Good girl, bad boy

CHAPTER ONE; PART TWO

After class, Emily walked to the gym alone. She had told Eugene to spend more time with Kendall because he had confided in her about him liking her. She made a turn on the first corner of the hallway, accidentally bumping into someone with the force knocking her down off her feet. Emily yelped as her elbow hit the cold floor, sending painful chills into her body.

Emily looked up; teary eyed and shocked, only to see a boy with a cold gaze standing erect and staring down at her with his fiery eyes, making her look down to avoid his piercing gaze but he surprisingly outstretched his hand towards her, offering to help her get up, making Emily flinch reluctantly as she looked up at him in the eye, searching for sincerity. The boy had nothing but arrogance in his eyes despite their blue enticing colour begging for trust. Seeing that she was doubtful of his intentions, the boy smirked with contempt; he truly wanted to help but her distrust in him came across as offensive. He forced a smile; warm and assuring, making her heart flutter as a warm feeling spread through her body, hastening her heartbeat and sddenly trusting him, Emily raised her arm; reaching out to hold his hand but he withdrew it, clenching his fist as his bright smile disappeared, replaced by a mocking smirk and a countenance of disdain, harbouring a grudge against her for doubting him. Emily's eyes widened with shock and dismay, wondering how he could change his demeanor so suddenly. The boy took a step back, taking a last glance at her before walking way, leaving Emily stupefied as she watched him leave, disappearing down the huge hallway before helping herself up, continuing on her way, limping on one leg while holding on dearly to her painful elbow.

"You' re late, Emily. Anything to say for yourself?" Mr. Dan, the school Physiologist and sports teacher said to Emily as soon as she entered his office. The man was calm despite being unhappy with her, making Emily feel more at ease.

"Apologies, Mr. Dan". She answered Mr. Dan politely, making him looked up at her, only to realize that her posture was crooked with her left hand dearly holding onto her right arm's aching elbow.

"What happened….?" He asked her sympathetically. "Come here.…"

Mr. Dan signalled her to lie down on an adjustable bed in the office.

Emily agreed, lying down as Mr. Dan began examined her, taking her hand into his in an attempt to stretch it but Emily yelped in pain, flinching back as she ttempted to free herself from his grip.

"If you keep hurting every part of you body, how will you be able to join the rest of your classmates by the end of this academic quarter?"

Emily knew that Mr. Dan was right but, she remained quiet, unable to tell him what had happened exactly.

"You and your brother are new here and I bet there are students taking advantage of this fact. If you keep quiet, you will be targeted by bullies frequently"

"I bumped into someone and fell. It was an accident"

"If you say so, Emily" Mr. Dan said, smiling warmly at her, making her smile too. Mr. Dan surely knew how to make people trust him; whether as a doctor or an instructor because he had a warm and assuring demeanor that allowed people to feel safe around him.

"Will my fracture completely heal after physiotherapy?" Emily asked him.

"It's a minor injury looking at how you're still able to walk. we'll have to help you work on running and riding....I heard that you were the best rider at your former school".

"Everything I ever did is in my past and past glory is not worthy of showing off". Emily complained as she fell into a short moment of self-pity.

"You're being hard on yourself, Emily". Mr Dan told her concisely.

"Perhaps you're right and that is why I am here" Emily answered him , smiling heartily as her eyes brightened up. revealing a ray of hope and courage she never had. Looking at her, Mr. Dan smiled contently knowing that she was now ready to start her physiotherapy.

"....we will start with basic movement of the injured leg. I am going to tie a rod onto your leg and you can try lifting it up and down while you're seated"

"That's easy…" Emily grinned.

"Is it?"Mr Dan gave her a crooked smile. "I guess we will have to find out"

***

Emily cried out in pain as she tried to lift her leg but, her strength was failing her, and cumbered with lots of pain, she managed to lift her leg an inch only.

"Well done". Mr. Dan complimented her after their first session of physiotherapy, helping her to the bed. Emily nodded her head, unable to utter a word as the pain in her leg tormented her, making her feel like she had been pricked by a thousand needles.

"You can rest here aswe wait for Eugene". He told Emily calmly as she laid down on the bed, putting her hand on her injured leg, caressing it gently as she reflected on her past glory.

"I surely hope I can be a cyclist again. Mr. Dan". She remarked, swallowing hard as she blinked back her tears overwhelmed by emotional pain. Emily placed her hand on her heart as it beat faster with anguish, making Mr. Dan sit down next to her, unable to comfort her physically as personal sentiments for his patients or students was strictly prohibited.

"It hurts...it hurts so bad". Emily's inner voice pounded. "So much time has passed by but, I can't forget..." the words came right out of her mouth when she was supposed to be intra-communicating to herself, a habit she had since she was little.

"You mustn't keep the pain inside...let it all out". Mr. Dan told her, finally giving in to his emotions, patting her shoulder gently as he watched her weep quietly and the pain in her eyes spoke volumes of regret and brokenness.

