Chapter 9 Last Minute Changes
After school Manny and Emma had a few errands to run. So right after school ended the girls caught the bus and went to the nearest mall. It's felt like Emma's been at this place a lot lately but it's because she has. She didn't like the feeling she got while walking through the mall. When she passed the store where Alex stole the dress it reminded her of how Sean lied to her. She stopped herself from thinking about Sean and thought about tonight when she would see Chris. Manny noticed her daydreaming and she wasn't paying attention where she was walking and then she bumped into somebody. She was awakened and found herself on the ground.
Guy: Are you okay? You fell pretty hard. (The similar voice said while lending her a hand and then she realized who it was and began to blush. She was in awe.)
Emma: Uh yeah I'm fine. I don't know what came over me. Anyways thank you!
Guy: For bumping into you. It's kind of just happened. I've seen you around. Haven't I? Emma Nelson, right?
Emma: Yeah that's me. Chris Sharpe I do believe you are in my Drama class. Chris: Yeah, I am. Well I'll be seeing you around.
Emma: Ah ha you'll see me again. (Then as he was about to walk away Manny shouted.)
Manny: Hey, Chris are you going to Paige's party tonight? I'll be there and so will Emma.
Emma: Manny!
Chris: Uh yeah I'm going. Emma, I guess I'll be seeing you sooner than I thought. Bye girls! (He smiled at Emma and took off. She jumped up and down in excitement. She watched Chris until he wasn't visible anymore.)
Manny: Aren't you going to thank me?
Emma: Thanks but I was planning to ask him.
Manny: When? When you stopped staring at him.
Emma: It wasn't that obvious.
Manny: Yeah and I'm not hot.
Emma: Okay I wasn't going to ask him but I honestly forgot. I've never felt this way about anybody. The sight of him mesmerized me.
Manny: I think he feels the same way about you too. I saw him blush when he realized it was you and did you see that smile?
Emma: Oh I've seen that smile and can't stop thinking about it.
Manny: Please calm down before you drive me crazy. Come on we need to get you some shoes.
Emma: Why? I mean he already supposedly likes me. Why even wear shoes? I could go bare foot and he wouldn't even notice.
Manny: That is insane, Emma. A girl needs shoes to add to their outfit or else it wouldn't be perfect and advice Emma never settle for imperfection. If you won't buy them then I will so what do you say?
Emma: Heck yeah! I would be crazy to say no to free shoes.
Manny: We better hurry. There are only two more hours until party time.
Emma: Then let the countdown begin.
An hour later Hazel, Terri, Jimmy, Marco, Craig and Spinner arrived at Paige's house. Her parents had just left and now they have the house to themselves. Her parents wouldn't be home until tomorrow the morning so they didn't have to worry about timing.
Spinner: So where's the food? I'm so starving.
Paige: In the kitchen honeybee, but be a gentleman and save some food for the guests.
Spinner: I can't make any promises but for you I'll try. (The rest of the guys followed him into the kitchen.)
Hazel: You look great, Paige.
Paige: I know and both of you look good too.
Terri: That was almost a complement. Anyways do you need any help decorating?
Paige: I'm almost done but there are some more decorations in that box over there.
Hazel: So do you think there will be a big turnout?
Paige: Duh this is my party but here's the list of people if you want proof.
Hazel: Wow that's lots of people. Aren't you just a bit worried about the party?
Paige: No, not at all. I mean we have great decorations, food, a live band, dance floor and me.
Terri: Well this is going to be so much fun. I can't wait to dance. (Then the phone rang and Paige ran over to answer it even though wasn't expecting anybody.)
Paige: Hello there! Paige speaking!
Dylan: Hey sis!
Paige: Hey, weren't you supposed to be here already?
Dylan: That's just it I won't be coming and neither will the band.
Paige: Pause there! Did you just say that the band wasn't coming? Please tell me I heard you wrong.
Dylan: Wish I could but they canceled. I'm so sorry!
