Beautiful Hearts

5

Emaline

The new school year was already a fact. I hadn't slept out of anxiety. Usually, the first day was nothing special to me, but now it was different - with Lana's secret and my acquaintance with Declan, I was excited about the day at school.

I was worried about meeting Lana and her friends. It happens rarely, and I usually didn't pay attention to them, but now I didn't know how to react if they question my family status. I wasn't a liar, but I couldn't imagine revealing Lana's secret. They would tear her apart with mockery.

As for Declan, I was curious how he would behave with me at school in front of his friends. Would he pretend he didn't see me? Or will he just nod his head in an attempt to not get the other's attention? Or would he be as I had known him so far - friendly and kind?

For a change, I had set my alarm to get up early. I needed time to prepare - physically and mentally. I looked in the mirror on the way to the bathroom and, as always, I was not satisfied. Yes, I was swollen from sleep, but those cheeks weren't due to sleep alone. Once again I scolded myself for not following the diet. I grabbed the paper off the nightstand.

This thing was hard to follow.

I hated diets with strict menus and products to use. Who can guarantee that he has all that at his home? And what a waste of money will be to buy things no one else likes and probably no one's going to eat. Include me.

I sighed and put it back on the nightstand. I should be more persistent.

No excuses and no stopping, that should be my motto.

Maybe I should try to figure out my own diet. I frowned at my reflection and went in to take a shower. Thirty minutes later I was in front of the mirror again, doing my makeup. I still hadn't removed the pink color of my hair and as always, I decided to focus on my eyes.

As much as I wanted to dress in black, it would be too obvious as a choice, considering it was more appropriate to be seen in something bright and festive. So I put on gray pants and a white delicate shirt.

Refusing to worry more about my weight and spoil my mood, I finished my look with earrings and a bracelet and quickly grabbed my bag as I left the room.

To my surprise, Lana was still here in the kitchen and then I remembered it was earlier than my usual mornings. My happy smile was replaced by a tense expression and I quickly went to the fridge to make a sandwich.

"Morning." Aunt Sophie turned around and when she saw me in front of the fridge, she scolded me.

"I'm making breakfast. Hot and healthy, you're not eating junk from the fridge."

I felt instantly annoyed, even though I adored my aunt.

"I don't have time for a proper breakfast, auntie. I need to be somewhere else."

"That early?"

"Yes." I didn't say anything else which could show her how annoyed I was. Usually, I tell her in detail my plans for the day.

She frowned at me, but after a few seconds, she just turned and continued with making the breakfast.

"As you wish."

I frowned surprised at her remark. What happened with our usual banter?

While I was making the sandwich in a silent awkwardness, I glanced at Lana and saw her happy face. I finished the sandwich, put it in my lunch box, picked up my bag, and flew out of the kitchen, muttering a soft goodbye.

Already in front of the house, I was surprised to find that Kate was waiting for me there. A wide smile spread across my face as she opened the door and leaned down to look me in the eye. "You know someone who needs a ride?"

I pretended to think for a few seconds.

"Hmm, well Lana needs one but I'm sure her friends are on their way here."

She made a disgusted face and I laughed, sitting in the car.

"How come you're here to pick me up?"

"I'm in the mood to do so." She smirked and looked at the movement again. "So have you spoken with Tony yet?"

"Oh, crap! I forgot to call him. But I still don't understand why he was so pissed." I followed her expression out of the corner of my eye, cause I was sure she knew something. When she remained silent, I decided to press her a little.

"Did I offend him with something?"

She sighed.

"I don't think so."

"Then why did he storm…"

"Honestly, I don't know Em and it is not my business. You should ask him. Have you seen Declan Moore?"

When she changed the topic, I gave up.

"Yes and I kinda hope I'll see him today..."

She smiled mischievously before I could finish and I rolled my eyes.

"Not because of the reason you think. I just wonder how he would act among his friends when he sees me. So far we have always been alone. Well, with Austin, but you know what I mean."

