"Well, yeah," Henry smacked his lips. "Y'know... if you want me to keep my dad's lawyers out of this, you could be my baby for one night. What do you say?"

  Emma gave him an appraising look and smiled sweetly at him. "I'd say..."

  "Yeah...?" Henry leaned in close to her as Emma grabbed his right arm and twisted it, pushing his face right onto the nearest metal desk.

  "...either you drop it or I'll break your arm into little splinters," Emma said softly. "How does that work for you... baby?"

  "FINE! YOU WIN! I'LL LEAVE BOTH OF YOU ALONE!"

  "And no lawyers or bribed cops?"

  "NOOO! GOOD, GOD — I'LL MAKE SURE OF IT!"

  Emma let go of his arm and patted him on the back. "That's a good baby. By the way... your fly's down."

  EMMA WAS WALKING TO her locker after class as she spoke on her phone. "Yeah. The medicine is called... oh, man... I don't even know how to pronounce that... it starts with a C, has an R in the middle, and ends in an E. Yeah! That's it! At least, I think so, anyway. It does say that it treats R.A., right? Thank goodness! Okay, I need you to deliver it to 3455 North East Avenue, Regal City Subdivision. Thanks again, Mr. Oswald. Bye."

  Emma smiled happily as she got her textbooks out of her locker for English Class. That's one crisis averted. I can't wait to give Arnold the good news! She thought excitedly. At times like these, she was happy to be rich and have thirty different pharmacists in her contacts.

  She had almost made it to class when she saw Arnold talking to Hector Ramirez. She was about to say “Hi!”, when she heard Hector say: "Oh, come on man! First, you go all Viper Kai on Henry Wheeler, which is all over YouTube —"

  Arnold shrugged in embarrassment. "Don't remind me. I still don't know who the hell filmed everything that happened. It's just so stupid."

  "— and then I see you talking to some hot older chick on your porch this morning that you said you hadn't figured out yet?"

  Emma's heart tightened. Some hot older chick?

  "I told you she's not like that," Arnold waved it off as if it were nothing. "She's just a friend, okay?"

  "Hey, no need to defend yourself with me, buddy," Hector grinned. "I'm just happy you're not still pining after Emma. That relationship is never going to happen; it's not worth the time."

  "Hey," Arnold shot Hector a small glare. "Emma's worth every second of my time. She's the only girl for me. There's not anyone else who could hold a candle to her."

  "That's nice," said Hector as Emma hid behind a row of lockers while the two boys walked by. "It's great to have unrealistic and dangerously high expectations. Maybe, I should make 'High Hopes' your ringtone."

  "Just keep it up, Hec," Arnold grinned as he shook his head.

  "I'm just saying that you need to keep your options open until you know it's a sure thing."

  "Like you and Pria?"

  "Exactly, like Pria and me! We're soulmates, y'know? Reincarnated lovers from eons ago in vain of Romeo and Juliet."

  "You're a total spaz. You know that, right?"

  "Hector Spaz Ramirez. I like the sound of that. Y'know what also has a nice ring to it?"

  "What?"

  "Mrs. Pria Spaz Ramirez! You think I should run that by her later?"

  "Definitely go for it. Put a ring on it."

  "But should I do it before or after French Class?"

  "See? Now, I can't tell if you're still joking."

  "Oh, I am."

  "Thank goodness."

  "Or am I? I really don't know anymore."

  Emma waited until both of their laughter died out and put her head in her hands. Arnold likes me? Like, really likes me?

  "EMMA? WHAT WERE YOU thinking?" Allison said in exasperation out on the school's football field. Dressed in her cute sports ensemble, Allison prepared for cheerleading tryouts and stretched her legs as she berated her twin.

  "Look, I wasn't really going to break his arm," Emma sighed. "...Well, I might have thought about it for a second."

  "You can't keep taking risks like that," said Allison, shaking her head in frustration. "Not just because you have a crush on Arnold Regan!"

  "I — I don't have a crush on Arnold," Emma said in shock. "I... I don't know how I feel about him."

  "Oh, please," Allison scoffed. "You broke Helena's nose for berating him."

  "She deserved it!"

  "Then you nearly broke Henry's arm for destroying Mrs. Regan's medication."