Paige: This can't be happening. Why would they cancel like this?
Dylan: Because they got a bigger gig and I need to drive them there but your party will be great.
Paige: No, it won't be. I'm ruined! Everything's ruined!
Dylan: Come down, sis. I got to go but I love you.
Paige: Ah hah same back to you.
She slowly walked into the party room wondering what she was going to do. She was disappointed and mad at her brother even though she knew it wasn't her fault that the band flaked out. Paige didn't know if the party would go on and thought how. Terri and Hazel decorated the room beautifully and now it was just a waste of time.
Hazel: So do you like what we did to the place?
Terri: Yeah we worked really hard but it was worth it.
Paige: You might regret just saying that because there will be no party. So you might want to just go home.
Terri: What are you trying to say?
Paige: There will be no party. That was Dylan on the phone and he just said that the band canceled. No band equals no music and no music equals no party. (Craig walks into the room with a half eaten bag of chips.)
Craig: There will be a band. So just don't worry because we will the your band, no charge.
Paige: That doesn't help so I'm still canceling the party. If anybody wants me I'll be in my room feeling sorry for myself.
Hazel: Paige, stop the drama. Have a little more faith in his band. They aren't that bad.
Spinner: Thanks Hazel. I think. Come on baby give us a chance and if we screw up which we won't then you can cancel.
Paige: Fine, but if all fails you're the ones to blame, not me!
Spinner: Well if I go down I'm taking you with me.
Paige: That was a joke, right?
Spinner: Yeah it was supposed to be so laugh.
Paige: And why?
Spinner: Because I love that laugh of yours.
Paige: Oh you're so adorable.
Spinner Yeah well I am but don't tell the guys. I won't hear the end of that.
Craig: We better get to my house to pick up the instruments.
Then they all headed to Craig's house. They were so excited. This chance doesn't just occur all the time. They were nervous because they didn't know what songs they were going to play but they did have some in mind. In the car they were just going on about playing and how much they were going to rock.
Craig: Guys, I'm glad that you are excited but could you just chill. We are in a car and I don't need you to cause an accident.
Spinner: I'll try but do you realize what this means?
Marco: That we are going to embarrass ourselves in front of the whole 10th grade. We aren't ready!
Spinner: You have to suck the excitement out everything, don't you? Anyways, it means that all the girls will after us once we play tonight. I mean girls love guys who have their own band.
Jimmy: But you already have a girlfriend you love her by all those nicknames you have for each other. It's sickening man but I need a girlfriend.
Spinner: I know but it doesn't mean that I can't enjoy them falling over me. Craig knows what I'm saying? (Craig turns to Spinner in the back and takes his eyes off the rode.)
Craig: I'm trying to drive here so stop. . .
Marco: Watch out!
Craig: What? (Then he sees somebody in front of them and stops immediately, almost hitting them.)
J.T.: You idiots! We were walking there. If you hadn't noticed there was a stop sign! (Then they realized it was Manny, Emma and J.T.)
Craig: I'm sorry. I just took my eyes off the rode for a few seconds.
J.T.: A few seconds too many.
Marco: Sorry but where are you off to? (Emma steps in front of J.T. to stop his yelling.)
Emma: We were going to Paige's party until you nearly ran us over!
Marco: Do you want us to drive you there? We are headed there after we make a stop at Craig's house.
Spinner: Do we have to?
Craig: It's the least we can do.
Spinner: Fine but get in the back. I'm driving! (Craig rolls his eyes and gets in the back and when he gets inside Manny is sitting besides him and J.T. next to him. He quickly glances at her and then buckles his seatbelt.)
Manny: So what you need at your house? (She said trying to make conversation.)
Craig: Um the band canceled and we are playing instead so we need the instruments.
Manny: Oh so that must be exciting. Never heard you play besides that time I caught you singing that song to Ashley. (Which was a complete lie. I think they both knew of another time in a certain somebody's garage.)