She looked up as if praying for patience.

"How do you think the man will treat you?"

"Oh, don't pretend you don't understand. You know what their group is. I want to know if he's really different or if he's influenced by them." "Em, you know what his reputation is. So far no one has said anything bad about him. Why be different with you."

"It's easy to be polite with people you've had minimal contact with. It's common sense and elementary upbringing. Anyway."

Kate shook her head and we were silent for a few minutes.

"If we spot him, I want you to introduce me."

"Duh, of course, I will."

"And you won't be mad If I try something with him?"

"Dude, he likes my cousin and that's his business. Why would I care if you want him or not? Go ahead. For the hundredth time, I like him as a friend."

She shook her head comically.

"Will your friend sing again this year?"

"I think so. But there's a change in the plans and she'll be singing at the first football game of the season."

We arrived at school and Kate parked in her usual place. Her father owned a chain of stores here and it could be said that everyone knew her. As far as I knew, she was even a close friend of Hannah once. But I never asked her what happened between them. It was not my style to interfere in other people's business.

The school was full. My lips parted in a wide smile. I loved it, the environment, the people. I knew I was an exception, but I really enjoyed everything here.

We stopped here and there when we saw an acquaintance. When we reached the courtyard we were hanging around between classes, I immediately spotted him. He was standing next to a bench with Phillip and their friends Andy and Scott sitting on it. There was a girl too but I haven't seen her before.

I didn't realize I was standing looking at them for a few seconds already till the moment the girl laughed and my head jerked in her direction. She said something to Andy and they all turned to look in our direction.

It was so embarrassing because I knew what she would tell them.

Just as I was about to sink to the ground in shame, Declan finally looked in the direction the girl was pointing her finger at with a laugh and we locked eyes. His instant smile eased my nerves and I breathed deeply. He immediately started to approach us, and at that moment Phillip also looked at me and shouted at Dec. "Come on, man! Seriously?" Declan turned and flipped him off, then with quick steps, he came to stand in front of me. My face had lost its smile again because of Phillip's remark, and Declan's face tensed.

"What is it, Em?"

I realized I was frowning anxiously and smiled again.

"I'm fine. How're you? And Austin?"

His wide smile reappeared on his face.

"We're fine. Can't wait for the lesson with our favorite teacher."

I shook my head at his teasing and almost jumped when I felt a pinching in my arm.

"Oh, that's my friend Kate. How come you guys don't know each other?" They shook hands, Dec was smiling politely.

"I know who you are." And then he looked at me. "But why know each other when we're from different circles, Em?"

It seemed to me that he did not like my words. And I just meant that Hannah was from his group of friends and she and Kate had been friends before. They were all children of wealthy parents, such as Kate.

Except for Declan, but he was still part of their group. I was dying of curiosity to find out how he had befriended these people. He looked so different.

"Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next lesson with Austin."

"I'm sure you are. It's so obvious you like your job."

I almost raised my eyebrows when I heard him say 'job'. I am used to people underestimating my efforts. But I guess it was normal for families like Declan to understand a teacher's work better. They had to work so hard with Austin just to see a little improvement.

I smiled broadly, thinking how well Declan was affecting my self-esteem. I heard a cough and turned to Kate. However, she kept her eyes on Declan. I tried to see him with her eyes - tall, muscular but not too much. With a charming smile. He was definitely catching the eye.

"So Declan, would you give me your number?"

Wow. That was bold.

She was smiling playfully, waiting for his answer.

He looked at me in surprise, then smiled at her. "Sure."

"Dec!" We all looked at the girl calling him and I was surprised to see Hannah and my cousin, glaring daggers at us. He shifted his attention back to me.

"I'll see you around Em?"

I nodded and he went back to his friends. Lana was already looking at me worried. Not wanting to create more tension, I took Kate's hand and turned to the building.

"Let's go in."