Eugene beamed with delight, looking at his wrist watch; It was finally time for lunch break.
"It was taking forever. I'm really starving…" he told Emily, slapping her back playfully.
"...hungry? You should have listened to Mother and had your breakfast....you wouldn't be this hungry". Emily simpered, taunting him. Eugene shrugged; he had an upset stomach early that morning but, he couldn't come out rightly and say it.
"Well, you seem happy" He said hastily.
"No. I'm still wondering why you skipped breakfast" Emily replied concerned.
"It's nothing serious" Eugene assured her. "Are you coming with....?"
"Um, no. I need to read this book. just get me some fruits though" Emily said before shifting her attention to the novel.
"Alright, book worm…." Eugene teased her. Kendall laughed too, making eye contact with Eugene. He smiled at her as he turned to leave, disappearing down the hallway as soon he walked out.
"Eugene seems rather hungry today" Kendall chortled.
"I'm quite sure he won't pull the no breakfast stunt from now on" Emily grinned, responding to Kendall without raising her head to look at her.
"I have to go to the library now. See you after lunch" Kendall told her as she stood up hurriedly.
"...not having lunch as well?" Emily raised her head, eyeing Kendall intently.
"I had a heavy breakfast too" Kendall replied hastily before rushing off.
"... waiting for everyone to go for lunch before visiting the library?...very fishy" Emily thought to herself but, she quickly brushed it off and sank deep into her literature. Kendall tiptoed to the entrance of the library, looking left and right. The hallway was empty and silent; and with a deep sigh of relief, she entered the library, walking towards the nearest computer and sat down, pressing on Chrome immediately. She typed into the search engine, carefully reciting her question.
"How to confess to a boy..." she said and in no time, a prodigious number of answers popped up on screen. She smiled as she took out her pen and scribbled them down in her doodle book before deleting her search history completely.
"This will help me confess my love to Eugene." she told herself, excitedly and with her task completed, Kendall stood up immediately and went back to class as it was almost time for lessons to resume. Emily raised her head as soon as she heard someone walk in.
"You are back" She smiled suspiciously. "I thought you had been sucked up by the vampire books"
"Vampire books?" Kendall asked blankly.
"It's a book title. You haven't read it, have you?"
"No, I haven't" Kendall had a blank expression. Why was Emily prying into her business and about reading too? Kendall sighed; listening to Emily narrate the storyline. Although she was not the reading type, she had to tolerate Emily because she was Eugene's sister.
"Oh I see" was all she could say as soon as Emily was done. Emily looked at her intently, sensing her lack of interest in reading novels.
"You like my brother, right?" She asked confidently and without warning, flustering Kendall. The latter was silent, unable to reply to Emily's question but, her eyes sold her off. "I can see you like him. You should know that my brother loves books and Vampire books is his favorite novel. So unfortunate, that you don't".
"Does he...? Should I buy him a book then?"
"Purchasing a book and reading it are two different things. Surely, he will like your gift but, your inability to read novels is a turn off" Emily said, brushing her hand through her afro styled curly hair.
"Oh I see. Thank you, Emily"
"It's nothing. I just want the right girl for my brother"
"I am the right girl. I mean, I will be thanks to you"
"Well. reading is not the only thing that Eugene loves"
"Really? Can you tell me all about it?"
"No..." Emily was straight forward. "The rest is for you to find out"
"Oh alright. Thank you anyway" Kendall said, grimaced.
Eugene came back and sat down, giving Kendall a big smile before turning to his sister. "Your fruits, highness"
"Thanks Eugene" Emily chirped.
"Eugene..." Kendall begun but, she paused, suddenly overwhelmed by emotion. "What if something goes wrong?"
"Yes, Kendall" Eugene intercepted her thoughts. "Are you alright? you look pale".
Kendall touched her cheeks, shyly tracing her fingers around them. "Oh, do I? I'm feeling a little out of the weather"
"The weather is normal"Emily chipped in.