Craig: Oh yeah you were there. Didn't notice!
Manny: Yeah I was but I was pretty sure you saw me. (She said and glanced at the road to break some of the tension and Craig just stared at her. He turned away when she looked at him. Marco turned around and noticed that Craig was paying a lot of attention on Manny.)
J.T.: So what kind of music do you play?
Jimmy: Rock (Then the car stopped because they were at Craig's house.)
Marco: Can we talk about something, Craig?
Craig: Sure what's up?
Marco: I know we've already discussed this but it still isn't clear. Do you like Manny?
Craig: I can't believe this! Get it clear now. I don't like her.
Marco: Then tell me why you have been looking at her non-stop the whole car ride?
Craig: That means nothing. I can look at anybody I choose to look at. Why do you even care?
Marco: I'm a friend who's concerned about another friend and Ashley. Are you sure about this?
Craig: Yeah. . . at least I think so. It's weird but I'd admit when I found out that Ashley wasn't coming I kept thinking about Manny but I don't like her.
Marco: That sounds like an issue you got to figure out before someone gets hurt but don't worry everything will be okay.
Craig: Nobody will get hurt because there's nothing to figure out. I love Ashley. Manny's moved on so I can too. That night with Manny was just a stupid fling and meant nothing.
Marco: What fling? Are you telling me you cheated on Ashley?
Craig: Did I say that because that's not what I meant?
Marco: I can believe you Craig. You need to tell Ashley about this.
Craig: No I don't. What she doesn't know won't hurt her. Anyways everything between Manny and me is over.
Marco: Fine do whatever you want. Come on we better go help Jimmy and Spinner. (Marco went to find Spinner and Jimmy.)
Craig: Marco!
Marco: What, Craig?
Craig: This is my business so don't tell anybody.
Marco: I won't.
Okay it's going to get good at least I think so and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Read and review so I can find out what you think. Next chapter will be about the party! Will Craig's band be any good? What will happen between Chris and Emma?
After school Manny and Emma had a few errands to run. So right after school ended the girls caught the bus and went to the nearest mall. It's felt like Emma's been at this place a lot lately but it's because she has. She didn't like the feeling she got while walking through the mall. When she passed the store where Alex stole the dress it reminded her of how Sean lied to her. She stopped herself from thinking about Sean and thought about tonight when she would see Chris. Manny noticed her daydreaming and she wasn't paying attention where she was walking and then she bumped into somebody. She was awakened and found herself on the ground.
Guy: Are you okay? You fell pretty hard. (The similar voice said while lending her a hand and then she realized who it was and began to blush. She was in awe.)
Emma: Uh yeah I'm fine. I don't know what came over me. Anyways thank you!
Guy: For bumping into you. It's kind of just happened. I've seen you around. Haven't I? Emma Nelson, right?
Emma: Yeah that's me. Chris Sharpe I do believe you are in my Drama class. Chris: Yeah, I am. Well I'll be seeing you around.
Emma: Ah ha you'll see me again. (Then as he was about to walk away Manny shouted.)
Manny: Hey, Chris are you going to Paige's party tonight? I'll be there and so will Emma.
Emma: Manny!
Chris: Uh yeah I'm going. Emma, I guess I'll be seeing you sooner than I thought. Bye girls! (He smiled at Emma and took off. She jumped up and down in excitement. She watched Chris until he wasn't visible anymore.)
Manny: Aren't you going to thank me?
Emma: Thanks but I was planning to ask him.
Manny: When? When you stopped staring at him.
Emma: It wasn't that obvious.
Manny: Yeah and I'm not hot.
Emma: Okay I wasn't going to ask him but I honestly forgot. I've never felt this way about anybody. The sight of him mesmerized me.
Manny: I think he feels the same way about you too. I saw him blush when he realized it was you and did you see that smile?
Emma: Oh I've seen that smile and can't stop thinking about it.
