It was the very next day when they put Blake's plan into action. Emma was sitting on her bed, still in pajamas even though it was noon, writing in her diary when she heard her mother call her from downstairs. Jumping up from bed, she made her way downstairs to see her mother holding open the door.
"Emma, do you know this woman?"
Emma tried to hold back her smile as she saw Kandy standing there in a knee-length light blue dress with flowers. She had her black hair brushed behind her ears in a low ponytail and was wearing black-framed glasses with a knowing grin on her lips. She looked nothing like the girl Emma had met at The Underground, and that was the whole point of this plan.
Emma moved to stand beside her mother. "Of course, Mother. This is Clementine Rogers from Channel 9 News. She's a news anchor. I used to work with her when I was an intern at the news station." Emma stated, lying easily through her teeth. She had never been an intern at a news station, but she knew her mother wouldn't remember everything she'd put Emma through over the years.
Her mother suddenly smiled after hearing about Kandy's skills. She reached out her hand. "What a lovely surprise! What's the occasion?"
Kandy reached out, shaking her mother's hand. "Well, you see, I had such a wonderful time getting to know your daughter. We became, in some ways, friends. I'm aware she graduates next year and would like to know if I can invite her out for coffee to talk about future scholarship options."
Her mother grinned, looking over at Emma while nodding. "I'm sure she would love that, Emma. Go get changed!" Of course, her mother would jump at the chance to get more money for college.
With a smile, Emma began racing up the stairs. Kandy smiled, gesturing inside. "May I please come in while I wait?"
Emma's mother nodded, opening the door wider. Kandy stepped inside, fixing her glasses.
While she waited, she looked around the walls at Emma's different awards. Her achievements were plastered all over the walls "I push her hard, but I know it will all be worth it when she gets to college," her mother said from her spot on the couch, watching Kandy looking around.
Kandy smiled, looking back at her. "My mom was also like you. She pushed me right into the newsroom at a young age. Made me what I am today, I guess. I'm... somewhat grateful," she said, swallowing the bitter taste in her mouth. Her eyes fell on a picture of a young Emma. Emma was holding a violin trophy, smiling widely, with her mother and what Kandy assumed was her father on either side of her, looking proud.
Emma kind of reminded Kandy of herself growing up. Her mom pushed her as well; that's why as soon as she could, she pushed her mom right out of her life and hasn't looked back since. Her mom pushed her to be a news anchor, and that's what she became. She didn't know anything else she could have been. She hoped her mother... wherever she was, could see her on TV and be proud she became exactly what her mom wanted. By day in the newsroom, she could be Clementine Rogers, and by night she could be herself with Chris.
She could be Kandy, and she loved him for that—that he could love and understand both sides of her.
As Emma ran down the stairs, Kandy snapped out of her thoughts, putting a smile on her face. "Ready, Emma?"
Emma smiled. They walked towards the door.
"She has dance practice in a few hours. Please have her back by 2:30," Emma's mother instructed.
Kandy smiled, opening the front door. Emma walked outside. "Of course, Ms. Pear, I'll be sure to be back before her lesson." Her mother smiled while Kandy walked out the door, softly closing it behind her.
Kandy grinned while walking calmly to her car, unlocking it for Emma. Emma climbed into the passenger seat.
"I can't believe we fooled my mother," Emma said in disbelief.
Kandy started the car. "Remember, this is a two-part plan," she said while beginning to drive down the road. Emma sat, debating whether Blake's plan would really work. Her mother definitely liked Kandy, so maybe this plan had a chance.
"Are we really going for coffee?"
Kandy used one hand to take her hair out of the ponytail, shaking out her hair. She put the scrunchie in the cupholder. "Nope. We're gonna have girls' time." Emma grinned while Kandy took off her glasses, sliding them into the cupholder as well. Emma had never really had friends, never really had time for it before. She was excited to see what girl time entailed.
YOU ARE READING
It Started With Hello
Romance***** Emma Pear knew she wasn't the most popular girl in high school. Her nose was usually buried in a textbook, and her grades were as spotless as her reputation for always following the rules. "Nerd" was a label she'd long since embraced. Her pare...
