Emma & Malcom Peabody
Chapter 21: The secret admirer
Emma sighed as she was walking to her classroom. Unluckily, she hadn't to put her Valentine's card in one of the boxes yet. Why? Well, she had decided that it was better if anyone was watching her... she wanted to keep her card as a secret, perhaps because she wasn't sure about her feelings about her classmate yet.
Sure, Liam was everything any girl could wish for a guy, and that obviously affected her. His perfect black hair was so bright and soft! And his eyes... oh, boy, he had the most beautiful blue eyes that she had ever seen before! But... he was never going to pay attention to a girl like her.
The blonde girl shook her head. Why should she care? She was eight years old! She shouldn't care about those stuff, she wasn't like her brother or John, who seemed to be interested on couples. Also, she wasn't sure about her feelings towards him either. There was a strange thing inside of her that was all the time telling her to stay away from him. But they could be of because of her fears about that popular guy. Which popular guy falls for a wearing-glasses-nerd?
"Great, Emma, as always, you cheer yourself up" she thought getting into the classroom, wishing to find an excuse to not leave any card in any of those dull boxes.
She let her card on Liam's box that was completely full of cards. And looked surprised to one box behind his one, which had even more cards than her crush: John Williams.
-Another popular guy-she rolled her eyes and started to walk away, but then stopped.
She turned around to see two boxes, one of them had cards to the top and the other one looked empty. One of them said "Emma Peabody" and the other one "Malcom Peabody". Curiosity was starting to kill her, and she walked to those boxes.
Watching those boxes reminded her of how many differences she actually had with her brother. Oh, how much she wished being like him sometimes! He had all the girls he wanted, everyone wanted to be his friend and he was pretty handsome, and still, he always looked so unhappy! If she could only have one real friend... she would be happy enough for the rest of her life! But well... that was another thing she wouldn't understand yet.
She went closer to her box and looked surprised at one little note that was inside.
"Happy Valentine's day, Emma!
I really wanted to remind you how special, unique, smart and amazing you are.
Have a nice day!
I will always like you,
Your secret admirer"
The blonde girl smiled for the first time in that day and hugged the note.
She didn't care who was writing those notes, even though she wished with all her heart that it was a guy that she could be able to like back. But the best things about those letters were that they gave her hope, the hope that she needed to think that, perhaps, someone could be interested on her. Maybe, just maybe, she wasn't destined to be alone forever.
-Good morning, Mr. Peabody-said Ally getting into Sherman's laboratory.
The red-haired man was extremely focused, watching a skateboard that was surprisingly floating. He shivered in surprise and turned around as if he didn't know who she was.
-Oh, it's just you-he sighed.-What are you doing here? Don't you know that this is a laboratory?-he asked raising an eyebrow.-You cannot be here-
She looked down, apologizing.-Sorry, Mr. Peabody-
He stared at her and then looked away. Sometimes being called "Mr. Peabody" affected him. Well, he called his father like that for more than ten years... it was really weird to be called in that way too, even though he always knew that moment was going to come.
He had never got used to be called in that way, though, he usually said "call me Sherman, please", but, as the next Peabody's Industries boss, he was supposed to keep the formality between his employees.
-Never mind-he only said focusing again in his skateboard. He needed to prove it, but how? He couldn't just get on the skateboard and use it inside his own laboratory!
-Can I ask something?-Ally said touching her hair nervously
-Mmm... Sure?-he said more as a question than as an affirmation statement
-How did you make the skateboard float?-
-Well, perhaps the word scientist and physical will mean something to you?-he asked sarcastically
-Really funny-she rolled her eyes.-It's just amazing!-she touched the space between the skateboard and the floor, it was literally flying! Like a flying carpet!
-Not big deal really, the idea isn't new. It has been in many movies, actually-he cleared his throat.-The difference is that I'm not using visual effects-
She smiled.-You know, I love skateboards, and I have one! But I thought that this was impossible-
-Not really, I'm trying to use a new antigravity method that could be used in some objects... if it works with a skateboard, it will work with everything, even cars-she glared at him.-Ok, and I love futuristic movies, happy? But in my defense, who doesn't?-he finally admitted laughing
-Yes! Which kid didn't dream with a floating car?-
-That's exactly what I mean!-he said excited but then stopped.-Wait, do you know how to ride on a skateboard?-
-Are you serious? I was born riding one!-
-Interesting...-he looked at her and at the skateboard a few times.-Would you like to try the skateboard?-
Malcom was so disappointed. He and John had been searching for the secret admirer's hand-writing in every single folder of all their classmates! But they had found nothing! That could only mean one thing... the secret admirer wasn't from their classroom.
After checking the folders one more time, they went out of the room.
-Don't worry, we'll find him-said John looking at his friend's face
The boy gave him a smile. But his smile disappeared when he saw one despicable classmate getting closer to them.
