Crushing Emeralds

Chapter One

“Emerald, breakfast is ready.”

My eyes refuse to open as I hear my mother’s voice fill the whole house. Swinging my legs over the edge of the mattress, I slowly slide out in effort of making my way to the kitchen. A slight grumble of annoyance flows out between my chapped lips and my eyes refuse to open fully, which makes my retreat down the stairs hazardous.

The zombie like shuffle of my socked feet pick up the pace when the smell of frying batter tease my nostrils. It’s only then that my eyes open a little wider and my feet actually lift off the ground when I take a step forward. The magic of pancakes.

The scrapping of the stool against the tile flooring that I pull out from the table startle not just my mother but me as well. A small nagging ache that matches the pace of my pulse threatens my day. I drop my head onto the counter top, my crossed arms providing little comfort. A low moan fills the awkward silence.

Headache, headache go away, don’t come back another day.

Without even looking at my mother, I know she’s looking me over with concern. Noises that are incapable of being described are muffled as I push my arms closer around my head to block out anything dreadful she has to say. However, all the pressure in the world can’t block out her nurturing voice. “You know school is starting tomorrow maybe you should go to bed early tonight,” she says in that motherly way that makes you want to gag.

She rests her hand on my shoulder for a moment. When the clink of the plate sounds against the tabletop, I know she placed a nice heaping plate of pancakes in front of me. Her fingers snag on a snarl hidden in my honey curls as she slides her hand away. The piercing pain on my scalp causes my body to jerk as a sharp breath is sucked in between gritted teeth. The headache that was threatening me has now progressed exponentially.

After catching my mother’s gaze as she backs away, I begin to ponder how my appearance no doubt scares her. Hell, I’m sure once I get the courage to see my own reflection I might even scare myself. Thoughts of what I could look like fill my mind, but in actuality, it’s probably much worse. Messy tangled hair, dark raccoon rings circling my eyes, and frumpy pajamas that have holes in them only because I love them so much and can’t part with them have made up my summer vacation wardrobe and now it’s coming to an end.

Shaking myself from the hellhole of despair, I buried my dignity in; I reach for the plate of sticky maple cakes in hopes of brightening the day that lies ahead. The bright sunlight that pours in through the kitchen windows partially blinds me, but I could care less once I’ve had my first bite.

After the first swallow, which is followed by a groan of satisfaction, I finally voice my first actual words of the day. “If you must know, I realize it’s going to be the first day of my senior year more than you are aware of. I just been having these weird dreams and it makes it a little tough to sleep. What I need is to stop by The Tech Shop,” a pucker of my lower lip and a quick bat of eyelashes is my best and only defense in getting approval.

“Emerald, again; how much stuff have you bought just for that one class?” My mother lectures with her hand on her hip as well as her eyebrows raised with skepticism.

“This one class is some peoples’ life and source of income. I’m at the top, lead news anchor. This class as you call it,” putting quote marks around the word ‘class’ along with unnecessary emphasis on the word, “is giving me a scholarship, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket for my continued education. Unless you want me to live with you until I am old and gray.” I debate matching her posture and stern face.

Actually putting some thought into what I just said, I blurt out something…anything before she can reply, because knowing her she would prefer if I did live with her until one of us dies first. “Don’t answer that. I’ll call Evan and Kordelia to go to the mall with me to keep me grounded, after I finish eating,” and end the conversation by shoving my face with more food.

After I finish my plate and put it in the dishwasher, I give my mother a small peck on the cheek at her not disagreeing with me. With peace finding its place between us, I make a dash for my room before she can change her mind. It wouldn’t be the first time she agreed to something and two minutes later take her words back.

Halfway, to the staircase her words force me to come to a halt. I cross my fingers that she’s not coming to her senses in not letting me go. “I’ve got to go to the shop later this afternoon, so I probably won’t be home when you get back. However, I’ll have lunch waiting for you in the fridge.” What she’s really implying is not to fill up on junk from the mall, but at least it’s not a rejection.

Ah, the sacred shop, my mother’s flower shop, Flourish. She started Flourish ten years ago when she wanted something more out of life. There are several flower shops in town, but my mother’s store specializes in unique flowers. Flowers that are hard to come by. With hundreds of weddings and proms under her belt, she has had time to be creative and attract attention.

Since I was little, I had my days in Flourish. I would pot plants that she got shipped over and pick flowers that she had in stock to create arrangements. Everybody including my mother always assumed that I would take over the shop, no questions asked. Nobody thought that I would have dreams of my own, dreams of being a doctor but then reality sets in and let’s face it Journalism is giving me my ticket out of this town. I guess I should be thankful that I have something other than flourish at least.

