Beyond Control

04

I got a girl's number. 

I got a pretty girl's number.

This was revolutionary. I have never even attempted to talk to a girl, much less get her number. What was even crazier was that she asked for mine. 

"I think we should keep in touch," she proposed. "Can I have your number?" 

She asked for it so casually. It took me off guard, and she must've noticed because she started giggling. I felt my face turn red from embarrassment. 

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said it so bluntly," she said, pulling out her phone. After tapping a few times, she handed me her phone. "Don't make a big deal out of it. We clearly have a lot in common, so it makes sense that we stick together." 

Hesitantly, I took her phone and punched in my number. After I returned it, I couldn't help but ask the question that came to mind. "Don't you have friends who could be more useful to you? We barely know each other." 

Emily warmly smiled which could steal the heart of any man. "Oh, hush. Nobody else knows the things that you know in just the ten or so minutes we've been talking. Anyway, I'll text you when I get home, and you better respond."

How could I not? 

"Don't worry. I got you." 

She smiled one last time before waving. "I should get going. I have a university test tomorrow and don't want my parents to worry about me. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" 

Emily left me in a state of wonder. As I started my way to the car, couldn't help but think of what we'd do together. She made it sound like she was willing to storm the capital for some answers, which I wasn't even sure would have anything we'd be looking for. 

Firstly, I had to tell Xavian about my unexpected success in scoring Emily's number. I thought about calling him, but I couldn't remember if he had baseball practice this afternoon, so I texted him instead. 

I started my drive home and heard my phone buzz as I pulled out of the parking lot. Glancing at it, a text from Xavian read: "No way. I'll meet you at your house after practice is over."

I couldn't help but laugh, knowing that Xavian was bugging me about expanding my wings and trying to make new friends. There was no way he'd ever expect me to talk to Emily of all people, and secure her number. It felt like I took a giant step forward. 

After I arrived home, I walked into my house and set my stuff in my room. Mom still wasn't home, which generally meant she was stuck in another meeting. I threw my stuff down and prepared a few snacks for when Xavian came over. He liked to eat after practice and wasn't picky about what was on the table. 

About half an hour later, a quick knock was heard from the front door before it opened. "Coming in!" 

"I'm in my room!" I responded. 

He walked down the hallway and stood in my doorway with a flabbergasted expression. "So, you're telling me that you got who's number?" 

I smiled widely. "Emily's." 

"Emily Jackson?" he asked with widened eyes. "The girl we talked about at lunch?" 

I nodded wordlessly, my smile growing. Xavian shook his head. "No way. Really!? Show me her contact. I need evidence."

"I don't have it yet," I responded. "I put mine in her phone. She said she'd text me." 

Even though I didn't think his face could get any more bewildered, he proved me wrong once again. "It sounds like she's the one who initiated it."