"Yes, it is but, it can be uncomfortable..." Kendall defended herself.
"Don't worry. you will be fine" Eugene assured her, smiling heartily and fluttering her heart. She looked at him for a short while before asking the question she had always wanted to ask.
"I was thinking maybe you could walk me home, today" Kendall said, lowering her gaze, shyly.
"...walk you home? and your brothers?" Eugene was dumbfounded but, the idea wasn't bad at all. He had been thinking of a way to get Kendall to spend more time with him all week.
"I can think of something" Kendall said brazenly. "Although I might get in trouble with my mother"
"Then I can't walk you home at your expense" Eugene frowned. "But, how about a date on Saturday?"
"Really?!" Kendall was excited.
"Yes, I have your number. I will call you"Eugene told her, brushing a strand of her hair back with his hand.
" I will wait for your call" Kendall said, happily as Eugene smiled at her, looking into her eyes. Without warning, Mrs. Poffert walked in class. it was now time for the last theoretical lesson before gym class.
***
Miles walked down the corridor that led to the school's soccer pitch, carefree. He and James had planned to meet for practice earlier that day although he wasn't upto the task as he didn't feel like playing soccer. Lazily walking around, he spotted Mr. Dan on the other side of the pitch. Apart from being the school's Physiologist and gym instructor, Mr. Dan was the senior soccer team Coach and Miles' mentor. Miles approached him, noticing that he wasn't alone; Emily was there too, kicking a soccer ball to and fro just as Mr Dan had instructed her. Miles watched Emily for awhile wondering what a girl was doing at the soccer pitch. The latter flinched with every kick she made, not withstanding the pain caused by the unusual movements she was making with her leg.
"Hello, Coach" Miles greeted Mr. Dan, suddenly shifting his gaze on him.
"Fascinating, isn't she?" Mr Dan asked.
"Well yes. I wonder why a girl like her would be interested in soccer"
"Girls can't play soccer?"
"They can...with fellow girls. It's rough out here playing with the boys, Coach" Miles laughed.
"She's here for physio..." Mr Dan told him. "I have to coach the team since Rupert is not around. Can you watch over her for me?"
"You read my mind, coach. I wasn't upto practicing anyway" Miles was happy.
"Look at you" Mr. Dan laughed amused by Miles' wittiness. He said goodbye to Emily and went on his way, assembling the boys for a meeting before beginning their practice.
Miles closed the distance between him and Emily, startling her a little; Her eyes glowing with recognition. He looked like someone she knew although he looked younger.
"Hai, I'm Miles. I'm your Physiologist for today" Miles grinned warmly, peering into her uncontrollably. He couldn't help but, notice how pretty she was; from her moonlight shaped eyes to her long nose and small lips.
"I'm Emily Wilson" She told him, outstretching her hand for a handshake. Miles simpered; amused by how formal she was being with him.
"Nice to meet you, Emily" He said to her; beaming non-stop. "You should get back to your routine before Mr Dan accuses me of stalling you"
"Oh, right!" Emily said as she kicked the ball in Miles' direction, stopping right at his feet. He grinned before kicking the ball back to her.
"This way my routine won't be monotonous" She said, smiling heartily.
"I see what you are doing" Miles gave her a thumbs up. "Emily Wilson...not bad"
The two of them chatted for a long time, kicking the ball to and fro all the while. Mr. Dan looked over at them. grinning before returning to his coaching task. Miles was naturally approachable; he was always happy and friendly towards others, a complete opposite of Riley who usually kept to himself and reserved his utterances for serious conversations. Everyone who knew the Doyen brothers always thought Miles' warm demeanor made him stand out as many people found it hard to resist his charm..
