Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday passed almost the same. Frazer would text me stupidly early, asking when I’d come over. When I arrived, I’d complain that holidays were meant for sleeping. He’d counter that we had ‘things to do with such little time’. And then we’d look up songs for him to learn so that he could record them for me before throwing on a movie and lazing about the rest of the day. 

The sleepyhead in me wanted to negotiate with him about cutting out the movie so that I could get in a few more hours of shut eye every day… but the other part of me who was so deeply crushing on Frazer did not want to forfeit a second we spent together. And that side of me always won.

However, while the days were often similar as we killed time until Thursday, Tuesday felt a little different from the rest, especially when Frazer gave his mum a lot of what seemed to be warning looks, and she cooked us a nice lunch instead of Frazer and I fending for ourselves. More intriguing was the cake that came out in the afternoon that was supposedly sitting in the fridge, needing to be eaten despite Frazer’s pleas to put it away. 

Moreover, Frazer’s phone kept flashing throughout the movie we were watching that afternoon in his living room, and in the end I couldn’t help saying, “Someone desperately wants your attention.”

“They can wait. Though I do need to hang the washing.” On cue, the machine dinged again, sounding its completed cycle. He paused the movie and took off down the hall, leaving me alone with the television and his phone. 

Unable to help myself when it lit up once again, I reached for the device and attempted to pull down the message bar. To my luck, the message preview came up, though its contents made my stomach churn.

Kevin: I get all you want to do is hang out with Emilia now, but at least come tonight and bring her along.

I set his phone back on the couch and pulled my knees to my chest again as I thought it through.

Go where?

And why is Frazer so reluctant on the matter?

Did they possibly say something about me again that upset him?

Why was he spending so much time with me and not them?

Better yet, why was he ignoring their messages just because I’m here?

When I heard the screen door to the backyard close, I put my feet back firmly on the floor and sat up straight, a weak smile adorning my face as he came into my sight.

“Sorry,” he grinned sheepishly. “Let’s finish the—” 

He had barely made it back onto the sofa, remote in hand and directed at the television when I got to my feet. “I should get going.”

“But we haven’t finished the movie.”

“I’ve already been here for hours.”

“It’s only 2pm. The day is still young.”

“I promised Archie we’d do something today.”

The joy fled from Frazer’s face. He placed the remote back down and beseeched, “What’s wrong, Em?”

I pressed my lips together in an attempt to hide my emotions before I forced out, “Nothing.”

Though we could both hear the lie.

Because I was caught, I admitted, “I’m coming between you and your friends again.”

“No you’re not.”

“Then why are you… not hanging out with them as much?”

“Because I’d rather hang out with you. And you live just next door anyway so…” He trailed off as he spotted the reluctance still lingering in my expression. “What caused this?”

“Kevin texted you,” I sighed. “I didn’t mean to look… well, that’s not true. I did. But you really should turn of message previews if you don’t want people to read—”

“I don’t mind that you read my texts, Em. What I do mind is that your first response was to pretend again that something hasn’t upset you. I thought we weren’t keeping things from each other anymore.”

“I told you the truth in the end,” I mumbled, head turning to the ground as I started to feel small.

There was a silent exchange between us before Frazer dropped his gaze from me and picked up his phone, scanning through the messages. “They just want to go out for dinner tonight. It’s not important.”

“You should go.”

“I’m not interested.”

“But we don’t hang out in the evenings.”

“We can change that. If fact, I was going to ask if you’d stay for dinn—”

“Why don’t we join them for dinner?”

“I’d rather not.” 

“Do they still not like me?”

“Of course they like you. You know tha—”

“Then are you embarrassed to hang out with me around your other friends?”

More silence passed until suddenly he was on his feet, closing the distance between us. “You know that’s not it. I asked for you to sit with us on the bus. I asked every day for you to hang out with me at lunch. It has nothing to do—”

“Then why are you ditching them for me?”

“Because… I’d rather spend today with you.”

As my cheeks flushed and my heart raced, I wanted it to mean more. Though I knew better. Because, as we kept so blatantly stating to each other, we were just friends. “Well, maybe I don’t want to hang out with you tonight. Maybe I’ll go join Kevin for dinner and expand my friend group, as you said I should.”

“What?”

“You heard me.” One way or another, I’ll find out what has him so on edge. I reached for my belongings on the ground by the couch and started turning for the door.

“Ugh,” he groaned behind me. “Fine. Okay. Let’s go to dinner with those monkeys tonight. But only on one condition.”

“What’s the condition?” I spun around, feeling a little relieved that my worst fears were fleeting as Frazer caved. 

“That… you promise you won’t be mad at me.”

“Mad? Why would I…” Though the confusion was quickly replaced with suspicion, my eyes narrowing and voice lowering as I demanded, “What have you done?”

◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ 

We had finished the movie, though I had barely paid it any attention, choosing instead to nag Frazer for an answer he refused to give. And once the credits started to roll, I headed home to shower and change for dinner. Kevin was to pick us up at five in front of Frazer’s.

