Chapter 42

Emily's POV "Hey, you've been spacing out on me all morning. What's up?" Tori asked me as we sat in the library after school doing homework. I looked up at Tori. "Nothing's up. I'm just thinking." I confessed. "Thinking about what?" She prodded. I sighed, deciding to confide in her. "Tyler's ex girlfriend has moved back here." Tori furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Ex girlfriend? What are you talking about?" I have never told Tori about what Tyler told me, so I knew she would've been confused. There was no need to tell her before, but now that I wanted to explain what I was thinking, I told her everything about Andrea. "So now she came back yesterday." I said as I finished relaying the story to her. "Woah, that's hardcore." Tori stated. "So what's the problem?" "I'm just worried that Tyler is going to get back together with her. I mean, I wouldn't blame him she's super pretty and perfect for him." Tori who was watching me closely lifted her eyebrows at me when I said that. "What I meant is that if Tyler goes back to her, our fake dating would be over and I would be seen by everyone has a complete fraud." I rushed to clarify. Tori placed her pen down into her open book and gave me her full attention. "Are you sure that's the only thing bothering you?" "Yes of course." I said too quickly, but I knew that was a lie. I tried my best to avoid Tori's intense gaze. "Right." She replied. "Well, I don't think he's going to get back with her." "How do you know that? You didn't see them. He did care about her once and was broken up about it when she left him." I concluded. "What would stop him from getting back with her?" Tori smiled. "I just know. I trust my Hispanic third eye." "Right, you and your Hispanic third eye." I stated with a laugh. ++++++ The week went by quickly and now it was Saturday. I was currently home lying in bed with a lot of thoughts running through my mind. During the week, I haven't seen or hear anything more about Andrea. However, I was still anxious because I had a feeling that something bad was going to happen soon. Tyler and I still kept up our fake dating, but I knew it was only a matter of time before Tyler ends it and goes back to Andrea. I suddenly shake my head trying to clear my thoughts. We weren't really dating, so why should I care if Tyler ends it? He is a free guy, he can do anything he wants. I need to stop thinking about it. Even though I told myself that, deep down, I did care. I felt hurt at the thought of Tyler dating another girl. Finally getting up from my bed, I decided to get ready. Tyler had told me yesterday that his mother invited me to go on a hiking trip with them. I really didn't want to go because I was trying my best to spend less time with Tyler, but his mother really wanted me to go, so I agreed. After I came out of the shower, I got dressed quickly. When I was ready, it was ten minutes to eleven. Tyler had told me that they were leaving at eleven. Before I left my room, I made sure I had all the essential items: sunglasses, sunscreen, extra clothing, flashlight, first-aid supplies, blanket and my water bottle. Rachel had told me that I didn't need to pack food, because she will take care of that. To be honest, even though I was reluctant to go, I was excited about this trip. I have never gone hiking before and I was looking forward to it. After seeing that I had all that I'll need, I went downstairs where I saw Dad sitting in the living room reading a newspaper. "Good morning, Dad." I greeted. Dad shifted the paper from his face. "Good morning Emily." He smiled. "Aren't you going to work today?" I asked. "No, I have a day off today." He replied before taking in my appearance. "Do you have everything you'll need for this hike?" "Yes, I do." I reassured him. "Okay good. Have fun today." "Thanks Dad." I walked over to him and kissed his cheek. "I'm leaving now. Please let Sarah know that I've left, okay." "Okay, will do." Dad answered. When I was outside, I saw Tyler and his mother in their front yard putting items into the trunk of Rachel's car. I left my yard and walked over to Tyler's house. "Hello." I greeted as I walked over to them. "Hi Emily." Rachel looked up and smiled at me. "Are you excited to go with us?" "Yes, I am. Thanks for inviting me along." I said. "Of course. Tyler and I are happy to have you come with us." She stated. I smiled at her. "Where are we going anyway?" I asked as I walked over to the trunk of the car where she stood to put my knapsack in. "There is a beautiful trail a few miles from here. We're going to drive up there and then take the rest on foot from there." She explained. "Sounds awesome." I replied. After everything was packed in the trunk of the car, we got in and leave for the hike. We were driving for at least an hour, when finally Rachel stopped the car. "Okay, here we are. This is the beginning of the trail, so we're going to be walking from here." We all got out of the car and got our bags from the trunk. Rachel then locked her car and we began our hike. The trail we were hiking on is really beautiful and intriguing. We saw a lot of nice and interesting sceneries. I made sure to take a lot of pictures. It was also evident that Rachel has hiked here before because she knew the trail so well. She was also good at hiking. Using her compass and map of the area, she always made the right turn to prevent us from being lost.