Emma
CHAPTER 3: Trouble in the Town Square
Rick Sforocolet shouted, “Fire!” for no reason other than mischief.
He grinned as he sat on top of the store, his legs dangling over the edge while the poor Miss Heathers ran around in panic trying to figure out what was going on.
Emma shook her head from across the street. I can’t with these town folk… wackos, she whispered, glaring up at Rick.
A loose dark curl fell into his face, but his half-smile only grew wider.
Emma’s eyes locked onto him like laser beams. If looks could destroy, he would’ve dropped off that roof instantly.
She stormed over just as Miss Heathers ushered everyone back inside.
“You sick, wacko jerk!” Emma shouted. “You think this is funny?”
Rick’s eyes widened for a second before he scoffed. “Piss off, town freak,” he said, flipping her off.
That did it.
Emma grabbed a small rock from the ground and flung it hard. It hit him square in the forehead.
“OW—WHAT THE—” Rick yelled, losing his balance slightly.
Before Emma could react, strong arms suddenly pulled her back.
She turned, ready to swing again—but froze.
Standing behind her was a boy she had never seen before.
Emerald green eyes.
Striking. Calm. Almost unreal.
Emma’s anger disappeared for a moment as she stared at him, completely caught off guard.
“I’m sorry about my brother,” he said.
His mouth kept moving, but Emma barely heard the words. She was still locked on those eyes.
“Hey,” he said again, softer now. A small smile pulled her back to reality. “Did you hear me?”
“Y-yeah,” she muttered.
“Okay,” he said, turning away. “Let’s go, Rick.”
He smacked Rick on the back of the head as they walked off.
Rick stuck his tongue out at Emma one last time, which reignited her frustration.
“This isn’t over,” Emma said under her breath.
And somehow… she already knew she meant it.
She watched the two brothers disappear down the street.
The “dumb Coles” everyone talked about.
But this one—the one with emerald eyes—she had never seen before.
And now…
She was definitely going to that party.
