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Chapter 7 - chapter 7: choosing my summer sidekick

As I woke up early, memories of last night's emotional release with Anthony flooded my mind, leaving me feeling embarrassed and vulnerable. My thoughts swirled with insecurities,Did I appear weak and fragile in his eyes? Did my tears make me look ugly and pitiful? Was I just a cry baby to him?"

I embraced my mom warmly as she opened the door, and she enveloped me in a comforting hug. 'It's okay, honey, if you don't want to talk about it,' she said gently. 'Just remember to always make yourself proud. Curiosity is the spark that lights the path to knowledge.' Her words soothed my soul, and she then encouraged me to get ready for school.

As I arrived at school, I spotted Anthony engrossed in a book, and I attempted to steer clear of him. But Mira's loud shriek of my name reverberated through the hallway, shattering my hopes of avoidance. I couldn't help but think, 'Great, just what I needed another annoying encounter from Mira, why does she have to be annoying.

As I tried to escape Mira's loud greeting, Anthony looked up and caught my eye with a warm smile. I returned the smile and made my way to sit down, thinking, 'Mira, must you always be so loud all the time?Can't you just let me have a peaceful moment?

Mira simply laughed and teased, 'You look pretty when you're angry,' which only annoyed me further, thinking, 'Great, another one of her immature comments.Just as Mira's antics were becoming too much to bear, Mr. Jackson, our history teacher, walked into the classroom, bringing a welcome distraction from the drama. After teaching us about the American Revolution, he announced the upcoming school practical and instructed us to choose a partner, which sent my mind racing with possibilities.

I asked Mira to be my partner, but she smugly replied that she already had a partner, suggesting I find my 'prince charming' instead. I knew she was trying to provoke me, and her condescending tone made my blood boil. Sometimes, her constant needling feels like too much to bear, and I wonder how someone so annoying can exist.

Mira joined Mayer, confirming my suspicion that they were partners. I sat down, observing her with a mix of frustration and affection. Despite her annoying behavior, she's my best friend, and I'm lucky to have her. Just then, Anthony asked, 'Hey, Emily, what's going on? Didn't you and Mira plan to be partners? I thought you two were inseparable.

-"I thought so too, but Mira can be so insufferable! She's always pushing me to be with someone else, her so-called 'prince charming' a term I regret using, as it only fuels her teasing. I spat out the words with a sarcastic tone, trying to convey my annoyance."

Anthony asked, 'Would you be my partner?' with a smile so charming that I couldn't resist. His bright eyes and warm grin made my heart skip a beat, and I found myself nodding in agreement, helpless to say no."After my conversation with Anthony, I needed some fresh air to calm my racing heart and wash away the blush that had spread across my face. But, as I turned to head back inside, I spotted the last person I wanted to see - Andrew, thedevil himself, standing in my path with a sly grin.

Andrew grasped my hands, pulling me back to the toilet, and I knew I was in trouble. 'Hey, why did you ignore me yesterday? And why were you crying? Is it because I kissed you, Emily?' he shouted, his accusatory tone making me tremble with fear.

Andrew, please, you're hurting me!" I cried out in pain, but he refused to listen. He gripped my hands tighter, his fingers digging into my skin. "I love you, Emily. Can't you see that? I know you like my cousin, but I won't tolerate it. Stay away from him, or I'll do something you'll regret. You're mine," he snarled, his anger palpable. Then, he stormed off, leaving me sobbing in the toilet, my hands throbbing in pain.

***********

I wept bitterly, my heart aching with despair. All I wanted was happiness, but now everything had spiraled out of control. As I cried, I thought I heard a familiar voice calling out 'Emily!!!' but my tears blurred my vision, and I couldn't see clearly. Before I could muster the strength to respond, everything went black, and I fainted.