Forgetting the pain in her leg, Emily kicked the ball hard this time, yelping as the pain sent chills down her spine. Miles immediately ran to her side, helping her sit on the green turf
"Are you alright?" He asked her sympathetically. "You kicked the ball too hard"
Miles took her leg into his hand, examining her foot. He massaged it gently although Emily could still feel the pain; lingering and tormenting her as she struggled to blink back the tears forming in her eyes.
"I suddenly forgot..." Emily said, sniffing back her tears.
"It's okay. You can cry" Miles' voice was gentle, making her feel comfortable around him.
"I'm trying not to" She laughed, mustering the courage to subdue her pain.
"It's okay to cry sometimes. It takes the pain away but, I can see you are stronger than you look"
"Thanks Miles" Emily beamed as he helped her up and piggybacked her.
" ...So small but, a little heavy" Miles groaned, chuckling as he walked to Mr. Dan's office.
"You can just help me walk back" Emily told him shyly as they passed a number of students.
"Just close your eyes and lean on my back. That way you won't have to look at anyone" Eugene suggested as he glanced at her over his shoulder. Emily didn't say a word but, she obliged to his suggestion, closing her eyes instantly and leaning her head on his shoulder, face down; absorbing the fragrance of his blazer.
"He smells so good" the words came right out of her mouth. Emily put her hand on mouth but, it was too late. Miles staggered due to her sudden movement, making her yelp in panic.
"Hold on and be still" he told her, grinning as he as gained his balance.
"I am sorry I have a habit of thinking out loud" She said, embarrassed.
"I think it's cute" Miles admitted. His heart was beating fast, making his voice breathy.
"Oh" was all Emily could say. She was flattered, considering no one had ever told her that before. Eugene always made fun of her habit, calling her a tattle-tale. Miles and Emily remained silent for the rest of way to the office with Miles' heart fluttering as he felt Emily's breath on his neck.
"We are here" Miles said, helping Emily to the bed. "I will rub some LOFNAC gel on your knee and foot"
"Thanks. Miles. I don't know what I would have done without you" Emily was sincerely grateful. He had met her for the first time yet, he treated her like they had known each other for years and although Miles resembled that strange boy she hardly knew, his demeanor was highly different; Miles was tenderhearted, warm and his presence was soothing. She couldn't help but, feel safe around him.
"Think nothing of it. We are friends now, right?" Miles told her as he walked upto her with the gel.
"Yes, we are" Emily beamed as she impulsely kissed Miles' cheek, flustering him.
"Do you always kiss your friends?" He asked out of curiosity.
"No, it's actually my first time" Emily replied shyly. "I am sorry…"
"No,no. It was actually touching" Miles admitted. "I hope I will be the only one who gets kisses from you"
Miles held her gaze, peering into her moon-like eyes, twinkling brightly before Emily broke the contact, looking away shyly.
"You are beautiful, Emily Wilson" Miles said without warning, lifting Emily's head towards him as he stared at her fondly, lost in her eyes. He was about to kiss her when Mr. Dan walked in unannounced. Miles took a step back, forcing a cough while Emily composed herself, looking at Mr. Dan expectantly.
"Mr. Dan…."she called him as he approached.
"Did you hurt yourself again?"
"Unfortunately…" Emily smiled.
"We have exerted alot of force on your leg. We should give it two days of rest then resume. How about that?"
"That is good news to my ears, Mr. Dan" Emily chirped happily.
"I know it is, Emily. Miles please take her to the basketball court. Her brother is probably waiting"
"Eugene told me to wait here. Thank you for your help though, Miles. I appreciate it"
"You too are friends now" Mr. Dan turned to Miles, grinning. "Unlike Riley, you know how to win people over"
"Girls still prefer him though. I mean, who can compete with his charisma and looks?" Miles said as he walked to the door.
"That is true" Mr. Dan laughed, waving at him.
"Bye. Emily. See you tomorrow" Miles said, winking at her before walking out of the office. Emily looked over at Mr. Dan, embarrassed.