Manny: Please calm down before you drive me crazy. Come on we need to get you some shoes.
Emma: Why? I mean he already supposedly likes me. Why even wear shoes? I could go bare foot and he wouldn't even notice.
Manny: That is insane, Emma. A girl needs shoes to add to their outfit or else it wouldn't be perfect and advice Emma never settle for imperfection. If you won't buy them then I will so what do you say?
Emma: Heck yeah! I would be crazy to say no to free shoes.
Manny: We better hurry. There are only two more hours until party time.
Emma: Then let the countdown begin.
An hour later Hazel, Terri, Jimmy, Marco, Craig and Spinner arrived at Paige's house. Her parents had just left and now they have the house to themselves. Her parents wouldn't be home until tomorrow the morning so they didn't have to worry about timing.
Spinner: So where's the food? I'm so starving.
Paige: In the kitchen honeybee, but be a gentleman and save some food for the guests.
Spinner: I can't make any promises but for you I'll try. (The rest of the guys followed him into the kitchen.)
Hazel: You look great, Paige.
Paige: I know and both of you look good too.
Terri: That was almost a complement. Anyways do you need any help decorating?
Paige: I'm almost done but there are some more decorations in that box over there.
Hazel: So do you think there will be a big turnout?
Paige: Duh this is my party but here's the list of people if you want proof.
Hazel: Wow that's lots of people. Aren't you just a bit worried about the party?
Paige: No, not at all. I mean we have great decorations, food, a live band, dance floor and me.
Terri: Well this is going to be so much fun. I can't wait to dance. (Then the phone rang and Paige ran over to answer it even though wasn't expecting anybody.)
Paige: Hello there! Paige speaking!
Dylan: Hey sis!
Paige: Hey, weren't you supposed to be here already?
Dylan: That's just it I won't be coming and neither will the band.
Paige: Pause there! Did you just say that the band wasn't coming? Please tell me I heard you wrong.
Dylan: Wish I could but they canceled. I'm so sorry!
Paige: This can't be happening. Why would they cancel like this?
Dylan: Because they got a bigger gig and I need to drive them there but your party will be great.
Paige: No, it won't be. I'm ruined! Everything's ruined!
Dylan: Come down, sis. I got to go but I love you.
Paige: Ah hah same back to you.
She slowly walked into the party room wondering what she was going to do. She was disappointed and mad at her brother even though she knew it wasn't her fault that the band flaked out. Paige didn't know if the party would go on and thought how. Terri and Hazel decorated the room beautifully and now it was just a waste of time.
Hazel: So do you like what we did to the place?
Terri: Yeah we worked really hard but it was worth it.
Paige: You might regret just saying that because there will be no party. So you might want to just go home.
Terri: What are you trying to say?
Paige: There will be no party. That was Dylan on the phone and he just said that the band canceled. No band equals no music and no music equals no party. (Craig walks into the room with a half eaten bag of chips.)
Craig: There will be a band. So just don't worry because we will the your band, no charge.
Paige: That doesn't help so I'm still canceling the party. If anybody wants me I'll be in my room feeling sorry for myself.
Hazel: Paige, stop the drama. Have a little more faith in his band. They aren't that bad.
Spinner: Thanks Hazel. I think. Come on baby give us a chance and if we screw up which we won't then you can cancel.
Paige: Fine, but if all fails you're the ones to blame, not me!
Spinner: Well if I go down I'm taking you with me.
Paige: That was a joke, right?
Spinner: Yeah it was supposed to be so laugh.
Paige: And why?
Spinner: Because I love that laugh of yours.
Paige: Oh you're so adorable.
Spinner Yeah well I am but don't tell the guys. I won't hear the end of that.
Craig: We better get to my house to pick up the instruments.
Then they all headed to Craig's house. They were so excited. This chance doesn't just occur all the time. They were nervous because they didn't know what songs they were going to play but they did have some in mind. In the car they were just going on about playing and how much they were going to rock.