"It seems your brother isn't coming. Let me call someone to take you to him". Mr. Dan told Emily while dialling a number on his phone, calling someone immediately; and in less than fifteen minutes, a boy came into the room; his blue eyes widening with recognition as he stared at her. Emily was flustered too as she recognized him; It was the same boy who had left without lending her a helping hand after bumping into her.

"You-.". she began but, the look on Mr.Dan's face tongue-tied her..

"Do you know each other?" Mr Dan asked, curiously.

"No". The boy replied hastily.

"Kindly assist her...Her brother must be at the basketball court waiting..." Mr. Dan instructed him as the boy nodded and walked upto Emily, smiling as he helped her up, making Emily take a clear glimpse of his face. Apart from his blue enticing eyes, he was handsome with good facial features; pointy cheeks, highlighting his cheekbones and long nose.

"Are you able to walk?" He asked her in a strong yet enticing hoarse voice as soon as he noticed her croaked posture.

"Yes, I can...". Emily replied coldly, still unable to forgive him for leaving her behind earlier.

"If you can't, just say so" He whispered in her ear, flustering her.

"I can walk but, not in my own". She assured him, leaning on his shoulder as she attempted to stand up straight.

"Let's meet again tomorrow". Mr. Dan said as he went back to his table, sitting down.

"Yes, Mr. Dan" Emily agreed.

"Bye, Mr Dan". the boy said as he and Emily walked out of the office.

Emily arrived at the basketball court with the help of the strange handsome boy. She wanted to ask for his name but her pride wouldn't let her, seeking to protect her from humiliation in case something went wrong. He too, was silent; gently helping her stride across the spacious basketball court before helping her sit on an empty bench, smirking with arrogance.

"Your brother will be able to find you here". He told her expressionlessly.

"Thank you". She said, grinning meticulously as the boy forced himself to return her smile, walking away immediately without saying another word. He seemed to be occupied as his eyes paced around, looking for someone or some people as he strode away. Perhaps, he was looking for someone; a friend, sibling or even a girlfriend.

"Girlfriend? no no, it can't be" Emily's inner voice pounded.

"Why do I feel this way". She asked herself before she suddenly brushed the thought off, concentrating on the basketball game which was at it's peak. Emily watched Eugene as he took the ball, bouncing it towards the net and scoring immediately, making Emily cheer for him, clapping her hands with utmost care because her elbow was still painful.

After the final whistle of the game, Kendall ran over to Eugene, grinning heartily at him as they fist bumped cheerfully.

"Good game!" She said as she took she suddenly took his hand, pulling him away from his teammates before handing him a bottle of water, winking at him mischievously.

"The best water for the best player" She told him skittishly while gazing at him fondly.

"Thank you. Kendall. You weren't so bad as well". Eugene smiled warmly as he pulled her close and helped her take a seat on the bench beside him.

"Of course, since I'm still learning" Kendall told him.

"It's a good start". Eugene said encouragingly, making Kendall smile warmly before spotting Emily on the other side of the court.

"We should go and check on Emily" Kendall suggested, noticing that Emily was in pain.

"I see you don't hate her anymore" Eugene remarked as they stood up, walking towards. "I am elated...".

"Well, just a little since she is still prettier than I am" Kendall joked, laughing heartily.

"You have a great sense of humor" Eugene grinned, pausing as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I want to look at your face clearly".

"I am glad she's not your girlfriend though" Kendall told him.

"May I know why…?" Eugene smiled, holding his gaze on Kendall. She smiled shyly and shifted her gaze to the ground making Eugene laugh. "You don't have to tell me if you aren't ready..."

"Does that mean you know?" She asked, curiously; her gaze suddenly shifting to his face affectionately as she peered into his eyes while contemplating kissing him. This would be her second kiss after the one she had with Christian back at her former school and it wouldn't be forced on her. Kendall moved closer to Eugene, searching his eyes for reciprocity, making Eugene sense her desires and back away as he surveyed his surrounding.

"Maybe I do but, I can't be too sure". Eugene smirked as he tucked another strand of her hair behind her ear, making Kendall blush uncontrollably.

Suddenly, they heard someone call out Kendall's name, making Kendall flinch, turning slowly because she knew who exactly was calling her. Her good-looking, gentle and outgoing brother, Miles was standing, hand in his pocket and waving at her with his free hand, signalling her to come over. Kendall was about to ask for more time but she stopped, noticing that her older brother, Riley was also standing there with Miles with an, expressionless face, making her stiffen, knowing that Eugene would definitely be in trouble the following day.

"I have to go now. My brothers are waiting...Say hello to Emily." She told Eugene before running off as he latter smiled approvingly.

"See you tomorrow" He shouted after her, attracting Riley's attention. The latter narrowed his gaze at Eugene, studying him from afar; and noticing how hard Riley was staring at him, Eugene stiffened too, holding his gaze on Riley as well. The latter gave a wry smile as Kendall approached him and hooked her hand around his arm, pulling him towards the exit, as she nudged him playfully and carefully.