"He's a good boy although I don't think both of you are ready for love"
"I don't know if I even love him"
"Well, take your time to find out then" Mr Dan advised her. His voice was stern and cold compared to his usual self. He looked distant, thinking about something but, Emily could not bring herself to ask him.
***
Kendall waited for Eugene around the corner that led to Mr. Dan's office. She threw her arms around him as soon as he approached, flustering him.
"Kendall, I wasn't expecting to see you here" he told her, surprised.
"I wanted to say goodbye" Kendall said, lowering her gaze.
"That's so sweet..." Eugene smiled, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Emily is waiting for me…."
"I understand…say hello to Emily" Kendall said, hesitant to let him go. "Tomorrow then"
"Yes, tomorrow" Eugene replied as he walked away. Kendall smiled to herself, rushing back to meet her brothers at the parking lot. She knew that Riley and Miles would definitely suspect her if she didn't show up in time. Meanwhile, Eugene arrived at Mr. Dan's office and found Emily waiting for her devotedly. She smiled as soon as she saw him, her eyes glowing with joy.
"Did wait for long?" Eugene asked concerned.
"No, not at all" Emily told him.
"She had company" Mr. Dan gave Emily a crooked smile.
"Thank you for taking care of her. Mr. Dan" Eugene said, assuming he was talking about himself. "Julia is outside already"
"Let's go then" Emily said to him, attempting to stand on her two feet as Eugene hurried to her side and piggybacked her.
"I can't wait to get better" Emily frowned as they walked out, waving at Mr. Dan.
"Why? Are you tired of my taking care of you?" Eugene asked , curious.
"These past few days have reminded me that you won't always be there for me"
"You haven't forgiven me for not being here with you, have you?"
"No, that's not what I mean. Truth is, we are still two different people with different destinies despite being twins"
"You are right but, until you get well enough to follow you destiny, I will be here to look out for you"
"Alright Eugene"Emily grinned, leaning on her brother shoulder.
"Was practice so intense that you hurt yourself?"
"No, it wasn't. I was having such a good time, I forgot my leg is injured"
"...a good time? with Mr. Dan. This is very fishy, you know that right?" Eugene simpered, taunting her endlessly.
"No, not with Mr Dan".
"So, there was someone else. who was it?"
"You know you sound like you are interrogating me right now, right?"
"You are right. I would like to know the person who made my sister happy and sad at the same time" Eugene laughed.
"You never cease to amaze.." Emily laughed. "Anyway, Mr. Dan gave me two days off"
"You must be happy" Eugene laughed, sensing her joy. "You were eager to get better just now and you are already taking days off"
"Well, Mr. Dan allowed me to. The man practically knows what he is doing" Emily defended herself, beaming profusely.
"There something different about you today, Emily. I can't place my hands on it though" Eugene told her. Emily smiled, pulling one of his ears playfully.
"Perhaps, you are right..." she replied to him casually. Her vagueness confusing Eugene even more that he had to let the issue go.
Eugene arrived at the parking lot after walking for a while and helped Emily down; they had talked for so long that the distance from the office to the parking lot didn't seem that long. Julia came out of the car and opened the door for Emily hurriedly.
"Mother is surely not going to like this" She whispered into Eugene's ear as Emily got into the car.
"I know.. but, we ought to deal with one problem at a time". Eugene lowered his voice. Julia nodded and walked to the driver's seat while Eugene got into the car beside Emily.
"Is everything okay?" Emily asked them.
"Yes. we just need to stop for ice cream" Julia lied to her. "It was supposed to be surprise anyway"
"How long has it been since we three hung out together?"
"Ages, I suppose" Emily sighed.
"Now we can, right?" Julia chipped in. "It's my treat..."
"Did you get paid or something?" Eugene teased her.
"I'm going to change my mind and drive home straight" Julia threatened.
"Alright, alright, you can; after getting the ice-cream first" Emily said as they all broke into laughter.