Craig: Guys, I'm glad that you are excited but could you just chill. We are in a car and I don't need you to cause an accident.
Spinner: I'll try but do you realize what this means?
Marco: That we are going to embarrass ourselves in front of the whole 10th grade. We aren't ready!
Spinner: You have to suck the excitement out everything, don't you? Anyways, it means that all the girls will after us once we play tonight. I mean girls love guys who have their own band.
Jimmy: But you already have a girlfriend you love her by all those nicknames you have for each other. It's sickening man but I need a girlfriend.
Spinner: I know but it doesn't mean that I can't enjoy them falling over me. Craig knows what I'm saying? (Craig turns to Spinner in the back and takes his eyes off the rode.)
Craig: I'm trying to drive here so stop. . .
Marco: Watch out!
Craig: What? (Then he sees somebody in front of them and stops immediately, almost hitting them.)
J.T.: You idiots! We were walking there. If you hadn't noticed there was a stop sign! (Then they realized it was Manny, Emma and J.T.)
Craig: I'm sorry. I just took my eyes off the rode for a few seconds.
J.T.: A few seconds too many.
Marco: Sorry but where are you off to? (Emma steps in front of J.T. to stop his yelling.)
Emma: We were going to Paige's party until you nearly ran us over!
Marco: Do you want us to drive you there? We are headed there after we make a stop at Craig's house.
Spinner: Do we have to?
Craig: It's the least we can do.
Spinner: Fine but get in the back. I'm driving! (Craig rolls his eyes and gets in the back and when he gets inside Manny is sitting besides him and J.T. next to him. He quickly glances at her and then buckles his seatbelt.)
Manny: So what you need at your house? (She said trying to make conversation.)
Craig: Um the band canceled and we are playing instead so we need the instruments.
Manny: Oh so that must be exciting. Never heard you play besides that time I caught you singing that song to Ashley. (Which was a complete lie. I think they both knew of another time in a certain somebody's garage.)
Craig: Oh yeah you were there. Didn't notice!
Manny: Yeah I was but I was pretty sure you saw me. (She said and glanced at the road to break some of the tension and Craig just stared at her. He turned away when she looked at him. Marco turned around and noticed that Craig was paying a lot of attention on Manny.)
J.T.: So what kind of music do you play?
Jimmy: Rock (Then the car stopped because they were at Craig's house.)
Marco: Can we talk about something, Craig?
Craig: Sure what's up?
Marco: I know we've already discussed this but it still isn't clear. Do you like Manny?
Craig: I can't believe this! Get it clear now. I don't like her.
Marco: Then tell me why you have been looking at her non-stop the whole car ride?
Craig: That means nothing. I can look at anybody I choose to look at. Why do you even care?
Marco: I'm a friend who's concerned about another friend and Ashley. Are you sure about this?
Craig: Yeah. . . at least I think so. It's weird but I'd admit when I found out that Ashley wasn't coming I kept thinking about Manny but I don't like her.
Marco: That sounds like an issue you got to figure out before someone gets hurt but don't worry everything will be okay.
Craig: Nobody will get hurt because there's nothing to figure out. I love Ashley. Manny's moved on so I can too. That night with Manny was just a stupid fling and meant nothing.
Marco: What fling? Are you telling me you cheated on Ashley?
Craig: Did I say that because that's not what I meant?
Marco: I can believe you Craig. You need to tell Ashley about this.
Craig: No I don't. What she doesn't know won't hurt her. Anyways everything between Manny and me is over.
Marco: Fine do whatever you want. Come on we better go help Jimmy and Spinner. (Marco went to find Spinner and Jimmy.)
Craig: Marco!
Marco: What, Craig?
Craig: This is my business so don't tell anybody.
Marco: I won't.
Okay it's going to get good at least I think so and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Read and review so I can find out what you think. Next chapter will be about the party! Will Craig's band be any good? What will happen between Chris and Emma?