Beautiful Hearts

17

Emaline

I decided to stay away from Declan.

At least for a little while. It sounded awful, I know. But I weighed all my options.

Lana was too confident and given her situation, she certainly should have been more gentle in her approach.

But she was my cousin and nothing would change that. I could say I was keeping her secret only because of aunt Sophie but it would be a lie. Maybe the years I spent wishing there would be a change and eventually she's gonna like me had that impact on me but I couldn't do it. I could not reveal her secret and make her the joke of our school.

I wasn't going to make it dramatic though. I didn't want to hurt Declan's feelings. He was such a good friend and I loved him but our young friendship wasn't more important than helping Austin.

And I knew he really liked Lana, that was what made my mind. Eventually, their relationship will deepen and become increasingly important to Declan. We will become alienated, it will become awkward. He might even want someone else to work with Austin. I just didn't want to risk my name when it comes to my work as a tutor. Maybe from the beginning, I had to keep my distance from Declan. But we really got along and I had the feeling that I had known him for a long time.

My first step was to send him an apologetic message saying I won't be able to work out with him anymore due to some family issue. I knew exactly how to behave to make things as easy as possible for both of us. I will be polite and smiling when we meet, but also slightly distanced. I will refuse to see each other under different pretexts, but at the same time, I will express my disappointment.

He'll be busy with Lana and at first, will wonder what's happening but soon I'll be out of his mind.

Monday morning I woke up feeling nervous and determined. I got ready and left for school, constantly looking for Lana or him. To some extent, I even expected him to wait for her in front of our house. But there was no one. Lana had left the house earlier and there was no sign of her friends.

Already in the yard, I continued to look around discreetly and noticed them a few meters from the entrance of the building. Dec had hugged Lana and Mabel with both hands. They were laughing and I tried to pick up my pace. I was painfully aware of my huge frame now that I wished I’ve been invisible or at least faster. I heard my name and my head turned involuntary. Crap.

He was watching and smiling at me. Moving his hand off Mabel, he waved. Maybe it was the annoyance of Maybel's presence but my distant greeting was a little more obvious. I looked at him for just a second, but I could see how his smile seemed before I turned my head. I didn't like the look in his eyes and I started to move faster without realizing it.

Just before I could enter the building my hand was caught and I was gently turned around. I looked at his tense face, imitating surprise. "Dec? Please, I'm in a hurry."

He raised his brows but didn't let me go.

"Are you ok? You said you have some family issue? I asked Lana but she said everything's alright. Why can't you work out with me?"

"Whoa, that's a lot of questions, my friend. And I'm really in a hurry. Can we talk later? Please!" "You act strange. I hope everything's ok. Please give me a call later, ok?"

My heart warmed, he was proving once again what a good and caring friend he was.

"I will. I promise."

When he released me, I put on a smile and quickly spun around, entering the building. Just when I entered I heard someone outside shout, apparently to Declan, "Is this your girlfriend?" The voice was mocking and I tensed but couldn't hear Dec's response.

I went to class and I had to endure Phillip and Lana's presence again. For some reason, she was constantly glaring at me.

When I went to the bathroom during the break, Lana came after me.

"Just cut him off already." I looked at her incredulously and got in the booth. When I finished my business she was still there, waiting for me.

"I can't just stop acknowledging him."

"You can. You like his attention, aren't you?"

I felt my anger rising and turned to look at her. "I'm not a bad person. I can't just ghost him. Plus, It'll raise more questions if I do it."

Before she could make a fuss, I raised my hand to stop her and continued. "Trust me. If I just stop talking to him, he'll know something is happening. And Dec isn't stupid, he'll guess it's related to you. Now, I'm not telling you he will stand on my side, but he's a nice guy and he won't like what you did."

"Emaline, when I told you to leave him alone, I meant that exact thing. I know you've never received the attention of someone like Declan. But I won't tolerate procrastination. Don't say I didn't warn you."

And she left the restroom.

I realized how crazy all this was. My cousin, who lived in my home, threatened me because of a boy I was just friends with. This was not even a love triangle. And all because of her lie. The lie I insisted so much on keeping. For a moment, I even thought about telling Declan everything. But of course, I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't tell him because he was honest and wouldn't lie just to save her. To tell Declan meant to reveal everything to everyone.

I returned to class and this time she didn't pay me any attention.

When the class ended, I took my things and put them in the bag, and shortly after I saw Declan coming in, scanning the room with his eyes. Phillip and Lana called him and he joined them. After a short conversation, they headed for the door. I tried to hide behind a classmate even though Dec was looking ahead, listening intently to what Phillip was saying.

I felt sad because I wanted to talk to him, to spend some time together. I had decided not to see each other just this morning, but I had the feeling I haven't seen him for a month.

I missed him.

After school, I was walking to the bus stop when I felt movement next to me. Declan adjusted his pace to mine without saying anything. The immediate smile on my face couldn't be stopped.

"So... Tell me what is it?" My smile vanished and I looked straight ahead.

"Nothing. I just realized I'm so tired with all the school assignments and...everything else. Plus, I'll have to accompany my dad to some event every day after school for a few days."

"Isn't your dad in your hometown?" I looked at him and his face was showing the confusion he was feeling.

What had Lana told him?

The silence was getting suspiciously long and I quickly said, "He'll be back here for a few days."

"That's good. It's ok to move the workout for later If you want? I mean, I know you're tired, so I'm just asking."

"No, I don't think I'll be able to do workouts. I'm sorry. But I'm grateful for your help, Dec."

"You sound distant. You don't intend to do it anymore, do you?"

"No, I don't think so. Look Dec, the bus's coming. Let's talk another time?"

"I'd suggest I drive you, but I already know the answer." I could see the pain in his eyes and I felt awful. "Have a nice day Em!"

He turned around and walked to the school. Through the bus window, I saw him stop next to Lana and the others. She told him something and he put his hand over her shoulders and they started walking together.