Emerick's pov

I don't know what's going on now but all I know is that it's just Carson and I in the living room and it's dead silence.

Before changing Ella asked me a few questions which were both surprising and a bit embarrassing to answer. I don't know what she's thinking but she thinks we're close or something.

But now she just left to go change making things so awkward.

We're still standing in the living room in dead silence and it takes a full minute before Carson breaks the ice.

"Emerick...Thank you for coming..." He says awkwardly but attempts to smile.

I nod, not wanting to reveal my real reason for being there.

"Um...why were you so mean to me the other days...?" He asks uncertainly.

"Ella said there was a pool party earlier. Shouldn't you get ready for that?" I ask ignoring his question and that startles him but he seems to understand I don't want to talk about it.

"Right. Um, did you bring a swimming trunk?" He asks shyly and I look back at him.

"As I wasn't planning to come here, no." I flatly say and that startles him.

"Oh right. Um...Maybe I still have swimming trunks that might fit you." He says awkwardly.

Wearing one of Carson's swimming trunks. That seems oddly intimate...

No way!

"No, I'm fine like this."

"You sure? I don't want you getting wet." He says worried and that makes me uneasy.

Why does he care for me after everything I've done? This feels...

"Really, I don't mind," I say but Carson still seems cutely unconvinced.

"Ok, fine, you can land me on our swimming trunks," I say surrendering to the pressure and he lights up.

Oh no! Why did I agree to this?! What a dumb mistake once again...I'll regret this...

"Really? Wait here. I'll go find something, or maybe you can come with me too!" He says rapidly anxious, which only comes off as awkward.

What did he just offer?

"What?" I say confused and he smiles awkwardly.

"Oh, uh, sorry it was a slip of the tongue." He chuckles nervously.

"It's fine..."

Then it becomes silence again.

Gosh, this silence is so uncomfortable. Why can't we act like proper people?

Carson's pov

I was so scared I scared off Emerick but he agreed to follow me to my room.

That was so surprising to me but as I searched for swimming trunks that no longer fit me, I couldn't help but feel happy Emerick was in my room just like he was 5 years ago.

Everything so far is crazy! I just can't believe this is happening!

First Emerick surprised me by coming to my birthday and now we get to be so close to each other...

Emerick's sudden presence is confusing but I'm just glad he's talking to me again.

He doesn't seem to be hating me and he's even talking to me!

It makes me quite happy and hopeful.

Even if he won't tell me why he was ignoring me like that, why he's here, or that he's still quite distant, it doesn't matter. I'm just glad he's here with me, talking to me on my birthday and here to celebrate with me.

——————-

Emerick's pov

Omg, what was that about earlier?

Why do I keep making a fool of myself?

And most importantly why am I acting like we're getting along again?

This is dangerous territory...Why am I letting what this is continue...?"

Enough about the doubts. We're now going outside joining the others.

As we arrive on the familiar balcony, I notice no one is in the pool yet and Ella is not here yet.

It seems like Cayden and his girlfriend are putting music on and his friend Justin is just waiting.

And of course, there's no doubt I don't notice Cayden's girlfriend's bikini. Isn't it too extra?

"Hey," Carson says alerting the others and they look at us.

"Hey, getting along?" Cayden smiles amused even more so as he looks at me.

"Yes," Carson smiles.

At the same time, Ella comes outside and everyone looks at her but weirdly Cayden looks at her the longest as if stuck in a daze.

It seems like his girlfriend agrees that's weird too as she tries to get Cayden's attention to her.

"Hey, you didn't tell me what you think about my look." She says her lips near Cayden's cheek and he seems to snap out of his reverie.

"Oh, yeah, sexy as always babe." They kiss and we all stop looking at them.

"Hey, you look good Ella." Carson complements her and she smiles.

"Thanks but the attention should be on you today, birthday boy." She says smiling at him and he smiles too forgetting I'm there and for some reason that bothers me.

"True," Carson says and then he turns his attention to me and I feel self-conscious.

He smiles at me a bit flustered.

I didn't mention it earlier but he keeps looking at me weirdly ever since he saw me with his swimming trunks on. I feel so self-cautious but to be honest, I've been avoiding looking at him. He's no longer the little boy he once was.

"Let's not wait for those there and let's get in the pool," Ella says and we both agree.

"Yes, it's my birthday too." Carson smiles and we all go into the pool which draws the attention of the others and they don't take too long to get in.

And that starts an afternoon that ends up weirdly being fun...

——————

Carson's pov

This afternoon was so much fun! It was by far the best birthday celebration! And maybe it's because Emerick was here.

He was tense and distant at first but as time went by he became less distant and we seemed to be getting along. It wasn't exactly like old times but mostly similar. That makes me so happy!

Maybe Emerick doesn't hate me after all! And from now on it means we might be friends!

But the reality that it's now 5 pm makes me sad to know that it might be time for Emerick to leave. He doesn't know that the festivities will continue but with my parents too.

Speaking of that, I've just seen my parents' cars arrive in the driveway and I excitedly tell Ella and Emerick to come downstairs.

Emerick's pov

I think I've lost my mind. It's like all afternoon I've forgotten all my worries, and had fun with Carson and the others, entirely forgetting that I need to stay away from him for my own sanity.

But luckily the reminder of Carson's dad's arrival reminds me of reality and that brings me back to my senses.

Carson waits at the door excitedly for some reason as we wait there too but I wait patiently, realizing the weight of this matter.

His dads unlock the door and they smile as they look at Carson but then they both land their gaze on me and their eyes widen.

"Emerick is that you? Wow, we haven't seen you in ages! You've grown up so much!" Carson's dad Nathan says surprised and Carson's papa looks at me confused.

"Um, yes it's me," I say awkwardly.

"Carson, why didn't you tell me Emerick was your friend again?" His papa Theo questions him and that makes him scramble for an answer.

"I came here today to surprise him. I apologize for not telling you." I say hoping his parents are fine by that and they seem to not mind at all.

"Surprise him? That's nice of you, Emerick." Carson's papa says.

"Yes, but I'll be going now," I say feeling out of place in this discussion.

"Nonsense, the party is not over because we're back. We'll be cutting cake and opening presents after dinner, Ella will stay. You can stay too if you want." Carson's dad says and that makes me uncomfortable.

I can't possibly burden them more.

"Ah, no my mom is expecting me for dinner but thank you for the invite," I say lying, but luckily the parents accept, however, Carson seems a bit sad.

"Oh, it's ok. Say hi to your parents to me." Carson's papa says and the mention of parents makes me melancholic.

"I will."

"Hey, just know you're welcome any time. Carson's dad says and that makes me conflicted.

"Yes, I know. I'll be going now." I say.

"Bye," The parents say and so does Ella.

I look at Carson once last time and he seems a bit downhearted.

Even if it pains me to see him like this, staying away from him will keep me safe and sane.

"Bye," He says a bit sad but I don't say anything in return.

I open the door and leave.

Immediately, my smile disappears and I realize what kind of trouble I've put myself into. What am I gonna do now?