Fairy Tale

Chapter 9: Fairy Godmother

Sonya and Newt had headed back to their place late, with the promise of picking her up the next morning. Emily retreated to her room before Teresa came home to finish copying Jeff's notes. She had tried to still use the agenda, but it was beyond ruined. Newt had given her a sympathetic look. And immediately pulled his phone out.

The next morning Emily dragged herself out of bed, threw on some clothes and pulled her toque on, grabbing her bag she started her regular routine in the kitchen.

She heard the footsteps of Teresa again. Emily's heartbeat speed up and she felt warm again. She really hated that her body went into fight or flight mode. She could get into a boxing ring with strangers and knock them out...but her step sister walks into the kitchen and she shrinks and flinches. Emily kept her back to her. She knew Teresa was waiting for an opening to needle her.

"So, today is our next business class..." Teresa said. She said as blankly as possible, but Emily knew she was setting her up.

"Wonder how far you are on that project...you spent an awfully long time at the gym over the weekend."

"I did homework before anyone was there. And I trained." Emily answered quietly.

"Training for what exactly? It's not like you do competitions or fights anymore..."

Emily didn't say anything. She knew she was trying to get a reaction.

"I guess since you became mother's responsibility, she figured spending money on you was pointless. It's a lot of money for extra proper training...and your not that good. So it would be a waist."

Emily kept her head down and continued to try eat some breakfast. Jorge was the best trainer and coach in the town. Her throat felt tight. Teresa knew how to get her. Go after her father and godfather.

"Maybe if your father cared a bit more...he would have left you with some extra money.  But he left you poor. And your godfather isn't much better off. I mean...look at that notebook and agenda..."

Teresa pointed to the very ruined stack of books and laptop on the counter. Emily glanced at it quickly.

"Can't even afford a new notebook."

Emily swallowed and tried to keep the tears behind her lashes. Teresa came around the counter right up to Emily now. Her icy blue eyes staring daggers into her. Emily dropped her eyes.

"Keep up the lie of those scratches. Minho asked how you were doing. He seems to care about your well-being...I can't understand why, you worthless little gym rat. But hands, and eyes off. You sit too close during class and you'll have problems at home." Her voice was sweet, but Emily knew there was a threat. There was always a threat.

"He's all yours." Emily finally squeaked.

But Emily's heart felt a squeeze. He was quite kind the other day, he was genuinely worried about her...he seemed different away from school. More..relaxed and open. She really hated having to work with Teresa's boy toy. And she hated that her heart fluttered when she saw him. Teresa was just using him. And it hurt her.

There was a knock at the door. Teresa spun around with a frown. Emily released the breath she was holding. Teresa flung the door wide. Standing in the door way was Newt.

"Mornin'." He smiled kindly at Teresa, his eyes slid past her to Emily. She saw the flash of concern but didn't say anything about it.
"Ready to go, Love?"

"Who are you?"

Ava had come into the kitchen, dressed in a crisp clean white suit, heels and red lips, carrying a fancy overly priced brief case. Emily's stomach twisted. She paid probably a few hundred dollars for that bag, and they wouldn't end spend $15 on an agenda a few notebooks. Emily blinked the tears back.