It Started With A Concussion ✔️

Chapter 40

I think I have an addiction.

One that involves too much sunscreen, a lot of UV, and absolutely no movement at all. Let's not forget about the music blasting in my ears and the bowl of fruit by my side.

Yep. My "addiction" is tanning. I'm guilty of it. I love the prominent color I get after my daily hours of baking. I wouldn't say I'd be mad if someone interrupted my reserved time to bronze up, but the abrupt darkness that covered my eyes and the tap on my leg didn't quite please me.

I place my hand above my eyes and open them to see Hannah in front of me. I take my earbud out and blink to adjust to the shade she provides. "Hey," I sit up and draw my shiny legs to my chest, noticing the worried look on her face. "What's wrong?"

She takes a seat at the edge of the lounger and crosses her legs. "I'm freaking out Em. I don't know what to do." She stresses while fixing the straps of her pale green bikini.

"Okay..." I pause my music and take my other earbud out. "What's happening?" I ask.

"It's Finn. He wants to take me out tonight. On a date. And I don't know what to wear." She admits in choppy sentences.

I look at her for a few seconds with a blank face. I don't say anything. I just let my brain analyze what she told me. When my processing is done I quietly laugh to myself and shake my head. "Hannah..."

"What? Why are you laughing?" She gets a little uneasy.

"You came to me like whatever you were worrying about was the end of your life. And you're stressing over what to wear on a date with Finn?" I smile at her as her cheeks easily turn red.

"Okay, but this is the end of my life if I don't look good Em!" She complains and throws her hand up in the air. "Stop laughing at my struggles and help me! Please."

I nod and calm myself down. "Okay, okay, fine. First off, where are you going?"

"Some Italian restaurant not far from here." She answers me. God I can't believe this, I think and the thought makes me laugh again. "Emery!" She complains and slaps me on the leg. "Stop laughing."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." I throw my hands up in surrender. "I just think you're overthinking this. Finn likes you for you, so whatever you choose to wear will be fine. Do your makeup, do your hair, get dressed up. However you look, I'm sure his opinion of you will not change." I reassure her, emphasizing that whatever she does Finn will one hundred percent appreciate.

She goes into thought for a bit and I take the time to look at my surroundings. I was at the Riley's house, in the backyard. It was a classic summer hangout with all of our friends, a barbeque, music, and the pool. What wasn't there to love about one of these days?

I know I've never complained.

And even if soon enough I won't be seeing this place everyday, it's good to know that summers like this won't stop. I'll always be back just in time for this every year.

"I know what you're saying...but I don't know." She shrugs.

"Look. If you're so worried about this, facetime me when you're getting ready and I'll help you. Yeah?" I offer and she quickly accepts. "Okay, problem solved then." I smile.

"What problem are we talking about ladies?" I glance up and see Kayla walking towards us and sitting on the edge of the lounger with Hannah.

"Nothing but Hannah's 'relationship' anxiety." I joke and pop a piece of watermelon in my mouth.

"Oh shut up." Hannah pushes my leg and I laugh. "At least Kayla can understand. Did this ever happen when you first started talking with Elliot?" She questions.