Beautiful Hearts

4

Emaline

I kept thinking about what I heard. Lana couldn't make such a serious mistake, could she? To lie about your family, not just anyone, but your friends...

No. I don't believe this. There must have been some confusion. I stood in front of the mirror and frowned even more at the sight of my worried countenance. We may not get along, but if she had done something so stupid, the consequences would be serious.

I needed to know.

I'll have to find out from her.

Anyway, tomorrow I had another lesson with Austin and I have to prepare for it. I had the feeling that he still wasn't relaxed around me. I started looking at my notes again and highlighted what I wanted to try the next day. A few days later the new school year began, and if we didn't make progress before then, the stress from it would make the lessons even more difficult.

About an hour later I went down to dinner. My father and aunt insisted that we all have dinner together. No exceptions. Each time it was extremely uncomfortable because Lana and I were trying to pretend we're getting along with each other, and that required serious acting skills.

They had already settled downstairs.

Firstly, uncle Fred insisted on sleeping in a hotel in the town they were from, under the pretext that he wanted to oversee their house's makeover. But it was clear to everyone that he was a man who did not like to accept charity, and no matter how much my father explained to him that we were a family and it was normal, he refused to stay. He came once every two weeks to see Lana and Aunt Sophie.

Lately, he was trying to convince them to come back with him since the renovation was over and he had just small tasks to do around the house. But Lana insisted she wanted to graduate here and aunt Sophie decided to stay.

I sat down next to my father and we began to eat quietly. I knew what would happen in just a few minutes, and I was sure Lana's tense expression was due to the same expectation.

"So..." My father started and I sighed inwardly. "What did you guys do today?"

I looked at him and smiled.

"Nothing special, dad. I was preparing for my next lesson."

He smiled approvingly.

"How's it going? Is the boy doing well?"

I rolled my eyes annoyed. As much as I explained to him, he didn't pay attention. For him, the student either works and succeeds or has excuses. It was a common misunderstanding among uneducated people.

"It's not that easy for students with dyslexia, dad."

"It's not easy for anyone, Emaline. Don't make excuses for that boy. You're not making him a favor like that."

I glared at Lana. Since when did she become an expert on this topic?

"I have to agree with them, honey. You must make him work hard, otherwise, he will constantly find excuses."

I felt irritated. How I was supposed to explain it to them? They were completely ignorant of the difficulties a child could endure at school, and not because he or she is lazy. It's frustrating when you think how much work a child like Austin is doing just to be told he is lazy…

"Anyway." My dad finally changed the subject. "I've been thinking, do you guys want to throw a party for your friends? It's the start of the new school year, so I and Sophie could go out for an evening. What do you think?"

I stared at him as if he had just told me that a spaceship had landed on our roof. But before I could say anything, Lana intervened.

"I don't think so. There are a few parties organized for the beginning of the year. We just have to choose where to go. But it's very nice of you to offer." She smiled sweetly at Aunt Sophie and Dad and spoke again. "Actually, uncle Dave, I wanted to ask you If you can drop me off at school on the first day? My friends won't be able to come."

I cringed.

Honestly, I didn't like the way Lana was constantly trying to impress my father. Or how she is trying to act so nice and innocent only to get what she wants. But...whatever.

My dad looked at me like he wanted to say: "You see, your cousin wants my company."

I preferred to use whatever was available - a taxi or a bus.

"Of course I will. Maybe I could give a ride to both of you?" He smiled happily, but I burst his bubble.

"Oh, God, no! I have plans."

We ate in silence for a while.

"Ah...Em?" I stared at Lana with wide eyes. I was so surprised that she acknowledged me again without dad or aunt Sophie's push, I just stood there gaping at her. But the look of innocent worry on her face put me on guard.

"Weren't you on a diet?"

I looked at my plate with pork and mashed potatoes, and my cheeks blushed a little. I wanted to put her in her place, but dad's angry voice sounded.

"Please, ladies, I don't want to hear of any of your diets in my dining room." His face softened and he looked at me with a smile. "I'm not working hard, filling this fridge from top to bottom just to be looked at."

