I had hoped this was a car jacking in progress, but that died quickly as soon as I saw who was driving.
I'm stuck in the backseat by Lucas, Emma and Olivia are in the middle, and Jade is up front with Justin. It's weird Ollie's not sitting up by her boyfriend, but I'm assuming Emma has something to do with it. She's in charge of this whole shit show, apparently. 

Fucking Emma, I should have expected this. The traitor.

Jade and her decided last night that it would be fun to go as a big group, so they texted Justin to see if he was free. Unfortunately, he was. He also had a car that would fit everyone, so plans were made without even consulting the rest of us. Seems a little much to drive out of his way to hang out with people he doesn't know very well. I wonder if Ollie and him already had plans for today. How perfect, how nice. 

I was excited to hang out with my friends, but the added guests are making me anxious. How am I supposed to enjoy the show with her around?  Emma didn't clue me in on purpose, so I'm glaring at the back of her headrest as I sulk. Everyone's talking excitedly about what we will be seeing, but I refrain from joining in. Instead I sit there and try to act normal.

"Why are you twitching?" Lucas asks, very loudly for someone sitting right beside me.

"I'm not, you jack ass." I hiss and scoot closer to the window, letting him know I don't want to socialize. 

"You cool with the movie?" I'm not sure what they decided on, but nod my head anyway. He laughs, making Emma turn around to peer back at us.

"I brought your favorite," she says as she rummages through her bag before producing a package of skittles. I consider ignoring her attempted peace offering momentarily, but feel eyes on me. 

"Thank you," I mumble, and hope my smile is friendly and not showing how much I want to kill her.

"So, you and Beck have a few classes together besides art, right?" Emma winks at me before turning towards Ollie.

"Yeah, Math and English." I keep my eyes on Emma, not wanting to look at her. All of us riding together was an awful idea.

"Ohhh, Ms. Smith's class is the worst," Emma grimaces and shoots me a look, but I don't join the conversation. I know that's what she wants, and I'm not going to give her the satisfaction after this betrayal. 

"I don't mind," Ollie shrugs. "The class is kinda boring, but easy enough." 

"Maybe you should tutor Beck, she is already failing I'm sure."

This draws their attention back to me and I look to Lucas for help. He's too busy texting on his phone now, being fucking useless. I'm actually not failing, yet. We have a test coming up that's a bit concerning, but I'm not going to mention that. Instead, I level Emma with a look.

"I think you should worry about yourself," I lean closer towards her seat, "You have enough of your own problems."
"Oh Beck, you know I love you. Don't get defensive, I was just saying is all," she holds up her hands. That stupid grin is still on her face, and it's hard to listen to the small voice of reason saying that I would not survive in prison.

"You say alot of things," I grumble, causing them to laugh. I glance towards Ollie, and see her trying to hide a small smile. This is the most interaction we have had since that weird hallway conversation, and I'm sure my stupid face is blushing. 

At school, it's been hard enough not to stare at her even though she keeps mostly to herself. Tonight it will be impossible. I really like her laugh. And voice. And smile. Pretty much everything, and this is going to be torture.

"What's so funny back there?" Justin interrupts, bringing me back from my current crushing reality. 

"Oh nothing, just Beck being defensive over math." Emma answers.

"Like you have room to talk," Jade retorts with a snort.

"Well we can't all be teacher's pets, now can we?" Emma reaches over and pats Jade on the top of her head. "It's okay, we love you anyway."

While they are distracted I occupy myself by looking out the window. Trying to act like it's the most interesting thing in the world and not just trees rushing by, I don't want Emma to pull me into anymore conversations for the remainder of the drive.

We make it to the small movie theater, and the parking lit isn't very full yet. We make our way inside to wait in line, a few families in front of us. The theater is small and only shows three movies at a time, this weekend our options being a new kid movie, romantic comedy or horror film. As we get up to the counter I pull out my money preparing to ask which one we are seeing, when Justin decides to buy everyone's tickets. 

"Awe, you're the best!" Jade cheers, but he just waves her off before distributing the tickets. Nice guy Justin, again. 

"Let's get popcorn!" Emma leads the way to the concession stand line, and I trudge behind the rest of the group. 

I'm not paying attention and I bulldoze into Ollie's back. 

"Shit. Sorry," I stutter when she turns towards me. 

She studies me a moment before speaking, "Are you talking to me again?"

What the fuck does that mean? She's been the one ignoring me for almost the whole month.

"Um, what?" Very eloquent, Beck. Why can I only say two words at a time?

She starts to answer, but Justin comes between us asking what we want to get. Before I can ask again what she's talking about, Emma shoves a drink in my hand and we exit the line. Jade then starts shepherding us towards the right entrance, already impatient. Lucas and her love watching the previews, and get real grouchy if they have to miss them. They haven't started yet when we find our seats in the middle row. I like to sit at the end to make sure no one will be trampled if I have to get up during the movie, so I hover behind as everyone gets settled.

Emma usually sits next to me, but tonight Ollie is in her place, with Justin on her other side by Jade, Lucas and my ex best friend. I reluctantly take my seat, the chair creaking as I get situated. I wrap my arms around my stomach, not wanting to be the guy who hogs the armrests. Our group is talking while more people trickle in, but my nerves keep me from paying attention. I feel her eyes on me as I keep looking around the room, impatient for the movie to start. It has to be taking longer than normal, and why is it so hot in here?

Not being able to handle the attention, I finally look at her just as the room dims. A preview starts on the screen, lighting up her face and revealing that mocking expression. My pulse quickens as I stare at her infuriating, yet beautiful smile. Is she going to answer my question now? Ollie opens her mouth, but instead of speaking, she shovels some popcorn in. She rattles the bucket in offering, but I turn back towards the screen, not really paying attention. Before I know it the movie is starting.

Maybe all the screaming will cover the sound of my heartbeat.