she rushed out.

"Yeah, I get you, he is cute," I agreed. Just because I look, doesn't mean I want to touch. It's a bit like window shopping...

Emma's phone rang, she apologised before picking it up, "Hello... Yes Mark... None of your business....You can warm it up yourself, you have arms... No... Fine, I'll be home soon...whatever... Bye."

I awkwardly fiddled with my bag strap whilst she spoke to her brother. It's probably easier being an only child.

"I have to go. It was good talking to you. I'll see you at school?" Emma said soon after she hung up.

"Um yeah, tomorrow," I responded.

"I have to go and warm up food for Mark before he burns down the kitchen. Bye!"

"See ya!"

Emma picked up her bag and walked toward the park exit that took her towards her house. I'm so glad I don't have siblings. Too much work.

I picked up my own bag and took out my phone to put some music on. I plugged in my earphone and started my walk home. I wonder what's to eat.

I remembered that I needed to send Jacob a reminder message and saw one from Emily. I quickly typed a simple message for Jacob.

Remember to do your work loser!

I checked Emily's message and was rather surprised there wasn't anything for CC. What happened to the demands?

Max's taking me out tomorrow! He told me it was a surprise date... I can't wait!!! I'll let you know how it goes on Wednesday :D
-Emily

Sure. You have to give me any details so I can use against him in the future if he hurts you ;D That reminds me, I need to visit Max in the morning 0:)

Ella! Don't scare him away. I actually want to go on this date. But don't worry, I'll keep a list for you to use in case of an emergency XD
-Emily

I'll definitely be using that list XD I'll be waiting for it on Wednesday.

I'm just so excited! :D
-Emily

Seems like you have a double dose of excitement after today's announcement.

Oh yeah! Are you going to the charity ball? It is our last one...
-Emily

Probably not, it's not my thing. I've got to go. Talk to you later.

I ended the conversation before Emily could protest my decision and attempt to convince me to put a dress on. Or worse...Make up! Think happy thoughts. Happy thoughts!

I returned home and was greeted by the sight of food. My mum was in the front room catching up on some drama. This is defiantly better than happy thoughts.

I took the plate to join my mum as she watched this drama whilst giving my own live commentary to it. I dug into the delicious dish. My mum didn't complain that much as she was already used to it as I did this all the time.

I suppose this wasn't such a bad ending to Monday.

~*~

Everybody talks too much.