-Hello, John-greeted Jessica with a wide smile
-Mmm... Hi there-he said not really interested on her
-Do you remember the science project for next week? The one about the universe and planets and the Milkshake Way?-
He stared at her confused before making a smirk.-You mean the Milky Way?-
-Yeah, that thing-she said a bit humiliated.-Would you like to do it with me?-
The brown-haired boy looked at the sides, asking for help, but Malcom didn't seem able to notice his help call. The thing was that he actually needed a partner for that project because Malcom was doing it with Emma and everyone had already got a partner... but Jessica?
-Please-begged the girl blinking her eyes as fast as she could
-Ugh... Fine-he decided
-Perfect! Just give me your address!-
-I don't have anything to write on here-
-Oh, never mind-she gave him a piece of paper that was inside of her pocket and a pen.-You can also write the day and the time when we should meet.
"She is always prepared, oh gosh..." he thought a bit scared.
-Can we arrange for next Saturday at 2 p.m.?-
-Sure!-
The kid wrote his address and the date on the paper and gave it to her.
-How has the investigation been?-asked Emma to Malcom and John as they were sitting with her on the lunch room
-Well... your admirer isn't from our classroom-answered her brother making her hopes go down
-Are you sure?-she asked sadly
-Yep, we checked out every single hand-writing and anyone was from your admirer-confirmed John giving her the first note back
-I'm sorry, sis-said the red-haired kid putting his hand on her shoulder
-It's ok...-she smiled.-You did your best, guys, thank you anyway-
-I still don't understand this guy!-opined Malcom.-What's the point on being corny to a girl if she doesn't know who you are? The only reason why a boy is corny is to impress the girl thinking that he's sensitive!-
-Well, perhaps not all the guys are like you-commented his sister
-They are all...-he reposed.-At least the best ones-he said pointing himself proudly
-Not everyone is interested on the looks!-
He laughed.-Sure they are! That's what everyone say: the important thing is the personality, but let's be honest, the first thing you see is the face!-
She opened her mouth but then closed it, not really having an answer to that.
-See?-the kid continued with a winner smile
-Perhaps it was only a joke or something like that-opined John going back to the point and ignoring the siblings' argument.-It didn't write again-
-Actually...-muttered Emma taking out a piece of paper.-It wrote again-
The both went closer to the note, almost fighting to be the first one on seeing what the admirer wrote this time, and Malcom won.
-Ugh! Ew!-Said Malcom dropping the note.-That's too corny for my eyes!-
-Should I remind you your "Introducing me" cover?-asked the blonde girl with a smirk
-You, cruel nerd-he commented
John stared at the both completely confused but then continued reading, deciding not to get into their "stuff".-Wow, this guy is really in love with you-
-Or it's the best joker ever-muttered Malcom receiving a punch on the arm by his sister.-Ouch! Hey, you're stronger than what I thought!-
-Thank you-
-Ok, I'd rather you two never speaking to each other-commented John.-Talking about that, you never told me why you two are friends now-
-We told you...-said Malcom folding his arms
-Family therapy? Seriously?-the brown-haired boy glared at them and didn't notice than someone passed towards him and took the secret admirer's note
-Look at this...-said Jessica with an evil smile
-Hey! Give it back!-ordered Malcom running to her.-It's not yours-he said trying to take the paper, but the girl was always avoiding him
Jessica inspected the hand-writing and got curious about one fact: she could bet that she knew that hand-writing! It looked so familiar! If she could only remember from who was it!
-It's not your either by what I see-she said inspecting the note one more time.-I can't believe it... Emma has a secret admirer? Guys have worst taste day after day...-she commented laughing.-But well... we all deserve to think that someone likes us, don't we?-she said cutting the note into hundreds of little pieces with his hands
-NO!-Screamed Emma leaning in the floor desperate.-No, no-she continued muttering, almost crying.
-That's it, the world is back to the normality again!-Jessica said satisfied and proud of herself
Emma stared at her. Why did she hate her so much? What was her problem? What did she ever do to her? Those questions were starting to drop out of her head. She just couldn't handle that situation anymore, it was so unfair!
Her anger started to grow more and more, but she felt so small in front of Jessica. The blonde girl wasn't like her brother: she wasn't brave enough to tell that spoiled girl what she thought.
-What have I done to you?-asked Emma slowly
Jessica looked at her heartless. What has she done to her? How come has she asked something as stupid as that! As if she didn't know that she was the most beautiful girl at school that all the guys were in love with her! That she was also the smartest and that her family did worry about her! Yes, Emma was perfect, and what Jessica hated most about her was that she acted as if she didn't know...
-You know it-answered Jessica angrily, but with a surprising serious tone. Was she being serious?
The popular girl tried to walk away but John stopped her.
