Beautiful Hearts

19

Emaline

The next week was a blur. I didn't cross paths with Declan or his friends anywhere except for Science class. But he wouldn't even look at me. Tony was also avoiding me which I completely understand. To top off that Kate was giving me a hard time because I hurt Tony. I felt overwhelmed and preferred to stay in my room most of the time. Aunt Sophie was trying to be polite but it wasn't the same. And I didn't feel like trying myself. I just ignored everyone the way they did to me.

At least, that gave me time to focus on school assignments, the lessons for Austin, and...my diet. Yes, I felt the need to change something and I decided to surf the net for some tips and tricks. It was Saturday and I had all day for myself. I wanted to leave the lessons with Austin for today but found that it was easier for me to take them during the week. So again we were left without a schedule.

I went down for breakfast and was surprised to find everyone there. I deliberately waited until it was too late to make sure that at least Lana and dad would be out but...whatever. I sat down, feeling annoyed at the side of them talking to each other. Since these recent events with Declan, I kinda found myself in a constant bad mood when I'm home and I realized I felt like that when I'm in the same room with my aunt and my cousin. It was awful, I know but I started to dream of the moment they'd be gone.

I was drinking my coffee silently, waiting for the moment one of them would ask if I would have breakfast and start messing around again, but thanks to Dec I realized that it really doesn't matter what others say. It was important what I wanted and not to give up. Aunt Sophie stood off her chair and went to the stove. After a while, she came back and without asking if I wanted to, put a full plate in front of me. I used to think those acts were sweet and as acts of care and keep quiet, but now I was annoyed.

"No, aunt Sophie, thanks! I'm not hungry." I said it with a tone that precluded any discussion and that I had not used when talking to her. I could feel my father's gaze, but I continued to drink my coffee quietly. After a few awkward seconds, she took the plate away. After that, there were no conversations at all. When they were done, Aunt Sophie and Lana left the room, and I was left alone with Dad.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, why are you asking?"

I braced myself for the next lecture about how tired I am, how I must need a break...

"I'm worried."

I looked at him incredulously.

"You shouldn't be."

"Don't think I haven't noticed the change between you and Sophie. I don't know what it's due to, but if you're going to feel better without them in our home, I'll tell Sophie that they have to go."

"You'd say that to aunt Sophie?"

"Yes, and she'd understand. Don't worry. There's nothing wrong with your feelings. We're used to living alone. I don't mind it being the same too. I love Sophie and my niece, but there was no good reason for Lana not to continue her education at her home online. Your aunt and I just wanted to give you a chance to get closer."

I felt relief. I had begun to dramatize how Lana would be able to break even my relationship with my father over time, but now I understood why he let them stay here in the first place.

I didn't know what to tell him. I wanted them to leave, but at the same time, I didn't want to be the reason. And when they left, what would change? What could I say to Declan? I got rid of your girlfriend, now we can be friends...

"Honestly, I don't mind them. I won't lie to you, it's not the same but it's up to you If they have to go. I'm going to my room."

I got up and went to hug and kiss him and then went upstairs.

Monday morning I was still depressed. I called Tony numerous times during last week but he never returned my calls.

I saw him walking putting his hand over the shoulders of his no doubt new girlfriend, but when he saw me, he turned his head away. Kate was still offended. Apparently Tony had said to her that I've been ignoring him because of my supposed crush for Declan. And she got mad. She may have nothing against a little sexy time with a good-looking boy but she hated when people ignored their friends because of their crush. And she wouldn't listen to me.

I went into History class and sat down. I didn't even glance towards Lana and I didn't know If she was there or not. During the class I mind my own business, focusing on what the teacher was saying.

On the break, I went to the toilet and before I could enter the cubicle, I was pushed hard inside. I managed to cling to the wall somehow and turned only to see Mable, who was looking at me with a wicked sneer.

"You need to go home or else..."

"Or else what? Can I guess? You'd do something for which you'll be suspended?"

"Or...I could do something you won't even dare to talk about."

I pretended to look up, wondering.

"I can't imagine what that would be..."

She tried to come in and catch me, but one of the few advantages of my weight was that it made me stronger than her. I pushed her away with all my might and she hit the countertop hard. Exactly what I wanted... For her to feel pain without me leaving a trace. I wasn't going to be her target to play with. I have heard rumors about her aggressive nature but she picked the wrong person.