With a quick wave of my hand in my mother’s direction, I skip up to my room, grab my phone and call Kordelia. The conversation lasts two minutes, probably because she has to get ready and trust me it will take her two hours to finish. Kordelia who demands to be called Kordie has been my very best friend for years even though everything about us from appearance to personality is entirely different.

As for Evan, I open my bedroom window and grab some pebbles out of a glass jar that I keep on my desk. The screen outside my window has been deliberately removed for a few years now for this very reason. A flick of my wrist sends the tiny pebble that I dug out soaring across the small gap between my house and the neighbors. The clink of the rock hitting the fragile windowpane makes my insides shutter every time.

However, no matter how edgy the noise makes me I still need to get the occupant of the room’s attention. Without pausing, I continue to toss pebble after pebble until the dark blue curtains toss open revealing a half-naked groggy male, something I didn’t expect. Nervousness shakes my head as I try to look anywhere else other than the cocky boy known as Evan.

You see Evan is the football player heartthrob of West High School. He plays up his sandy blonde slightly wavy hair, dreamy blue eyes, and much-defined body trying to turn as many heads as possible.

Casually, the window rolls open. The flexing of his biceps turns my flustered attitude into an annoyed one. Always trying to impress someone, I think to myself.

“What time is it?” His rough sleepy voice mumbles as he still flexes his arms as he rubs at his eyes, “It’s so bright,” he continues as his arm goes from rubbing to blocking his eyes, nonetheless not losing the definition of his much-prized muscle.

“Who cares, be ready in two hours. You’re accompanying Kordie and me to the mall. No refusing, no grumbling.” I shut the window and close my own dark purple curtains before the conversation goes on any longer and for the mere fact of Evan’s bare chest staring back at me.

Bringing up the local news channel website in efforts of finding out what the temperature is actually going to reach today is the most important thought on my mind right now. Like the days leading up to today glorious Wausau, Wisconsin will be humid and sunny...meaning that tonight it will rain cats and dogs…again. We don’t get this weather for long since the lengthiest season is winter yuck, so when it’s warm and sunny you fill your day with as much as possible.

After I pick out a pair of ripped denim short shorts and a pink floral sleeveless blouse, my desk calls out to me because a list of things to get at The Tech Shop needs to be created. When it gets close to when Evan would barge over to get me, I hang my head in despair due to the fact that my face needs a pick me up and this ratty hair needs to be smoothed out.

It only take a few minutes to make my unnerving appearance into something more likeable. However, just as there was a thunderous pounding on the front door, my fingers just finished curling around the handle of my purse.

Jumping the last two steps of the staircase, I make my way to the front door. “Right on time.” I mumble to myself. With a quick yell to my mother that we’re leaving, I shut the door behind me. However, it’s not before Evan pops his head in the house greeting her with a yell towards the kitchen. His abrupt uncalled for action almost got his head slammed in the closing gap of the door. The loudness of his voice makes my eardrums ring.

One foot after the other, I across the lawn to Evan’s prized possession, his 2018 red Dodge Charger. With the shiny red handle of the passenger door in hand a puff of air escapes through my pursed lips. Every time I look at this car, I can’t help but to roll my eyes with irritation.

Once Evan hops into the driver’s seat with his cockiness one would understand why annoyance and irritation are the accompanying emotions when looking at this car. He thinks he’s hot stuff in his sports car in this small city. On an even duller note, his ego is so oversized that it has to hang out the window due to lack of room inside the car.

Conversation doesn’t exist on the way to pick Kordie up. As if we would be able to hear each other over the rock music that blasts out of the speakers. The bass gets so loud that the words of the song become absent and the seat vibrates making my chest cavity rumble.

Thankfully, we pull into Kordie’s driveway within a few minutes. The music remains on whatever number he keeps it at causing the blare of his horn to get lost in the mix. Although, Kordie is always at the ready and she literally comes running out before the first horn is finished being blown.

She throws herself in the backseat and Evan backs out of the driveway without patience. I barely get to wave at a smiling younger version of Kordie who stands in the open living room window. Veronica looks just like her older sister Kordelia, but subtle differences make you think otherwise. I can’t help but to treat her as a little child though because she looks much younger than her actual age.

Kordie being typical Kordie fills in the awkward silence bringing the attention towards her. “Turn that crap down I have something to say,” she yells leaning over the front seats.