I ended up laying three outfits on my bed, though I could not decide which to go for. One was super casual—what I’d normally wear to his place. Another was a tight-fitting midi-dress that would most certainly scream ‘I’m trying desperately to get your attention’. And the third was a slightly more casual dress, falling above the knee, though sporting a high neckline. It was much more modest, though it was still a dress, which Frazer had not seen me in before.

If I wore it, would he stop seeing me as just a friend? Or just the girl next door?

Or would I forever be trapped in those roles?

In the end, I called Archie in to pick my outfit as I applied a light layer of makeup and straightened my hair, leaving my fate in my little brother’s hands. And, to my dismay, I left the house tugging at the neckline of my dress, hoping I could cover some of the cleavage bursting out of the sage midi-dress.

It was suitable for dad’s fortieth birthday last year when his family hired a function room and everyone came to town to celebrate, but is it really suitable for a tex-mex restaurant? 

Maybe I can sneak a peek at Frazer and rush back in to get changed if he’s dressed more casually.

If only he’d come outside so that I can see—

And, as if my prayers were heard, his front door opened, and he emerged. Sporting a button-down shirt paired with black jeans, he certainly was more dressed up than I usually saw him. 

Though as my eyes trailed over my dress, I decided it would have been an okay outfit… for anyone who wasn’t me. Because this most definitely cried that I wanted him to notice me.

I have to change into the other dress.

With that thought consuming me, I pivoted, hoping I could rush back in before he spotted me.

But then, “Emilia!” 

The feeling of ice washed through my body as I considered still aborting from the front of my house. But I knew it was too late. And I did nag him to go out with me tonight. I couldn’t be seen running away again.

So, reluctantly, I turned back around to face him. “Hey,” I called back, barely loud enough as I started to shuffle down my driveway towards him.

My brain pleaded with me to avoid looking at him. But I couldn’t help sneaking a glance from the corner of my eye, watching as his gaze swept over me.

“I’m overdressed, aren’t I?” I fretted.

Though Frazer was shaking his head, eyes still looking at my dress and not me.

Well… at least I have his attention for once… Though he’s probably just in disgust that I’m clearly trying too hard.

“You look,” he started, eyes finally snapping up to mine. “You look… suitable.”

Suitable. 

Great. 

Just what you want to hear from the guy you’re into… 

I turned away from him and towards the road, holding back the sting in my eyes as we awaited Kevin in silence, neither of us saying a word.

Until eventually the blaring noise of music started to travel down the road, followed by a dingy-looking Toyota Corolla, screeching to a stop in front of us.

“Your chariot,” Kevin said as he wound down the window. 

Frazer rounded the vehicle to the passenger seat, all the while Kevin nudged his sunglasses down the bridge of his nose as his gaze so clearly looked me up and down. “Damn, Em,” he whistled as I clambered into the backseat.

“What?” I asked, gripping at my arms that felt more naked than ever.

“You look gorgeous,” he exclaimed, glancing at me in the rearview mirror.

“Sure,” I mumbled, not believing his words.

Though he turned in his seat, completely removing his sunglasses this time as he gaped at me. “I’m not joking. Like… who knew you had that amazing body under—”

“Kevin!” Frazer barked.

After glancing at his mate, he looked back at me a little apologetically. “That was a bit rude of me. Sorry, Em. I didn’t mean to objectify you. I’m just shocked. You scrub up so well. Like maybe I might get feelings for—”

Suddenly, Frazer’s hand whacked Kevin in the arm. Kevin reared back at him, clutching his arm in supposed pain, but it was clear it was in jest. Though I couldn’t deny that I was starting to feel a little better and less self-conscious as I realised Kevin’s words weren’t part of an attempt to ridicule me.

“Are you the only one allowed to compliment her?” he jeered at Frazer.

Though before Frazer could respond, a scoff escaped my mouth. As both boys in the front seat whipped around to look at me, I gave my best glare to Frazer before glancing out the window.

“Uh-oh,” Kevin said, tone full of glee. “What did you do, Fraze?”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“No, of course you didn’t. That wouldn’t be suitable,” I grumbled in a volume that was supposed to be under my breath, though not missed by them.

I could feel Frazer’s eyes on me as he pivoted in his seat, but he never said anything to defend himself.

All the while, Kevin snickered as he turned the key in the ignition and buckled in before backing out of Frazer’s driveway. 

After a few moments of awkward silence passed through the car though and we turned onto the highway, Kevin cut through the tension with, “If Frazer is being a wanker at the moment, you can sit next to me tonight, Em. We will have fun without him.”

“You know, I might take you up on that offer.”

He chuckled before stating, “Good. You don’t need to suck up to him just because it’s his birthday.”

Frazer’s body stiffened as Kevin’s words registered in my ears. Then I couldn’t help myself. Turning to Frazer, face marred in disbelief and anger, I bellowed, “It’s your birthday?”