  "I was repaying him for standing up for me!"

  Allison rolled her eyes and said, "Since when do you need anyone to stand up for you?"

  "Well... I... don't roll your eyes at me! That's my thing!"

  "And I saw the charge at Mr. Oswald's Pharmacy in SoHo on our Visa account," Allison smirked. "Care to explain that?"

  "I... I... Oh, crap," Emma sighed in comprehension. "I'm crushing on Arnold Regan." Emma let the thought sink in a little more and smiled. "I have a thing for Arnold Regan. And I think he has one for me too."

  "Well, duh," Allison laughed. "It's all pretty obvious."

  "But how do I... how do I tell him...?"

  "That's not for me to decide," said Allison. "I don't even think you and Arnold are good for each other. But I know, you'll have to find that one out for yourself, though."

  "Oh, come on, Allison!" Emma pleaded. "You're so much better at this crap than me! This is the one time I actually want you to lecture me."

  "I'll try not to take offense to that," Allison sighed. "If you want to, take my Mustang. I can get a ride home with Hiro today, if I need to. All you have to do is pick Ellie up from middle school, and then you can go riding in search of noodle-arms."

  "Seriously?"

  "You have your license," Allison shrugged. "You might as well use it."

  "Did I ever tell you that you're a decent sister?" Emma grinned.

  "I could stand to hear it more often," Allison grinned back. "Just promise me you'll stay out of trouble."

  "Of course! No worries," Emma smiled as she took in a run.

  "There goes Ms. Try-Emma-Everyone-Has!" Emma could hear Helena shouting at her. But that didn't matter; nothing could ruin this feeling... this excitement in her heart.

  EMMA LOVED HEARING the engine of Allison’s Mustang roar as she drove through the city. Though she was eager to drop Ellie off back home. She was ready to talk to Arnold... even if she wasn't sure what to say. But Ellie had convinced her to go get a snack at CK. They had just entered the fast-food hangout as Emma spotted Arnold... sitting across from a striking, older (18 maybe?), girl dressed in a tank top and leather jacket combo with long, black hair, almost down to her waist. This must have been the hot, older chick that Hector mentioned earlier. And she was hot; even Emma had to admit it.

  She could just make out what they were talking about.

  "I don't know about this, Amelia," Arnold sighed. "I don’t think I'm the person you're looking for."

  "But don't you owe it to yourself to find out," said Amelia, gazing deeply into his eyes.

  "If it’s destiny, shouldn't it work itself out anyway?" Arnold said thoughtfully.

  "Destiny is a funny thing," said Amelia. "It always struggles against those who fight against it. I know you feel it, don't lie to yourself. Something's changed inside you."

  "...You're right," said Arnold. "I can't lie to myself anymore. I guess... I guess I need to give destiny a try for once. I need to give you a try..."

  "Emma... what's wrong?" Ellie asked her.

  "Nothing's wrong, sis. Did you get your Chicken Fries?"

  "Yeah."

  "Then, let's go home," said Emma. "I'm getting tired."

  "Your meds?"

  "Yeah, they're kicking my ass right now," Emma lied, trying not to let there be a catch in her throat. "Let's just go."

  WHEN EMMA AND ELLIE got home, Allison and their dad were already setting the table for dinner.

  "Hey, girls!" Mr. Berggrias beamed at them.

  "Hey, Dad," Emma managed to get out.

  "Dad!" Ellie squealed. "I missed you! Why were you gone so long?"

  "I had a title to protect, sweetie," Mr. Berggrias smiled as he hugged Ellie and then Emma. "But that's all about to change because... I'm retiring from pro fighting!"

  "Really?" Ellie smiled.

  "What?" Emma asked in disbelief.

  "I know," said Allison. "It's great, isn't it?"

  "No, it's not," said Emma. "It's bull-shit! Why would you give up your career, Dad?"

  "Well, someone needs to watch over you girls, don't they?" Mr. Berggrias tried his best to force a smile. That might have fooled most people in the world, but not Emma. She knew her dad better than he knew himself.

  "Why can't Mom just watch over us like she's been doing?"

  The smile on Mr. Berggrias's face faded instantly. "Your mother... why don't we have dinner first and then..."

  "...She's gone," said Emma, "isn't she?"

