chapter four / it's because of that music

(a/n: alr cuties we're going to make a few changes. emmy —> emi ok? it was keeping me up at night so yeah enjoy this chapter :)

Tori went from my therapist to the media after a celebrity gets into an unexpected relationship the next day. She stood outside, arms crossed as she waited for me to arrive.

"Holy shit," Mom exclaimed as we pulled up to the school. For some reason, she didn't want to take her makeup from last night off. Her stained lips

"Talk to me, Emmy," Tori demanded, unfolding her arms. "Was he hot? Do you still think getting a tutor was a stupid idea?"

"It was alright." There was a lot I could say to her about Jude and last night. Don't get me wrong, of course, I fucking know where babies come from. He explained it in his "biology-is-my-best-subject" way, not the watered-down version from middle school.

Tori smirked, squeezing my hand. "Just alright? Emilia, please." Shit, Tori hadn't interrogated me like this in a while. "What's his name? Was he hot?"

I finally stated. "You know that dude that's in the yearbook club?"

"Which one?" Tori questioned. "There's a grand total of twenty-three morons in that club."

"The British guy who sits in the front of class during Math and never says a word."

"Jude Merryweather is British?" Tori gasped, her eyes widening.

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "Why the hell did it take you until the end of the year to put two and two together?"

"Wow. I love you too, cadela." Tori rolled her eyes. Usually, she's the one that bites her tongue and listens. Therapist Tori was a lifesaver, but sassy Tori was iconic.

"I don't fucking understand Portuguese,
but that was rude." I teased. "Let's go put up with these annoying dumbasses, T."

"As you wish." Tori smiled, swinging her high ponytail in the process.

Again, Sassy Tori is pretty great, am I right?

Our phones buzzed simultaneously, and we checked them at the same time.

"The softball end of the year party is next Thursday." Tori read. "It's at Becca Payne's."

"Tell Becca that I can't come unless Hunter gives me flowers and an apology." Does Payne sound familiar to you? Yup, that's Hunter's older sister. Surprisingly, an asshole and one of my close friends are siblings. Unsurprisingly, Becca earned a full-ride scholarship at Florida Atlantic. Watching her wear red, silver, and blue next year will be bittersweet, but I guess that's her reward for being the best team captain ever.

Becca aside, I didn't want to see him making out with Keagan at the party. It's not about them.

"We're going, Emmy."

"Who's we?"

Tori put her hand on her hips. "I can't just let you be a Debbie Downer because an asshole humiliated you."

"Fine." I relented. Tori was right, I shouldn't let Hunter ruin my mood. This wasn't even about him. This party was for the team. Hell, we were almost undefeated. I think I'll focus on every single game that we won.

Tori let out a sigh. "One more week until the best summer ever! I'm so excited for the end of the year party!"

"My parents are making me bring Jude," I whispered. "I have absolutely nothing against him. Just wanted to make sure it's cool with Leo."

Tori flashed me her thumb. "That's fine."

~

As fate had it, Hunter and Keagan were rubbing their relationship in my face. Not in an obvious way, just conveniently making out next to Tori and I's table.

Vomit and a few choice words threatened to climb up my throat. I felt like letting them come out, but that meant danger for my reputation.

"I will cut Payne's cojones off." Tori hissed, showcasing her middle finger under the table.

"Aren't you the same person who said to ignore him?"

"Mkay, you're not wrong there." Tori nodded. "Anyways, my mom's making me throw the ball at the park." She said, her voice slightly sadder. Unlike me, passionate about softball, Tori only started playing after I dragged her. I'm pretty sure if I quit, she would follow suit.

"If it'll get Coach Miller and my mom off my back, count me in." I agreed. "How about 11?"

"Emiiiii...you fucking bitchhhhhh." Tori whined, her voice getting higher in pitch than those annoying little kids at the store. "Eleven? You know I have to sleep until noon."

With my free hand typing, "mom can i go throw at the park with tori", I rubbed her back. "It'll be fun, T." Sure enough, my mom let me go. As soon as I received her yes, the bell chimed.

"Good luck with Señora Heller." Tori waved, putting emphasis on the first syllable. "See you at eleven, I guess."

"You're going to be just fine, V." I walked away clutching my phone.

I took my seat in Spanish class. I pulled out my partially filled study guide, recalling how I almost ripped it to shreds. It's not like my Cuban blood stopped flowing and got replaced with my white mom's or something.

A wave of exhaustion knocked me over and I almost slammed my head into my desk. I pressed my forehead against my desk, surprised when the packet's warmth replaced the frigid metal. I didn't even see Señora Heller pass out another worksheet. I briefly raised my head, only to hear her screaming at a kid for asking a question.

"Are you stupid? Google translate that motherfucker." She snapped, going right back to texting God only knows who. This isn't the first time she's chosen texting her new boyfriend over her job. She'll teach us something only once and expect us to pay close attention.

Poor kid, I thought as I shoved an earbud into my ear.

Jude picked the worst time to come and sit in the desk next to mine.

"What are we-" he started, putting 2+2 together when he saw the poorly explained worksheet.

"You missed the part where she used profanity towards the kid with the ugly ass haircut." I joked.

Jude's lips curled into a soft grin. "Are we still on for tonight?"

I nodded. "Can't wait, Jude." I got to work, listening to Señora Heller tap furiously at her phone. To be fair, I don't understand why she chose a job with an a meager salary and little time for the various dates she goes on. As I concentrated on the preterite verbs on the page, Mother Mother's Verbatim filled my ears.

~

For the rest of Spanish class, I took my Airpods out. I fucking love my Spotify playlist, but Señora Heller cussing out somebody new every two seconds was hilarious.

When I stepped out of her room, my head started throbbing like a bitch. It was impossible to wrap my head around why she would make such a scene and disturb the entire school.

My mom's car pulled up, and I flopped onto the back row of seats. I wasn't sure if I was tired or this whole headache was all in my head.

"Are you okay, Emi?" Mom turned to face me.

I replied with a weak nod. "Just a little headache."

"It's because of that music." Mom deadpanned. "Seriously, do you want to cancel tonight?"

"Aren't you the same person who suggested this tutor shit all because I got straight C's on my midterms?"

Mom chuckled. "Touché." She turned to face me, somehow not crashing the car. "Your dad and I have showings, so you and Jude are going to be alone." Both of my parents are realtors, but they rarely had showings simultaneously.

"Mkay." The headache subsided, but that didn't help with my still broken heart. Tori's encouragement only did so much for me. Just as I was trying to get Hunter Payne's eyes out of my head for good, he just had to rub in my face that I'll never be enough for him.

That sounds like a him problem. Why did I have to fall for a douchebag?