How The Sparks Begin

Chapter 5

"Geraldine.Wake up."I heard someone whisper."Uhmmmm.."I mumbled.

"Geraldine..come on"That voice spoke again.

I opened my eyes. Erika was standing in front of me. She was awake? I must have fallen asleep while I - Gosh. My face suddenly turned red.

"Geraldine. You alright? Why's your face so red? Are you sick?"Erika asked me concerned.

"No ..no I'm alright..What time is it now?"I rubbed my eyes.

"Well it's noon already...we could grab something to eat. Then we can go out and hang out more."She replied.

"Wait..isn't there school?" I yawned.

"Nope. Today's a Saturday. So we have plenty of time to hang out. So come on, The rest are downstairs."

I got dressed and combed my hair. Sigh.

I stared at myself in the mirror as I brushed my teeth. Chill girl... just relax... it was probably just a dream.

When I came down, everyone was sitting around the table. I grabbed an apple and sat next Elizabeth. "Hey."I smiled.

"Geraldine."Elizabeth smiled."So we were just talking about going to mall later "

"Ooh..sounds good" I nodded.

"We could do some shopping!" Erika exclaimed. "Make sure we don't get bored.."Joseph joked.

Elizabeth planted a kiss on his cheek."You wouldn't. "

Emmanuel was sitting next to Erika. He kept quiet. "Emmanuel. You coming?" Erika asked him. "Count me out." He replied calmly.

Erika's expression changed. "a-alright.."

We headed out. Joseph drove while Elizabeth sat next to him.

Erika remained silent.

"Erika? Are you alright?" I finally asked her. "Yeah. I am.."She answered. "Emmanuel..is he always li-"

"Yes. He is." She interrupted."He's been like that ever since we dated. Well if we ever dated.."

"What do you mean?" I was getting confused. She kept silent. "Erika. If you don't feel like talking I'm alright with that too.."

"Emmanuel's parents were on good terms with mine so they decided we should date.. I was against it at first. But slowly I fell in love with him but I don't know if he feels the same way.." She looked at me. Then she starting laughing. "Sorry..I'm being emotional."

I hugged her. "He does. I'm sure he does." I comforted her. She hugged me back. "Thank you."

Alright.. forget this morning. I didn't like the way he was treating Erika. I mean at least treat her like a girlfriend.

"Hey guys.. I think we're here."Elizabeth turned around and told us.

Elizabeth and Erika jumped out of the car the moment it stopped. Erika has seemed to have put that aside for now. I smiled.

We went to like almost every store. Joseph was pretty patient. "Hey Geraldine, you're not gonna get your nails done?"

"I rather not. Let Erika and Elizabeth do it." I answered Joseph.

"Sure. So you've seen it."He continued. "Seen what?" I asked confused. "Emmanuel. His attitude and that.."He replied.

"Yeah.." I sighed. "He has been like this ever since he moved in with Erika." He went on.

"What happened? " I turned to Joseph.

" I'm not very sure... Erika thinks the reason is her. But I'm pretty sure it's not."

"Oohh" That was all I could say.

"Joseph!" Elizabeth called out. She was walking towards us with Erika by her side. Elizabeth showed her newly done nails to Joseph. "Pretty isn't it?" Joseph kissed her hand. "Beautiful."He replied.

Deep down I was like..that's so romantic.

I looked to Erika. She deserved that. I told myself.

We bought some ice cream. It was evening already.I had to go home.

"Erika. Elizabeth. Joseph. Thanks for everything. But I gotta get home before night. " I waved good bye to them.

"Bye Geraldine"Erika waved. "See you at school next week." Elizabeth also waved. Joseph gave me a wave too.

I hurried out of the mall and walked home. It wasn't too far from here.

"Dad! I'm home!" I called out as I opened the door. "Geraldine! You said you were with some friends?" He gave me a warm hug.

I nodded."Yes. I did. They are so sweet. Erika and Elizabeth are the best."

He smiled.

"That's good Geraldine. That's good."

-To be continued