  "She's run off with Finn Williams, my old manager," Mr. Berggrias sighed, rubbing his temples.

  "Took you long enough to figure that one out," Emma glared.

  "Emma — don't!" Allison tried to defuse the situation. "Why don't we all just sit down and talk about this over dinner?"

  "It's okay," said Mr. Berggrias. "Truth is, Emma's right, but it doesn't change matters, anyway. I don't know where they've run off to, but they've drained half of fifty bank accounts. We still have enough to live off, to keep all of you girls in school and send each of you to college, but it won't be like it used to. I'm sorry."

  "Then you definitely shouldn't retire!" Emma glared at her father, balling her fists. "We can take care of ourselves! Don't give up just because you screwed your marriage over!"

  "On the contrary, Emma," Mr. Berggrias said, his eyes flaring, "I think it's obvious you girls need all my attention! Especially you, Emma! Do you know how many blogs, tabloids, and gossip magazines are running articles about your mental illness and sex life? That you've already slept your way through your entire high school after being there for only two days!"

  "...You really think that, Dad?"

  "...Emma, honey, I'm sorry... I didn't mean to —!"

  "No, go ahead," Emma tried to hold back her tears. "Keep on slut-shaming me for something I didn't even do. Call me crazy because I fight to protect my friends. You know why? It just doesn't matter to me. You and your shitty opinion doesn't matter to me anymore. I'm just going to go to my room because I've lost my appetite."

  EMMA SLAMMED HER BEDROOM door behind her as tears started pouring down her face. She pounded on her dresser, where she saw pictures of her whole family over the years... as well as her, Hector, and Arnold. She couldn't take it anymore and started shrieking as she cried, throwing the pictures into the wall one by one. The door slowly opened as Allison walked in cautiously.

  "Emma, it's going to be okay."

  "NO — IT'S NOT! GET OUT!"

  "I'm not leaving you, Emma."

  "GET OUT! YOU KNEW! YOU KNEW ALL ALONG!”

  Emma collapsed on the floor, still sobbing. Allison bent down and hugged her gently. "...No... I didn't."

  Chapter Four

  Emma

  The Fighter

  "Emma, someone's here to see you!"

  Emma was halfway down the stairs from her bedroom when she heard Ellie calling for her.

  "Who is it?" Emma asked dryly.

  "It's Arnie," Ellie beamed. "He said that he's here to say thank you for getting his mom her meds... again."

  "Tell him to piss off," Emma glared.

  "I doubt that's the response he's hoping for," said Ellie sheepishly.

  "Well, I really don't care now," said Emma, "do I?"

  "Now, Emma, that's not really a way to treat someone," said Mr. Berggrias, who had just entered from the kitchen, still stirring a pot of grits.

  "And I definitely don't give a shit about what you think either," said Emma, stubbornly. "ALLISON! ARE YOU READY YET?"

  "Geez, Emma," said Allison as she waltzed gracefully down the stairs, not a hair out of place. "You know, Saturday mornings are the times that I record my podcast. ...And I just got done." She added hastily, seeing the expression on Emma's face. "So, I'm ready to go now."

  "Good," Emma said in a huff. "Let's go out the garage door."

  "Don't you girls want breakfast?" Mr. Berggrias asked.

  "No, thanks," Emma replied coolly.

  "Well, I might, could go for some —" Allison's voice died out as Emma grabbed her arm and pulled her into the garage.

  "What in the hell was that about?" Emma asked her. "I thought you were on my side!"

  "Emma, I am," Allison sighed, "but you and Dad just can't keep making the house your own war zone. It's not healthy for anyone."

  "I know it's not good for Ellie, okay? I just can't believe Dad would even think those things about me, let alone say them like he did," Emma sighed.

  "Well, actually, I meant it wasn't healthy for me and Ellie," Allison replied, massaging her arm. "You have a vice grip for a hand. I swear."

  "I'm just not ready to forgive him yet," Emma said firmly. "And I could use your support in this. Because... y'know, we are twins." She gave Allison a begrudgingly pleading look.

  "Okay, I'll support you," Allison sighed. "Just don't play the twin card again. You can only use that once every decade. Got it?"

  "Got it," Emma grinned.

