If Not For Her

Chapter 2. "Take what she loves"

Emmalyn looked around at the student's stunned expressions, it was only the first day and the teachers wanted to assemble them. She pulled out her phone as the students started moving out. There were seven missed calls and ten texts from her best friend, Sofia. She immediately called her back as she made her way towards the auditorium. "Dexter and Evelyn are official," Sofia said. Emmalyn stopped, dating her twin sister was one thing and now she and her boyfriend, well ex-boyfriend were an official couple. "No they are not" she said. "No phones in the hallway, Emmalyn you know the rules" their cheer coach said. "I am sorry coach," she said.

"Meet me in the auditorium," she said pushing her phone into her purse. Last summer Dexter broke up with her in front of all her friends and to top it up, it was her fifteenth birthday party. When he told her she found someone more exciting, better she didn't expect it to be her twin sister, Evelyn. The golden child. She walked into the hall and hit someone, followed by the sound of papers falling. What started as an amazing day was turning terrible. She bent down to help the person collect the papers, they were sketches. "I am sorry," both of them said in unison, she looked up to find Annabeth staring at her. She turned to her heels and left without a word . As expected she was late and the seats in the front were filled with people, people she recognized. Her friends, all of them were sitting around the new couple.

She spotted the straight blonde hair from miles away, her sister Evelyn was leaning against Dexter and he had his arms around her. She wanted to stomp there and ask how could she do that to her but she avoided the confrontation. She took a seat back and searched for Sofia, where the hell was she? when Evelyn's laughter echoed in the hall she dug her nails into her palms and glared at them, it was her place and everyone seemed to forget about her.

She watched them kiss as a wave of nausea washed over her. "You can't kill them with just looking, you know" came a soft voice. She turned to see Annabeth Reed out of all the people sitting next to her. She straightened up. "What are you doing here?" she asked. "Do you see any more seats Cole?" she said. Emmalyn looked around, all the seats were filled, they were the last ones to arrive and had to sit in the last row. Where was Sofia?She tried to regain her charm, she couldn't show vulnerability, not in front of her.

"Do you usually sneak up on people?" Emmalyn asked. Annabeth shrugged "I am just returning the favor" with that she turned towards the stage, pushing her round glasses over her head. Emmalyn turned back towards the couple, that was the longest they talked about without any snide comments or personal jibs. "Welcome back to Rosewood High" the voice from the mic echoed as the chatter silenced down. "As all of you know our school provides an end-of-year scholarship" their principal Mr. Rothschild said as she noticed Annabeth inch forward on her chair.

"To the prestigious St. Claire Academy of Art" now Emmalyn moved forward in her chair. It was the art school that Evelyn wanted to get in. She immediately paid more attention to their old principal. "But this year consider yourselves lucky as the academy is providing a summer program for the juniors along with the scholarship for the seniors" Annabeth gasped. The girl in front of them turned with furrowed brows. "quiet" she whispered. 'Sorry' Annabeth said in a meek voice. "Hi" the girl waved at Emmalyn, she waved back with a smile, at least she was still popular. "Smooth" she whispered to Annabeth, but the girl shushed her "so two lucky students, one junior and one senior will get the opportunity to study there during the upcoming summer" the man continued.

"The best piece would be selected and displayed before the given date which will be provided. Now let the competition, begin". Annabeth was the first to get up and rush out of the door. Emmalyn watched her go, that girl was surely crazy. Her eyes looked for Sofia, when she waved at her, she was at the front. "where were you?" she asked. "With Dean and the basketball team, where were you I saved you a seat" Sofia said touching up her lipstick which complimented her dark tone. She removed a dark curl from her almond eyes as she smiled at one of the passing boys. Sofia was beautiful but a bit intimidating. Emmalyn heard Evelyn and Dexter approaching. "Lets go' she pulled Sofia out of the hall.

"Are you going sit here and mop or are you going to get back at her" Sofia said leaning against her locker. "I am not moping and what can I even do?" she asked. Evelyn winked at Emmalyn before passing them. "that b-" 'Sofia, she has everyone wrapped around her finger, look" Emmalyn interrupted. "She took what you loved, you take what she loves if she does love anything.".

Then Emmalyn realized, as a smile made its way in her face. "I know this look, what are you planning on doing" Sofia asked, curious now. "You are a genius, you know that" Emmalyn's smile widened. "I'll just take what she loves" she said. "Which is?" Sofia asked. "I'll tell you but not now" she kissed Sofia's cheek and walked to her physics class. If Emmalyn could win a place at the summer programme, Evelyn would be crushed and it would be her saving grace. She took one look at the happy couple before walking into the class.