"Did you miss me, Riley?" she asked Riley.

"A little..." He said. grinning heartily. Riley had suddenly forgotten how to smile sincerely but. with Kendall around, he ways felt at ease and happy that he didn't have to force a smile.

"Why a little?" Kendall complained, pulling on to his shirt like a little kid. "You should have missed me more..."

"Kendall seems to be in high spirits". Miles chipped in. "Did you win a lottery, my dear sister?"

"Well no. I just want Riley to say he missed me alot" Kendall chortled.

"I missed you alot. Now, we can go home, right?" Riley said, stroking her hair playfully. Kendall laughed heartily. She always wanted her brother to be merry although this was highly impossible after their father's sudden demise.

"Look at you...so happy" Riley chortled merrily as he watched her laugh uncontrollably.

"I love it when you happy, brother Riley" Kendall told him, still clinging onto his shirt. "I feel like we should stop for ice cream to cement this feeling....".

"Or maybe it's because of your new boyfriend that you're so happy. I bet he won't last long just like Dray Johnson". Miles interrupted the good mood, grinning mischievously.

"He isn't my boyfriend, Miles" Kendall defended herself. "He's a friend...".

"That's not what it looked like a while ago, right Riley?" Miles was relentless.

"Miles, I thought you would stand up for me even this time" Her inner voice pounded, angrily.

"Let's go home. Mrs Doyen is waiting". Riley said, ignoring his brother's question despite being bothered by his words.

" You mean our mother" Miles emphasized.

"I said Mrs. Doyen" Riley repeated coldly. It was now three years since he last addressed his mother, Debra by her title. He was angry with her for remarrying barely a year after her husband and the father of her three children died from Cancer because she wanted to protect her assets in Tech In group of Companies and strengthen her influence by merging stocks with her current husband. Even though Mr. Doyen was wealthy, he had no wife or children. He had been in love with Debra since their first year at the University. He accustomed himself to loving her from a distance until his dream finally came true when his beloved's first husband met death and although she got married to him for business purposes, he still loved her and vowed that no one would find out about the terms and conditions of their marriage including the children. Riley was a warm, gentle and a jolly fella when he was younger but, the sudden turn of events brought him grief and turned him into a cold and insensitive boy.

"Perhaps, it's time to start over, Riley. Our stepfather is not bad at all. He probably loves us; perhaps even more than our father did. He even gave us his name after Dad's death". Miles tried to reason with Riley.

"No one can ever love us more than our father did". Riley grumbled.

"Yes, you're right but try to see things from my point of view". Miles chipped in.

"We are not making a replacement. We are just giving him a chance to be a father figure for us. Besides, the man is already pitiful not having children of his own" Kendall chipped in.

"...even Kendall agrees with me" Miles remarked, hoping to get a positive response from Riley.

"I have heard you. I will think about what you've said but I have had enough lectures for today". Riley told them as he walked on ahead.

"The driver has been waiting for a long time. It's impolite to keep an elder waiting "

"He is avoiding the subject, right?" Miles asked Kendall, curious and suspicious. "He does that when he is avoiding a serious conversation".

"Well, I don't know, Miles. Let's hurry up before he gets angry" Kendall said as she hurried after Riley. Meanwhile, Eugene approached his sister, sitting next to her abruptly and startling her.

"Gosh!" she yelped. *What are you doing sneaking up on me?"

"You're just a scaredy cat" Eugene teased her.

"I'm just someone who's hurt really badly". Emily admitted as tears formed in her eyes.

"Was it hard?". He asked, regretting the fact that he wasn't there with her.

"It was painful. I regretted agreeing to it" Emily was now sobbing. Eugene pulled her in for a hug, letting her head rest on his chest.

"I am sorry I wasn't there with you" He consoled her. "I am sure you did great despite the pressure. You're one step ahead to achieving your goals and aspirations".

"I wanted to call you but, my phone battery died".

"It's all my fault. I should have been there to protect you" Eugene said, squeezing her hand fondly. "I am sorry, okay?"

Emily nodded her head as she continued to sob in her brother's arms. Eugene was a great part of life, especially when it came to support and love. He was always willing to live by her side and protect her from all troubles but, he was bit, a human being unable to protect his twin sister from fate or pain. Even though he tried hard to bring happiness into her life. pain always demanded that it is felt by all habitats of the earth.

"Don't cry anymore, Pumpkin head" He said, teasing her.

"What did you call me?". Emily was vibrant again, smiling as she hit Eugene's chest with her fist playfully. "You are the pumpkin head".

"Now that's the Emily I know!" Eugene grinned, taking pride in himself. "Come on, Julia must be waiting for is outside".

"I bet she has a new story for us even today" Emily smiled mischievously.

"You're right. Julia never runs out of stories"Eugene giggled as he piggybacked his sister.

***