  Allison and Emma each got in the Mustang as the engine started. Allison opened the garage door and started pulling out. "Oh, God! He's still here!"

  "Who?" Allison asked, but she smiled weakly at the sight of Arnold trying to flag them down. "Oh, him. Maybe you should try just talking to him. It's been almost a month."

  "Just keep driving," Emma hissed.

  "Hey! Emma — wait up!"

  Allison looked at her sister with concern. "This isn't right."

  "Just keep driving," Emma groaned as she sunk deeper into her seat. She could have sworn she heard a defeated Arnold say — "I just want to know what I did wrong..."— But he knows. He just doesn't want to admit it, Emma thought quietly as she tried to push Arnold Regan out of her mind.

  EMMA FINALLY MADE IT to the school gym. Where her favorite leather punching bag awaited her, with Allison following her inside. "We need to talk about this, Emma."

  "Nothing to talk about," said Emma, wrapping masking tape around her knuckles.

  "I know things have been difficult lately," said Allison. "For you, more so than any of us. But you have to let someone in."

  "I think that you're in close enough," Emma glared.

  "I meant Arnold," Allison sighed. "You never even gave him a chance to explain what happened that day you saw him."

  "It looked pretty self-explanatory," Emma snarled.

  "But hear me out now. Maybe it wasn't," Allison said carefully. "This falling out between the three of you. Arnold doesn't go near Hector anymore. You ignore the hell out of both of them. Hector just spends all of his time with Pria, bossing him around. You were all so close and happy once, and now... you're all alone and miserable. You don't even work out anymore. All you do is just come in here during your free periods and the weekends to punch this stupid bag."

  "I thought you didn't think Arnold, and I were good for each other," Emma sighed.

  "...I was wrong," said Allison. "It looks like you, Arnold... and even Hector need each other. Just think about it, okay?"

  "Whatever," Emma sighed as she started punching the bag.

  Allison shook her head and left Emma alone. Emma closed her eyes, picturing the faces of her dad, mom, Helena, and almost everyone else at school, punching and kicking away.

  "Nice technique, but your form’s off by a long shot," said a grave voice behind her. Emma turned around to see Coach Chris standing behind her. He was wearing red sweats and tennis shoes, his long curly hair giving him the illusion of being a citizen from over a hundred years ago.

  "Don't remember asking for your opinion," Emma sighed. "...Anything that I can do for you, Coach?"

  "Yeah," he smiled. "The Kickboxing team is having tryouts on Monday. We could use someone with a fire like yours. If you're interested."

  "I'm not really a team player," Emma replied.

  "Oh, really," Coach chuckled. "How's that working out for you? Tryouts are at three-thirty. Hopefully, I'll see you there."

  Coach walked away in a strut that didn't suit him as Emma sat down on the nearest bleacher. She took out her phone and scrolled through years-old photos of her, Arnold, and Hec. They used to be so close; it felt like they could almost read each other's thoughts. The best moments of her life had been with those two bozos. No one in school knew why Arnold and Hec had quit hanging out, but it happened around the time she started ignoring both of them, which had caused rumors to spread like wildfire. She wished things could go back to how they used to be. Like in one pic where they had gone to the fair and rode the Tilt-a-Whirl two-hundred times in a row. Emma almost laughed despite herself when she landed on another of them sneaking into Old Man Garrick's house. Arnold and her had tried to prove to Hec it wasn’t haunted. And she still wasn’t sure if they’d succeeded.

  How can things change so freaking fast? Emma thought as she leaned against the wall of the gymnasium. She sank to the floor, running her fingers through her sweat covered hair. She scrolled passed several other photos, almost every one of them showcasing the trio’s beaming faces. Her absolute favorite, though, was the selfie of her and Arnold singing karaoke to the tune of “Drops Of Jupiter”. They had grown up together, and now... they were just growing apart.

  "EMMA?"

  "Hey, Arnold. We need to talk."

  Emma had snuck into Arnold's backyard and was sitting on a stack of secondhand brick.

  "Funny," he let out a mirthless chuckle, "because I've been trying to talk to you for a month now. But you never seem to have time."

  "I've been avoiding you."

  "Really? Because I couldn't actually tell. Thanks for pointing that out," Arnold sighed, taking a seat on another stack next to her.

 

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