-You know what? I'd rather do the project alone than with you!-
-Uh? Can you two guys tell me when did you start to care about this nerd?-
-I'd rather be with a nerd than with a witch!-exclaimed Malcom, who wouldn't miss a fight with her under any circumstance.-Who do you think you are to do this?-
-I'm the best person here!-Jessica growled walking away muttering insults angrily
-Are you ok?-asked the ginger boy sitting beside his sister, who was collecting the papers
-No...-She said.-Do you know what she has against me?-
-Not really, she's just a bully, Em, she just enjoys making suffer to other people-
Jessica was so upset! Malcom and John were supporting her all the time! It wasn't surprising coming from the "good-soul-Johnny"... but Malcom? He always seemed to hate her! They were siblings! They were supposed to hate each other! Why they were getting on so well lately?
-Ugh... they'll pay me-she thought out loud and took a paper from her pocket, which had the John's address in. She was decided to break it and throw it to the first trash can she'd see... but when she looked at the hand-writing she recognized it.
-Oh, no... John?-she asked angrily to herself.-Why is that little nerd between me and everything I want? This day couldn't get worst...-but then an idea came to her.
She looked at the lunch room's clock and smirked. It was 1.30 p.m.
Emma went to her locker feeling so tired of everything. She hated so much Jessica, and school, she was even starting to hate that secret admirer of hers. Why couldn't he just show up? Why couldn't he just tell her who he was? She needed someone to be with! Someone who really liked her, not just because they time-traveled together or because it needed the homework for next week! Was it too much to ask for someone like that?
She opened the locker and another note fell from it. It was shorter than the usual ones, but it had the same hand-writing. Well, at least the most important information...
"Meet me in the classroom at 2 p.m.
Your secret admirer"
The blonde girl gasped and looked at the clock that was on the school's hall. It was 1.59 p.m.!
Quickly, she ran to her classroom. There were millions of thoughts passing over her head, as how will he look like, or why he had to keep his identity as a secret. But the biggest thought on her head was "will I like him back?" To these highs from the game, she wasn't even expecting Liam, but she wanted him to be a person who she could count on.
She got to the classroom and opened its door.
She didn't even have time to breathe, or to look around, or even to think... because in the same moment in which she opened the door, a giant bucket full of water fell over her, making her close her eyes.
When she opened them, she saw Jessica and many other popular girls from her classroom that started to throw her eggs and flour.
-Stop!-Emma screamed useless because they seemed really determined
Worst of all, when they finished, they started to take photos to their joke.
The blonde girl started to cry but, as she was already wet, their classmates didn't notice it.
-See? No one would ever like you!-screamed Jessica as a reality, but it sounded as a threat because of all the anger that was inside of her voice
-Who will think it'll come the day in which the smart Emma Peabody was going to fall to a joke like this one?-they started to laugh
They continued saying some mean things, but Emma didn't care anymore. She felt defeated. Jessica found her only wish and use it against her. That's all. She won. She wasn't like her father or her grandfather, she hadn't been brave enough to face Jessica before and it all ended like that. No matter how many times she could defeat Robin Hood or Christopher Columbus, she wasn't able to defeat a spoiled girl of her same age who deserved the worst things ever.
-Jessica is every time worst...-opined Malcom walking beside his best friend.-Have you seen how she broke the note?-
-I know right, she's definitely nuts...-John added
The ring bell rang and the boys looked at each other annoyed: it was time to go back to classes.
-We should stop that clock someday-proposed the red-haired one
-You know what? I'm in if you do that-
The both laughed and went to the classroom but when they opened the door, they saw the most unexpected thing ever.
-EMMA?-they asked at the same time completely shocked. She was wet and full of eggs and flour! What happened to her?
The girl looked at her friends sadly and ran away from there.
-Oh, our little girl didn't want to meet her secret admirer?-asked Jessica without even following to her enemy
-What did you do to her?!-asked Malcom extremely upset pulling her
-I told her that her secret admirer was waiting for her and the silly girl came...-
-You! Witch!-
-Stop faking! You hate her too!-
-No! She's my sister and this time...-he got closer to her.-I'm gonna take care of this-he said before running after his sister
-You know what Jessica?-asked John.-You win, but I'm not sure about what you actually won-he left the room too
-I knew it! I knew it! I knew it was a whole joke! I'll find the person that had been writing those notes and I'll punch it-was exclaiming Malcom angrily while John was trying to catch him up.
At that moment John knew it. He didn't know how Jessica did it, but she discovered who Emma's secret admirer was and she wanted to destroy him by making Malcom mad at the poor guy.-Malcom, wait!-
-Wait what? Emma needs us and...-
-I am her secret admirer!-exclaimed John
There you have it... John is Emma's secret admirer! I bet many of you have guessed it because I'm bad at keeping these things as a mystery, so yeah, you were right! Now do you understand the title of the last chapter? John was her secret admirer and neither Malcom nor Emma had noticed it.
But now the big question is: What is going to happen between John and Malcom? And how will Emma react if she discovers it?
Find out on the next chapter!
Thanks for reading and for supporting the story guys! :3