I rolled my eyes and started to play with my fork, my appetite was long gone. I saw the annoyance on her face. If she wanted to see my dad disappointed in me, she would have to wait for more. If there was something I loved about my father, and believe me, he was a great father, it's that he loved me the way I am.

We finished and after we helped aunt Sophie with the dishes, I almost ran for my room. I needed my privacy so badly. That was the most annoying evening of all.

I checked my papers for tomorrow, went for a shower, and happily lay on the bed.

The next morning I woke up in a bad mood. My head was killing me and I kept thinking about how I forgot to question Lana after dinner.

I quickly got ready and thought about what I should have for breakfast. I called it a day since I didn't want my efforts to be put on Lana's behalf and I quickly made a sandwich and put it in a box, then in my bag.

On the way out I almost bumped into her but neither of us paid attention to the other. That was our relationship when nobody was looking.

It would be a good day because I had a lesson with Austin, so I wouldn't let her spoil my mood from now on. Her friends were waiting for her outside, and when they saw me, they started talking to each other. I felt uncomfortable under their disapproving glances and thought again about Lana and what she might have told them. I was walking down to the bus stop when I heard the soft growl of an engine next to me. I turned and saw Hannah, Deana, and a girl whose name was Rachel, I think. They caught up with me, Deana opened the window and shouted.

"Go to your hometown, skank! You're not wanted here!", Then they turned the car and stopped in front of the house again. My jaw was hanging now.

It was true! Lana had lied to them!

I was speechless. How could she? If they found out the truth, her reputation would be dead.

I got on the bus on time and when I reached my destination, I saw through the window that my friends were already at the Cafe.

I had a meeting with Tony and Kate. We hadn't seen each other all summer and I couldn't wait to find out how it went for them, but Lana and her lie never left my mind and clouded the anticipation of our meeting.

Tony was the first to notice me and straightened up, smiling broadly and opening his arms for a hug. He was like that. A clown. It didn't matter that everyone would be staring at him.

"My favorite girl has come! No offense, Kate! How're you, girl?"

I hugged him tightly.

I loved his personality.

"I'm good, thanks to you guys!"

Kate stood to hug me too and I sat beside her.

"I'm so glad you're back! How was your summer?"

Tony tried to look me up and down and I stirred anxiously.

"Do you have a date or something?"

"What? Why?"

"You're wearing black. You hate the color, you're only wearing it when you want to look slimmer..." He looked at me judgmentally, and I blushed like a tomato.

"No! Of course not. I have a lesson this afternoon."

"Em, why are you blushing?" Kate seemed intrigued, which only made things worse because she was like a shark. If she bit a topic, she didn't stop until she squeezed the details out of you.

"I just..." I sighed. "The truth is that I'm tutoring Declan Moore's little brother..." Kate's face went from curious to excited.

"No way?! How?! You mean that your boring penniless job somehow got exciting?!"

"My job has always been exciting. For me. But yeah, I… Not that I like him… I just… I turned out to be one of those girls who critiques the popular ones, but fall under their power... I just don't want to look bad in his eyes. You know?"

"Em, there's nothing wrong with feeling attracted to him. We all feel that way. In fact, I won't believe any female, who'd state she doesn't like him. That's impossible…"

"I really don't like him! I mean, I like him as a friend, but not in the other way. Oh, well. Believe me or not, this is the truth."

I turned to face Tony. I wanted to hear his opinion, but he hadn't spoken since hearing about Declan. He was frowning.

"Tony? Why are you looking at me like that?" "I just don't get it, Em..."

"What?" I was confused now... I rarely saw him be serious. And now he looked pissed off.

"You always said that you don't care about those things and you want a simple relationship with a normal guy..."

"I do. That hasn't changed."

"And now you're impressed by the golden boy?"

"I told you, guys. It's just that. I... I don't know. But I don't like him the other way..."

"You're going to fall in his trap. Those types of guys know how to enchant you."

I stared at him in disbelief while he stood and quickly headed out of the cafe.

I looked at Kate confused, but she was too busy drinking her frappe without even wanting to meet my eyes.