Evan moans in protest, but obeys her orders.

“Usually I don’t remember my dreams, but I can still see it all playing behind my eyes like a movie, like right at this moment.” Kordie is somewhat of a drama queen and plays everything up.

“I woke up and actually still felt the emotions that I was feeling in the dream. Evan, let's start with you; because let's face it you were present. We were having a night out on the town and there was a serious accident. Blood everywhere, of course we end up at the hospital and Emerald is the ER doctor. Dr. Welles here lets you die, like flat out just stands there and watches you bleed to death. I know, I know Emerald would never freeze up like that and let alone let you die.”

I put my hand over my mouth to cover a yawn and tune out the conversation Kordie is supposedly having with us, but really is talking like we’re not even present. Let’s face it I love to hear my friends talk about how I’m going to be some big time doctor someday, but Kordie’s stories are kind of outrageous sometimes more outrageous than my personal hopes and dreams.

“I mean Emerald is not even a doctor yet, but I’m pretty sure she would be excellent, right Emerald…”

“Yup, I am totally listening” I reply, but lying of course.

Kordie continues right on as if she didn’t need me to voice a response, “That’s kind of why the conversation this morning was short and sweet. I was still mad at your dream self. You let Evan die!” She finished with what seemed like was a load off her shoulders with a physical shrug to add dramatics.

I open my mouth about to tell her that I have been having some strange dreams myself, but decide not to bring it up because mine are more like nightmares. All I can really remember is a wolf and blood stained grass. I don’t need to sound crazy therefore my lips remain sealed.

We arrive at the mall and split up almost instantly after we enter. “Kordie why don’t you go to that sleazy store you love and bring Evan with you,” I say jokingly, “I’m going to The Tech Shop and need full concentration without his doubt blocking my judgment.” I give Evan the stare down.

His pleading puppy dog brown eyes bore into my unsympathetic gaze as Kordie drags him along talking about how some fishnet getup arrived yesterday that she has been waiting for. Anxiety washes over me as I walk as fast as I can to my desired destination. I walk in with a sigh of relief and head to the desk organizer section. Grabbing a few things that are necessary to keep my work desk at school clean and organized, unlike it usually is.

Time seems to come to a standstill as I stare at all the stuff that lines shelves and shelves. With no idea how much time has passed, I begrudgingly walk away and make my way to the checkout.

“Ms. Welles, here again?” Tyler the sales clerk asks. Tyler has helped me out every time I have come in here looking for something to make class easier since my freshman year.

I used to be overwhelmed with the whole being on camera issue, but with time, I adjusted. He also has asked me out to dinner about thirteen times and counting. He’s sweet, a total babe and a freshman at the university, but he helps me with my technical troubles. I see it as a professional relationship and it would cross a line if we went on a date.

It takes me a few extra seconds to drop the items that fill arms on the counter. His stare makes me somewhat self-conscious. Nonetheless, he starts to ring my items up almost immediately. “So what great stories do you have in mind for the show this year? I remember your crazy political ideas and cooking sessions, what’s next.” Tyler asks.

I almost forgot that he’s an avid viewer of the production. I notice that there’s another sales clerk helping a guy who looks to be around my age, but not familiar. As I looked the other employee over I see him arch his eyebrow in agitation as if he’s hearing Tyler talk about the show or myself again and is incredibly bothered, which I wouldn’t be surprised if it was true because I do stop in the shop at least once a week. The clerk did look me over a few times as well, as if he needed to digest what I looked like to have a visual picture as he listens to stories about me in the future.

“Well I’ve had all summer to think of some things and trust me I have a list. The first day of senior year starts tomorrow and then I have to leave the show obviously. I’ll miss it though; I have some things that I’m determined to fit in to make a lasting impression. You know once it’s over I won’t be coming in here so much if at all Tyler.” Keeping a decent friendly conversation without spilling too much is how I always handled conversations with Tyler. His prodding eyes make me think stalker and the less he know the better.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but what show are you in?” the other customer at the counter asks. “My name is Blake by the way.”

“Well Blake, I’m Emerald Welles,” I extend my hand and he grabs it firmly, “and I’m the news anchor for Eye of the Warrior, West High School’s morning show. You can certainly check it out for yourself like Tyler here does. We will be starting to air new shows next week; channel three at 7:50 in the morning.”

