Beautiful Hearts

16

Emaline

Surprised, I kept looking at her without uttering a word. I glanced at Declan and even though he was smiling, I could see the wariness in his eyes. Now that he knew we weren't getting along, he could understand how strange her attitude was.

"So?"

I came back to reality and looked at her confused.

"I didn't know you were going to the same place as me."

She looked from me to Declan and her smile cracked.

"Dec knows that every Sunday morning we gather for a coffee."

"Do you guys want to sit with us?" I cringed a little when I heard Declan's question.

"I was going to ask you the same thing. Why not? Guys! Let's sit with them." Lana sat next to me, and Hannah next to Declan. Andy sat to the side, to my left. They started chatting about some event they were going to next week.

"So you're Lana's cousin?" Andy looked at me curiously, asking the question.

"Yeah." There was an awkward silence. I wasn't sure what else I could add. What was it all about? Why was she doing it? To test me?

"When do you plan to go home, you're not from here, are you?"

I felt Lana tense up next to me when she heard Hannah's question. Well, that's what she gets for her games.

I wondered how to answer this question without making a mistake, but Lana spoke first.

"Hann!"

"Okay, sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. I'm just curious."

"Probably to the end of the school year." Hannah seemed to dislike my answer and wanted to say something else, but she looked at Lana and said nothing.

I glanced at Declan but he was smiling sweetly at Lana. Whatever.

"Ok, guys, I should go."

Dec stood from his chair and took his jacket.

"And you?"

"I came here with you. Now I'm going to drive you home."

"Don't be silly. My home is a few blocks from here." I put my jacket on and saw the annoyance in Hannah's eyes.

"Dec, leave her be. Stay with us, we haven't seen you enough lately."

He took his phone and keys and gestured for me to go.

"No, I mean it. I want to go for a walk."

"Fine. I'll see you at school then."

I smiled and winked at him, then turned and hurried out.

When I got home, I went upstairs. I heard footsteps and turned to see Aunt Sophie behind me.

"Would you leave this in her room, hunny? I need to go out but she had a headache when she left and she would probably need it when she returns home."

She put the medicine in my hand and I quickly nodded.

"Of course." The door to her room was open and I pushed it a little bit more and quickly went to her nightstand, putting the medicine on it. I was about to turn around and go when something caught my eye. I looked down to the slightly open drawer and saw a picture there. Curious, I opened it more and picked up the paper.

It was a sketch of a woman and my mouth hung open. It was so good… It wasn't finished though but I could see from this point it was going to be awesome.

Was it Lana's? Oh, boy! If it was, she was talented as f**k. The sketch was so detailed and everything so far was perfectly done.

It occurred to me that there should be more and like the inquisitive chief I was, I started to look around for more. I immediately spotted two more under her laptop that was left on her bed and went to pick them up. They were complete and were as gorgeous as the one unfinished.

I remembered Declan's words that she was like a complicated puzzle and I agree now. Just when I think I figured her out, she would surprise me somehow. But how come aunt Sophie didn't tell us anything about her daughter's great talent? I was pretty sure she could have won a scholarship with a talent like hers.

I put them at their place again and went to my room. I couldn't stop thinking about what I found out.

Why was she so secretive about her grades and talent? And how could money be of that much importance for someone so intelligent like her?

I decided to see if Connie was free tonight. I needed a girl date.

After we talked, I went in to take a shower and then I started studying. An hour later there was a knock on my door.

"Come in."

Lana opened the door and smiled broadly.

"We kissed and we have a date. I think it's time for you to retire."

What?

"What do you mean? I told you Dec is my friend and will stay that way."

"Em, I'm not going to share Declan's attention with you, and given our little secret, it wouldn't be appropriate for both of us to be close to him." "I told you many times, I will not reveal your secret, you are my cousin, and I..."

"Exactly. And as your cousin, I'm begging you to back off. Leave me alone with my life as It was. Just let me be."

"I'm sorry. Dec is special to me..."

"Look, Em, I don't want it to be ugly, but I'll do it if you don't leave me and my friends alone. When it's all over, you won't be able to spend your lessons in peace with your lazy student, you got that?"

My eyes widened in amazement.

"I can't believe my ears! Why are you like that? Once I see you as the intelligent talented young woman you are, then..."

"What?!"

"What?"

"What did you say? Did you search my stuff? I thought they weren't in the right place, but... I SWEAR TO GOD..."

"Calm down! Yes. I mean, I happened to see one of your drawings, your drawer was open." "By accident?!" She stood right in front of me, her eyes flashing."Do not enter my room without my permission anymore!"

"Aunt Sophie asked..."

"I don't care. You're not allowed there, am I clear?"

"Lana, this house is my father's. Don't overstep your position."

If it was possible, hearing my words made her even angrier. It was as if she was ready to tear my eyes out. After a brief internal battle, she spun on her heels and was about to leave the room but stopped at the door.

"I don't want you around Declan anymore. If you care about your so-called lessons, stay away from my friends."

And she was gone.