Leigha and I didn’t speak about Joel or Liz throughout our lunch. It was nice. I had managed to actually enjoy my food. Now Leigha was humming along with the radio as we made our way over to the house. I was trying to come up with an excuse to get out of going, but the chances of Leigha bringing me back home were slim to none. She could be amazingly stubborn.
“Lee, my stomach is hurting. I think that burger made me sick. It was maybe a little too rare.” I said lightly touching my stomach. I tried to look nauseous.
Leigha looked at me and rolled her eyes, “I’m glad that you have no aspirations to be an actress, because you suck. Besides you always order burgers well done.”
I stuck my tongue out and responded, “Shut up. I can act. Remember when I was in The Wizard of Oz freshman year? I was damn good.”
“You didn’t have any lines! You were a munchkin and that’s because you’re so freaking short.” She replied laughing.
“I am not short! I’m petite and I was a very amazing munchkin thank you very much!” I said crossing my arms while pretending to be really offended.
“Whatever you want to believe, Em.” She said with a smile.
My stomach really did start to hurt as we pulled down the guys’ street. I really didn’t feel like doing this. I nervously bit my lip as Leigha pulled up in front of the house.
“Don’t look so scared. You’re acting like you don’t know them at all.” Leigha said as she put the car in into park, “They’ll probably be happy to see you…and of course me.” She said trying to make me laugh.
I gave her a small smile, “You’re right. I’m being ridiculous.” Leigha was right. I was being dumb, but it was a little weird. I hadn’t seen them in awhile. Though Paul did call me every so often. He and I were pretty good friends and we managed to keep in touch. It sometimes angered me that Paul and I could maintain some semblance of a relationship, while Joel and I couldn’t. I guess it was somewhat understandable though. My relationship with Paul was very different than with Joel obviously. Joel and I were just too complicated. The whole thing just sucked.
“Earth to Emilie.” Leigha was waving her hand in front of my face, “Are we going to go in or are we just going to sit here all day?”
“I’d be happy sitting in here all day. Your car is very nice.” I said in a serious tone.
“How do I even put up with you?” She said sighing.
“Because you looooooooove me.” I said with a big smile.
Leigha laughed. “Yes, that I do, but that doesn’t make you any less annoying,” She then lightly smacked me on the shoulder, “Come on. Let’s go. They probably think some creepy fans are stalking them.”
Leigha climbed out of the car and started making her way towards the door. I sighed and followed her. The uneasy feeling in my stomach was intensifying with every step I took.