Tutor Girl (Emison)

Chapter 19

Emily POV

Dad stands on the porch, giving a speech as the crowd quietly listens. The same speech he rehearses everyday to perfection so that he can plaster the "we are a great family and I am a great father" idea in their poor, ignorant minds.

It's pathetic. This party isn't for the team like it is thought out to be from everyone here. It is a party for my dad, to give him more attention than he already has, as if he is some sort of damned god. My how they are mistaken. 

Out of the corner of my eye I see Hanna and CeCe give each other small smiles. I clench my jaw and cross my arms over my chest, sighing as my "dad" gives his lame speech. 

"Spirit. The vital principle and animating force within every human being. Of course, for some of you, spirit simply means alcoholic beverages." He takes a break to let everyone laugh, "but this Sharks basketball team has a surplus of spirit. It's an incredible team with an incredible group of young men. Except for their crushing defeat by the fathers this year, this team has been on a roll." 

More laughter.

Sad.

"Well..." My focus tears from my dad when I hear Aria talking to Hanna. I only get a little bit of it though, sadly, "Emily looks hot tonight, doesn't she? Oh, it is so on tonight."

I close my eyes and shake my head.

Aria.

Something is definitely not right.

I turn my attention back to the fake man speaking, "...my lovely wife for setting up this party. Look at this, please. But Shark team spirit also includes the parents and the local businesses, whose financial support make this team great. Tonight's for you. Enjoy."

"And here's to our host, Wayne Fields!" Mrs. Kahn holds up her glass, smiling beamingly at my dad. Puke.

"Here, here!" Everyone cheers and Noel, beside me groans, "my parents are such suck-ups. So, what public humiliation you got planned for 'Shit-Ce' tonight?"

I sigh and shift my weight to my right foot, "nothing, Noel. It's a little played out, don't you think?" He scoffs and looks up at me, confused, "since when?"

I frown, confused with myself. Yeah, Em. Since when?

Since Alison.

Yeah, I made her a promise.

That's not why and you know it, you idiot.

I bite my lip nervously and look at Hanna, then at my feet. I wish Alison was here, honestly. But it wouldn't be right...she's not...popular.

What an asshole, Emily.

No! It's because she would be uncomfortable, obviously. Yeah. Sure. You're too scared of your image. If you admit that...you like her, then everything will be over. You will be known as Emily Fields, the once popular girl, now loser because she is dating a nerd.

But Alison isn't a nerd. She is...

She's beautiful and smart and funny. She is also the only person who has ever treated me like a real person. She see's me when we are alone. She actually sees me and makes me feel like I...matter. That even without basketball I am a human being and I really admire that about her. She sees the good in me that nobody else sees.

Aria POV

I am walking with Hanna when I spot a familiar face. 

Spencer.

Holy shit! She can't see me hanging out with high schoolers! I'll be so dead! I gulp, "I'm gonna grab a drink at the bar before it fills up. You go talk to Emily. See how she's been looking at you?" I pat her shoulder and walk away quickly before Spencer can see me.