Love by Fate

Sneaky Meetup

Daphne tried to focus on her classes the next day, but her mind kept wandering to Emmason. What would they talk about? Would it be awkward? She felt a mix of excitement and nerves, like a kid sneaking out to play.

When the bell rang, Daphne quickly gathered her things and slipped out of the classroom. Emmason was waiting by the gate, a smile on his face.

"Hey!" he said, falling into step beside her. "Ready for some juice?"

Daphne smiled, feeling a little shy. "Yeah, I'm ready."

They walked to a nearby café, chatting about school and music. Daphne found herself relaxing, Emmason was easy to talk to. He listened, made jokes, and seemed genuinely interested in her life.

As they sipped their juice, Emmason asked, "So, how's Natasha? Marion's told me a bit about her."

Daphne's heart swelled. "She's great. A handful, but I love her to bits."

Emmason laughed. "I'm sure. Marion's like a mom, isn't she?"

Daphne nodded, feeling grateful for her sister. "Yeah, she's the best."

The conversation flowed, and before Daphne knew it, they were laughing and joking like old friends. Emmason walked her home, dropping her at the corner of her street.

"Thanks for the juice," Daphne said, feeling a little shy again.

Emmason smiled. "No problem. Maybe we can do it again?"

Daphne nodded, her heart fluttering. "Yeah, sure."

As she watched him walk away, Daphne felt a spark of happiness. Maybe this was the start of something good.

But as she turned to head home, she saw Marion watching from the window, her expression stormy.

Uh-oh.

Daphne's heart sank as she met Marion's gaze. She knew that look – it was a mix of disappointment and worry. Daphne took a deep breath and walked inside, trying to prepare herself for the conversation.

Marion was waiting in the living room, her arms crossed. "So, how was your day?" she asked, her tone neutral.

Daphne shrugged, trying to play it cool. "It was fine. Just hung out with Emmason for a bit."

Marion's expression didn't change, but Daphne could see the tension in her shoulders. "I saw you. I told you to be careful, Daphne."

Daphne sighed, feeling defensive. "I was just grabbing juice with him, Marion. Nothing happened."

Marion sat down, her eyes pleading. "Daphne, I know you think I'm being overprotective, but Emmason's not like other guys. He's... complicated."

Daphne rolled her eyes. "What does that even mean? You're not telling me anything."

Marion rubbed her temples, a frustrated gesture. "I just don't want you to get hurt, okay? You're my sister, and I care about you."

Daphne softened, realizing Marion was coming from a good place. "I know, Marion. But I can take care of myself. Okay?"

Marion nodded, but Daphne could see the doubt in her eyes.

The rest of the evening was tense, with Daphne and Marion avoiding each other's gaze. Daphne knew they would have to talk more about it, but for now, she just wanted to enjoy the memory of her time with Emmason.

As she drifted off to sleep, Daphne couldn't help but wonder what Marion was hiding about Emmason. And what did he really want from her?

The next morning, Daphne woke up to a text from Emmason. "Hey, wanna hang out again today?"

Daphne smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Yeah, sure," she replied, trying to sound casual.

Emmason sent a smiley face. "Cool! Pick you up at 2?"

Daphne's heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Marion, who was watching her with a knowing look.

Uh-oh.

Daphne hesitated, her fingers hovering over the phone. She knew Marion wouldn't be happy about her seeing Emmason again. But she also didn't want to lie to her sister.

"What's going on?" Marion asked, noticing Daphne's expression.

Daphne sighed, showing her the text. "It's Emmason. He wants to hang out again today."

Marion's face set in a firm line. "Daphne, I don't think that's a good idea."

Daphne felt a surge of frustration. "Why not? You won't tell me what's wrong with him."

Marion stood up, her eyes pleading. "Daphne, please trust me on this. Emmason's not someone you should be spending time with."

Daphne shook her head, feeling torn. She didn't want to disobey Marion, but she also didn't want to give up on Emmason. "I'll think about it," she said finally, trying to placate Marion.

But as Emmason arrived at 2, Daphne found herself slipping out of the house, unable to resist the pull of his smile.

"Hey," he said, his eyes cr crling at the corners. "Ready to go?"

Daphne nodded, feeling a thrill of excitement. They spent the afternoon wandering around the city, laughing and talking. Daphne felt alive, like she was finally living her life.

As the sun began to set, Emmason turned to her with a serious expression. "Daphne, can I ask you something?"

Daphne's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

Emmason took a deep breath. "I really like you, Daphne. I want to spend more time with you. Would you be interested in that?"

Daphne's heart soared. She hadn't expected this. But as she looked into Emmason's eyes, she knew her answer.

"Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Emmason grinned, pulling her into a hug. "I'm glad," he said, his voice low in her ear.

As they hugged, Daphne felt a sense of happiness she'd never felt before. But she also knew that this could be a problem. A big problem.

Daphne hesitated, her fingers hovering over the phone. She knew Marion wouldn't be thrilled about her hanging out with Emmason again, not after their conversation last night.

"Who's that?" Marion asked, her voice casual as she sipped her tea.

Daphne tried to play it cool. "Just Emmason. He wants to hang out today."

Marion's expression darkened, but she said nothing. Daphne took it as a sign to go ahead.

At 2 pm, Emmason picked her up, and they drove to a quiet park. They talked, laughed, and just enjoyed each other's company. Daphne felt like she could be herself around him.

As the sun began to set, Emmason turned to her with a serious look. "Daphne, can I ask you something?"

Daphne nodded, her heart beating faster. "Sure."

Emmason took a deep breath. "I like you, Daphne. A lot. Would you want to... maybe go out with me? Like, officially?"

Daphne's heart skipped a beat. No one had ever asked her out before. She felt a rush of excitement.

But before she could answer, her phone buzzed. It was Marion. "Daphne, come home. Now."

Daphne's heart sank. What was wrong?

"Hey, I just go," she said to Emmason, trying to sound calm.

Emmason looked concerned. "Is everything okay?"

Daphne nodded. "Yeah, I think so. Just head home."

Emmason dropped her off, and Daphne hurried inside. Marion was pacing in the living room, her face pale.

"What happened?" Daphne asked, fear creeping in.

Marion stopped, her eyes wide. "It's Natasha. She's been taken to the hospital."

Daphne's world spun. Hospital? What happened?