Suzie’s House 521 : Degree of Separation

Beth slid into her seat with her head ducked down in deference to the teacher. Five minutes late for class wasn’t really that long, but it seemed like a lot when every one else was already sitting. Except Emma, of course. Because Emma had been out in the hall, singing.

Wow. Just… wow.

Until Emma burst out singing, Beth thought Emma was the same as her. They were both losers. They both stammered sometimes. Neither one of them seemed to have any friends. Neither one of them had any special talents or expected to go much of anywhere in life.

Beth had even felt a little superior because even though it wasn’t much, her grades were a few points better, and she kind of sort of sometimes did a good job drawing. Maybe it was mostly just doodles, but she thought they were pretty good.

But no. Emma was miles ahead. Emma had a dream, friends, a whole career ahead of her! She was the hottest, most popular person in the school! The new singing sensation everyone was talking about.

Only, no one but the people in that hall knew it was her. Emma was like the ultimate mystery!

Beth couldn’t wait to spread the word. As soon as class was over she’d tell…. the only one she could tell, the only friend she had in the whole school, was the one person who knew it the best. Emma.

Right. Wonderful, talented, incredible Emma. Someone who could sing like that wouldn’t have time for a loser like Beth. Right? They were as different as night and day. Emma shone. Beth hid. Emma had her eye on the prize. Beth struggled just to get through the day. Emma had famous friends. All Beth had was Emma.

Were they even really friends?

What if all this time it had only ever been pity? All those times she thought Emma sympathized and understood. How could she? Emma was no loser and never would be.

Except, it had all seemed so real.

Beth turned her head to the side and stared at Emma’s profile. After a minute Emma glanced back.

“What?” She whispered, trying to not catch the teacher’s attention.

“Nothing.” Beth quickly faced forward. It wasn’t like she could really explain herself.

There was nothing all that mysterious about Emma normally. It’s just there was a side to her that Beth didn’t know about before. That was all. Beth could deal with that, couldn’t she?

Suddenly Beth wanted to keep Emma’s secret identity a secret. She wanted to be an insider. Maybe she wasn’t special herself, but being friends with Emma made her feel special.

After class, before anyone could do or say anything to either or them, Beth dragged Emma into the hall.

“Do… do you really want to tell everyone in the school about… you know. The video?”

“Um… I…Maybe?” Emma’s head wobbled on her thin neck.

“B-b-but you did that thing. In the hallway before class.”

“I-I-I just wanted to p-p-prove it to you! I already told you, but you… you didn’t believe me! And if others find out… so what?”

“I think.” Beth paused, knowing she was asking more than she had a right to. “I-I think that there’s a mystery thing with your singing in a mask. L-l-like a brand or trademark. You can get more famous by making people guess. M-m-maybe even hold a contest!”

Beth was on a roll now. She could see it all, a contest, games, and someday a big reveal. But befroe she could say any of that Emma shrugged and said, “Okay” like it was nothing.

“When you’re really famous, I’m going to tell people you’re my friend!” Beth felt almost like it was a threat.

“Great!” Emma grinned and grabbed her hand.

Beth’s answer smile was a little wobbly. Who knew she would someday be so close to someone so incredible?

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