I washed my hands while glancing at her painful expression and then I went out.

When I came into the classroom, I noticed Lana and Phillip staring at me, as if they were waiting for someone to show up. Lana continued to stare intently, looking behind me, and Phillip's smile faded.

I sit down feeling anxious. I knew she would try to make me pay for it. A couple of minutes later I was called to the principal. When I entered, I found Mable there, holding on to her stomach.

"Sit down, Miss Green." When I sat next to Mable who was moaning from time to time, he continued.

"Miss Hart is accusing you of bullying. What would you say about that, Miss Green."

"I went to the restroom and before I could do my business I was pushed hard inside."

"That's not true."

"Well, good thing the camera that was damaged this morning has been fixed and we can see what happened."

We fell silent because we were both in trouble. She has started it but I pushed her very hard and I was to blame too. Maybe even more. "Hm."

The principal turned the screen towards us and with relief, I saw that almost nothing was visible. The camera was positioned so that Mable could be seen walking toward the booth and then back to the counter. But it was not clear what exactly had happened.

"We can't see anything but you already said what happened, so it looks like you're both going to be sent in detention today. Your parents would be notified. If I hear any more trouble between you two, I'll investigate thoroughly and someone will be suspended If not both. Dismissed."

When we went outside, she turned to face me. "At least you have one reason to be thankful that you look like a cow"

I rolled my eyes.

"Original."

"You're not going to get away, you know."

"After what happened, someone would say you would learn a lesson."

Before she could answer, Lana and Phillip came. I walked past them and went straight to my next class.

My anxiety didn't disappear and soon after my last class ended, Kate surprised me with her desire to go talk somewhere. We were walking slowly along the school fence when we saw in the distance Dec grabbing Tony by the collar. We ran toward them but before we could reach them, Dec's fist collided with Tony's face. Mable, Lana, and Phillip were standing aside.

"Tony!" I screamed and Dec looked in my direction.

I stood next to Tony, grabbing his head, but he pushed my hands away.

"I told you they're all the same. If any of you come close to Emaline one more time, I swear I..."

"What ?!" Mable screamed and at the same time, Dec looked at me.

"Em?" I looked at Declan as I pulled Tony's arm in an attempt to get him to leave. I couldn't mutter a word right now, I felt so guilty about my friend. He received a punch in the face because of me. And Declan was a big guy. Not like the bodybuilders but still pretty built while Tony was more of a swimmer type.

We kept walking forward with Tony, who had angrily pulled his hands away from ours. As we approached the end of the sidewalk, I turned to look at Dec once more, but he was no longer among his friends.

Tony looked at me and said angrily.

"No need to follow me. Both of you!" He looked at Kate with the same angered expression. "Leave him alone. I'm going with him no matter what he says. I'll call you Em."

I just nodded and, feeling terribly guilty, followed them with my eyes.

I got home and immediately went up to my room. I received a message and took my phone out. It was Declan.

"I'm sorry about your friend, Em. I hope he's ok."

"He is. Don't worry." I started to type more, but after a few seconds, I deleted it. It was better not to do anything now.

I heard a noise and started to open the door and see what was happening when I began to clearly distinguish the voices of Aunt Sophie and Lana.

"What're you doing! Mum, wait!"

"Are you going to behave like a normal person?! I'm asking for the last time, Lana, and I swear, I'm going to pack your things and take you where you really belong."

There was complete silence for a few seconds. "I don't belong there."

"Yes, you do. No matter what you think, you're born in our family. It's your luck. You belong to us and the life we're providing you. This is not your real life, Lana. You're not Emaline. Next time your father comes, I'm going to tell him about all of that, I promise."

"Mum..."

"No! I warn you one last time, be nice to your cousin or there will be no more room for us in this house."

After that, I didn't hear anything. I couldn't imagine what Uncle Fred would think if he found out what Lana had done. From Aunt Sophie's words, I understood that she had learned something, but how much of Lana's lie she knows...I couldn't be sure.

I needed to talk to someone and decided to call Kate and see what was going on with Tony, but after a few unanswered calls I gave up. I thought about what might have changed between Tony and me. Could it be just friendship jealousy? Or was his hatred of people like Phillip and Mable just too strong? I wasn't sure…

What I was sure of was that I had to do something to make things right, and tomorrow would be the perfect day to start.