I notice a hint of jealousy on dear Tyler’s face as we exchange money. Take a hint number one has been served I say to myself. Refusing to make the tension before us any thicker, I grab my bag and walk away. The mummer of Tyler’s hushed voice draws my attention. He tells Blake that I’m somewhat of a firecracker, that he has asked me out on a date repeatedly that resulted in a rejection each time.

A large smile grows on my face by the time I reach the main walkway. Take a hint number two has been successfully dished, Emerald Wells is unobtainable. I find Evan staring at me bored out of his mind on the benches where old people sit to rest.

“More than just fishnets I assume.” I ask him as I pull him to his feet and walk to the store Kordie is burying her head in. We find her standing in front of the three-way mirror examining every curve of her body. The outfit that she’s debating on is so revealing that I don’t know if she will even be allowed to wear it to school.

Differences part one of myself and my best friend…fashion sense. Kordie’s fashion sense is trashy and artsy. My style on the other hand is eclectic and modern, except when I want to be comfortable then it’s on the verge of homelessness.

Evan slaps his hand to his head repeatedly and starts grumbling, “She’s still on the same outfit from when I left. I was sitting on the bench for ten minutes before I saw you flirting with that dark haired dude.” A lecturing tone fills his voice as I refuse to look at him at such a preposterous accusation.

However my ego gets the best of me and I face off against Evan, “What! I was merely explaining who I was, because he asked. It’s called being polite and by the way his name is Blake. If you want to get all jealous than you need to worry about the sales clerk Tyler.” I nod my head down to confirm and to let him know I’m not going to justify myself anymore.

For once in a very long time, I got extremely nervous with the mention of anybody. It just happens to be a boy I met only a matter of minutes ago, but…lord help me I’ve turned into the overreacting school girl. What’s wrong with me. I’m starting a fight with a close friend over silliness. I mean he didn’t say that he would be going to West as a new student and he looks to old to be a freshman so there won’t be any bumping into each other.

“Kordie,” getting myself centered again with a harsh strictness claiming my voice, “Evan is going to take me home, because we have a big day tomorrow. I’ll call your mother to pick you up in an hour. Okay.” I pat her on the shoulder and leave the dreadful store.

“Don’t worry Evan I have left her here before, she’ll be fine. By the time her mother gets here, she will have made a decision. The sales clerks here are closer to her than her actual sister.” I say to a silent Evan who's looking off in an opposite direction. I’m not even sure if he’s listening to me.

Out of the blue, he wraps his arm around me while we walk through the mall to the closest doors to where we parked. He keeps on bending down to whisper things in my ear, really stupid things. Like to list a few: football practice after school tomorrow, Kordie looked ridiculous in that outfit, and I hope you wouldn’t watch me die. He remained doing that all the way to the car, which left me utterly baffled.

We each went to open our own car door and I was halfway in as Evan finally admits what’s bothering him, “I don’t like that guy.”

Now I’m totally confused, from his useless banter to his hatred to this imaginary figure. I’m completely lost. Although, his eyes aren’t staring at me, they’re looking at something off to my right. Curiosity makes me follow his stare that leads directly to Blake by his car watching us.

I wave with a small smirk before I drop myself into my seat while throwing my bag in the back. Evan on the other hand remains outside with his foot resting on the inside ledge of the car. Leaning over to tug on his jeans giving him a gentle gesture of how we should be leaving, he receives the hint and gets inside.

It’s not until he’s backing up when some come harsh words come out of my mouth, “Macho much, please Evan act civil. You just met him, no wait you didn’t even met him you just saw him for the first time.”

Anger keeps my words bottled up inside, my body stiff the whole way home. With a wandering mind I put two and two together, Evan made it look as if we were a couple in the mall because he saw Blake following us to his own car that so happened to be a few down from where we parked.

Evan pulls into his driveway and turns towards me, his hand resting on the back of my seat, “Emerald, I wanted to ask…” He starts but I don’t want this conversation to start again. I have refused Evan’s offers of dating multiple times, because I don’t want to ruin our friendship. Yet, he still doesn’t understand even when I’m pissed at him, totally oblivious.

“I can’t Evan, not now.” His usually well-oiled car door decides to squeal as it rushes open from my forceful push. With one leg already out as I said my words, I don’t wait for a reply before finishing my retreat out the awful vehicle.

My green eyes stayed focused on the front door as I stomp my way across the front yards. Over exaggerating my gestures, because I know Evan smugly sits there and stares at me, I thrust the key into the lock with as much dramatics as possible. I might not be Kordie, but I can still act like a drama queen when I want too.