Beautiful Hearts

6

Emaline

The first day of school went well but uneventful, except for my encounter with Declan. Honestly, I was happy that he didn't turn out to be like them. He was as I saw him - kind and sweet.

Lana and I went home almost at the same time and she started preparing for the party. This time it was going to be at Hannah's house, and there was no way I'd go.

I didn't want to deal with my father either, so I planned to dress and go out. Not to a party. Probably my favorite diner. I could work in peace and in the meantime get rid of the tension at home.

Aunt Sophie was still acting weird. When we got home she asked me warily how it went.

I got ready quickly, this time putting on my favorite top and jeans, both in different shades of lilac. I was planning to remove the pink color of my hair soon.

I got ready quickly, this time putting on my favorite top and jeans, both in different shades of lilac. I was planning to remove the pink color of my hair soon. I put an extra effort into my makeup just to give them the impression I was going to the party and went out.

On my way to the diner, my phone beeped. I fished it out of my bag and smiled when I saw who was texting me.

"Up for a party?"

"Um, not really. I have plans but thanks anyway."

"Shame. I'm dying out of boredom…"

I laughed and sent him a couple of emojis.

I was still smiling when I got into the diner and found a table.

I pulled out my notebook and began sketching out the plan for Austin's upcoming lesson. I knew I had to focus on my school assignments but it was the first day after all. I'll figure out how to manage everything.

One hour or so my phone rang and I picked it up, thinking it was my father.

"Dad ..."

"Usually it's daddy."

"What?"

Hearing Declan's voice, I was so surprised that at first, I couldn't realize what he meant.

"I mean, if you're trying to seduce me, they usually say daddy, even though I'm not a big fan of that."

He chuckled when he didn't hear me answer. I blushed and started to apologize.

"I'm sorry, I didn't see who's calling..."

"Yeah, they're always saying that."

When I went silent again, he started laughing. "I'm kidding, Em. So what are you up to?"

"I'm out, wait why is it so quiet there?"

"I left the party. I'm tired of these anyway. It's the same every time. I don't feel like going home, but I don't feel like staying there either."

I hesitated for a second whether to invite him. "Why don't you come here? I'm in a diner."

"I thought you'd never ask." He chuckled again and in a few seconds we ended the call and I sent him the address.

When he arrived, I was hit with another thought of how good he was looking. Why did his appearance affect me so much, when I really only looked at him as a friend…

Feeling conscious about my reaction to his looks, I quickly stared at my notebook, waiting for him to sit down. He chose to sit across from me and took the menu.

"I'm really hungry. What did you order?" "Nothing. I came about an hour ago and I wasn't hungry then. I only ordered coffee." "Okay, what'd you like?"

"You know I'm paying, right?" I raised an eyebrow and looked at him warningly.

"It's fine by me. Just know it's totally fine if you want me to pay."

He winked at me and I rolled my eyes.

"No, thanks."

We looked at the menu and Declan ordered first. When the waitress turned to me and I ordered just a salad, he looked at me in amazement.

"Have you eaten soon?"

"Nope, I'm trying to reduce calories."

It was strange, but for the first time, I was not annoyed by a question related to food and weight...

"No one would survive on just a salad for dinner..." Before he could continue, the waitress intervened coquettishly.

"I can."

Declan didn't even look at her. He kept looking at me seriously.

"Believe me, if you want to lose weight, starving is not the way to go."

I felt like I had fooled him into eating just that. "Honestly, It's my first time eating only salad for dinner, so don't worry. I'm not starving. It's the opposite. I'm trying to make myself follow a diet but so far with no success."

"Well, if your diets look like this, it's normal for you to fail. The key is in the healthy way of losing weight. You want to lose weight for better health, right?" Well...no. I want to be hot.

"Yeah, of course."

"Then let me help you."

"I'm afraid to ask how."

He grinned. "It'd be fun. You'll see. You'll love it."

To be honest, maybe he was the key to my success. I've once considered hiring a trainer but this would have violated my dad's money rule. And my savings would've only gone to that...

"Okay, I'm in."

"I'm thinking of training with you right after mine train with the team. I might even teach you to play basketball, what do you say?"

I totally forgot he was the captain of the basketball team.

"I'm really bad at sports but for you, I'll try."

"Not for me." He winked at me and leaned over. "You should do everything for yourself only."

I shook my head ironically.

"Right, of course."

I ordered again, this time ordering what I wanted.

"I'll tell you what you should eat. And when you feel like eating a hamburger or something else, just eat and keep going. Don't go back to your old habits just because you once ate something inappropriate. You're human. There is nothing wrong with eating fast food from time to time. Here, see. " He raised his arm so that I could see it and folded his arm in the elbow to show his biceps. I stared at it awkwardly, suddenly feeling my mouth dry.

"Anyway..." I desperately tried to find another topic... "How's your mother?"

"She had a stroke a few months ago. And she's been on bed rest ever since. She can't walk, but the doctor told us that the first few months are the most critical and we should start physiotherapy as soon as she feels better. And we started almost immediately. Now things are better. She doesn't have difficulties talking anymore. In the beginning, she kept forgetting words and their meaning. She would start saying something and then just stop frustrated because she didn't know how to explain what she wanted to tell us." His face was full of anxiety and sadness, and I could only imagine what they were feeling then.

"The important thing is that she's recovering little by little, right." I didn't know what to say. I've never been in Declan situation. Once again I realized how many difficulties someone can encounter in life.

"Yes, it's much better now and she's even joking that it's better that it happened because now she can pay more attention to Austin and his lessons. She's a big fan of yours, by the way. Keeps saying she's noticed a big change since he took classes with you, and we do the same you do at home."

"She's very sweet. But I'm sure even If Austin has made progress, it's because of his efforts.

And your mum's too. Unfortunately, the key to success for children with dyslexia is their families' efforts."

"Yeah, but having a really dedicated teacher like you… He's damn lucky."

"I hope to be of some help." I smiled sweetly, grateful for his words. There was nothing better than someone noticing your efforts.

We chatted for a little longer and then after I paid the bill, we went outside and he offered me a lift. This time I told him my address. Well, not exactly but at least the street.

I made up that I wanted to walk to my home to burn some calories, and after I refused his offer to accompany me, I headed home.

Again I was thinking about his words for Austin's progress. I was so looking forward to my next lesson with him.