This is one of Emma’s childhood diary entries — written at age ten — capturing a quiet moment that stayed with her long after it ended. At the time, she didn’t have the words for what she was feeling. She only knew it mattered.
~ ~ ~
November 5, 1985
Dear Diary,
I think something important happened tonight. Or maybe it just felt important to me.
I went to Mitchell’s basketball game. That doesn’t happen very often because he goes to a private all-boys school and I go to public school. Mom said it was a treat, so I tried to be on my best behavior.
Mitchell told me Josh would be there, but I didn’t know why he felt the need to tell me that. He’s weird sometimes.
When Mom and I got there, Josh’s mom was already sitting in the bleachers. She waved at my mom, and Josh was sitting beside her.
We walked over and Mom sat next to Josh’s mom. I sat on the other side of Mom. Josh smiled at me, and then he nudged his mom and pointed in my direction. She nodded, and he stood up and came over to sit next to me.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey,” I said back. I looked down at my sneakers because my face felt warm.
“Who do you think will make the winning shot?” he asked.
I shrugged. “Hopefully Mitchell.”
“I hope so too,” he said.
We watched the game for a little while after that. The gym was loud, and the whistle kept making me jump. The floor squeaked every time someone ran past, and the scoreboard lights blinked so bright it hurt my eyes if I stared at them too long.
Josh leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and pointed at the court. “That’s Mitchell,” he said, even though I already knew. I nodded anyway.
Our arms were really close. Like almost touching. I tried not to move because I didn’t want to mess it up.
Someone behind us started clapping really loud, and it startled me. Josh laughed a little and looked at me. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” I said, even though my heart was beating fast for no reason.
At halftime, Josh’s mom asked if we wanted popcorn. He went with her, and when he came back, he handed me the bag first.
“Here,” he said. “You can have some.”
“Thanks,” I said. I tried to grab just a little, but my fingers touched his, and I pulled my hand back really fast. He didn’t say anything, but he smiled.
I liked that smile.
When the game started again, Mitchell made a basket, and I clapped so hard my hands stung. Josh clapped too and yelled Mitchell’s name. I liked that he did that.
Toward the end of the game, Josh leaned over again.
“If Mitchell makes the last shot,” he said, “you have to sit next to me at the next game too.”
I blinked. “What if our moms sit between us again?”
He shrugged. “Then I’ll move.”
I didn’t know why that made my chest feel warm.
“Okay,” I said.
Mitchell didn’t make the last shot. The buzzer went off, and everyone stood up at the same time.
Josh smiled at me. “Still counts,” he said. Then, quieter, “I’m moving anyway.”
I smiled back before I even realized I was doing it.
After the game, everyone started talking and moving around. Mom stood up to talk to Josh’s mom, and I thought Josh would go back over there, but he stayed next to me for a second longer.
“Hey, Em?” he said.
“Yeah?”
“I’m glad you came tonight.”
“Me too,” I said.
And I meant it.
On the way home, Mom asked if I had fun. I said yes, but I didn’t tell her why. I didn’t know how.
All I know is that sitting next to Josh felt different than it used to. Like something changed, but I couldn’t see it — only feel it.
I think I’ll remember tonight for a long time.
— Emma
~ ~ ~
Read more about Emma and Josh: https://atomic-temporary-134283154.wpcomstaging.com/explore-the-world-of-unfinished-melody/
Read more Diary Entries: The Day I Realized I Like Josh McGuire | The Summer Cookout
Listen to the song that inspired the story: Please Don’t Go Girl NKOTB from the guys who sang the song: https://www.nkotb.com/