"What was that?"

She finally looked in my direction, but quickly changed the topic.

"Leave him alone, he has something else that bothers him. Tell me about Declan. Is he that gorgeous in person, as we have heard?"

"Kate, I really don't like him that way. But yeah, he is awesome - kind..."

"Hot"

"...respectful…"

"Very hot"

"...and caring. He's so sweet with his little brother. And…"

"He's hot."

"Forget it." I sighed in frustration. I wanted to scream YES, he is hot, but that would only make her think she's right and that I liked him. Strange enough, I really didn't. He was extremely good-looking and all, but I didn't feel anything, which was good.

We talked for a long time and I almost missed the bus.

When I entered the room, they were both there. Unconsciously, I stroked my black tunic. It had a beautiful print and together with the dark leggings really made me feel slimmer. Declan, as always, looked great. He was wearing a black sweatshirt and black jeans. Unconsciously, we had adjusted. His warm smile made me relax and I finally looked at my student.

"How're you Austin?" He nodded and muttered fine, still looking at the phone in his hand." Declan took it and put it in his pocket.

"Ok, buddy, that's for today!"

We started with the lesson, but it was clear that Austin was not in the mood. He couldn't concentrate, he looked tired, even sad. I suggested to Declan that we take a break, and while Austin was in the restroom, I asked Declan what was going on.

"He had a difficult time at school today. Obviously, it's getting harder for him to cope with everything."

"I'm sorry. We can schedule one more lesson this week?"

"No, don't worry. He'll be fine tomorrow."

"No, I insist. You can let him stay here alone with me If you're busy."

"Em, you're supposed to tutor him only once a week. We're not going to take more of your time and for free. He'll be fine."

After I helped Austin with his homework, we decided to stop and meet another time. He was too tired to learn anything. We went out in front of the building and exchanged a few words again.

"We just took of your time. But he really needs a break. Right, buddy?"

"Maybe you can do something fun together to distract him from what happened today?" "What do you suggest?"

"I don't know, there's a movie theater nearby, I've wanted to try it myself."

He smiled and looked at Austin. "How did that sound, do you want to see what they have to offer?"

Then he looked at me and I thought I saw insecurity in his eyes.

"Come with us?"

"I would love to but wouldn't it be inappropriate?"

"Why would it be? It's not like you're my teacher and It's not a date."

I hesitate for a few seconds.

"Ok, let's go then. I don't remember the last time I've been to a movie."

"Yeah, me too."

Austin was smiling now.

Declan and I looked at each other with a grin, obviously, Austin's fatigue was gone now.

We watched some nice animation. I don't even remember its name, but it was fun. Overall, we had a good time. I found that in the company of Declan I do not feel uncomfortable. On the contrary, It was as if we had known each other for a long time. He kept making me laugh. Austin was also in a good mood.

After the movie was over, we decided to leave Austin at their mother's house first and then go home with Declan. We were both silent in the car, but it wasn't strange or uncomfortable. Even in the silence, I felt good with him.

I told him again to leave me in front of the school. When we stopped, I was about to tell him I had a good time when my stomach rumbled loudly. I hadn't eaten all day, my sandwich was still in my bag.

Declan looked down and laughed, and I was dying of shame.

"I think your belly isn't ready to go home. How about pizza? I'm starving too."

"Don't bother with it, my stomach is always hungry." It wasn't quite the truth, but I wanted to be funny.

He laughed and tapped on his sweatshirt.

"Mine too." His hand inadvertently lifted part of his sweatshirt and I saw his flat stomach. Good that I didn't like him that way, because Oh boy... He was hot!

"Ok, but the pizza is on me!"

"No way, you didn't let me pay for the movie tickets. I'm emancipated too. I'm paying for my own meal."

"Do you want to know what my friends and I do in such cases? We take turns. This time I'm going to pay for the pizza, next…"

I paused, blushing. Emaline, who said there would be another time?!

He looked at me amused.

"Okay, nice. Next time's mine!" He continued to stare at me with a smile, and I involuntarily replied. We walked to the pizzeria and Declan put his hand over my shoulder.