Shattered Ties(38)

This was a mess. Jesse was suspended, and it was all my fault. Todd had attacked him over me. I had no idea what Todd had thought he’d gain from that, but it sure as hell had backfired. I was going to kill him the next time I saw him. Although, from what people were saying about the fight, I wasn’t sure that anything I would do was going to matter. Jesse had knocked James out, and Todd’s nose had been broken. I knew I should feel bad for them, but I didn’t. They’d brought this on themselves.

Since we only had one class left for the day, I decided to just skip and go home. Hopefully, my mom wouldn’t be there, and if she were, I’d just drive around for a while. I pulled out of the lot without anyone noticing me.



When I arrived home, I was relieved to see that my mom’s car wasn’t parked outside or in the garage. I parked my car in the garage and walked up to my room.

I powered on my computer to give it time to start up as I changed out of my school clothes and into something more comfortable. After sending Lucy a quick text to let her know that I was “sick” and wouldn’t be at cheer practice, I sat down in front of my computer. I checked my Facebook and Twitter accounts first before signing into my email account. A huge grin stretched across my face when I saw an email from my dad.

Emma,

I talked to the label, and they have no problem flying you out. My pilot for my personal plane is on vacation this month, or I’d have him do it.

Anyway, you know the drill. The plane is at LAX, and your flight is scheduled for eight in the morning on Thursday. I know that you’ll miss a day of school, but I want to have enough time with you. Plus, I’m sure you’ll be jet-lagged when you arrive, and you’ll need a good night’s sleep.

I told them that you would have another passenger with you as well.

I have a show that night, but I have a car scheduled to pick you up and take you to your hotel room here in London. The room has already been paid for, and it is in my name.

If you have any questions, call me. I’ll see you Friday morning.

Love,

Dad

I frowned. With Jesse getting in trouble today at school, I seriously doubted that his mom would let him come with me. I needed to think of something fast, or I’d be flying to London on my own. As I sat there, trying to figure out a way to get him to London, my bedroom door opened, and my mother walked in.

“Emma, I saw your car in the garage. What are you doing home already?” she asked.

“I wasn’t feeling well, so I left early.”

“I completely understand.”

I gave her a confused look. “Understand what?”

“Todd’s mom called and told me what happened today. I would have left early, too. I’m sure you were upset over that.”

I rolled my eyes. “I wasn’t upset because Todd got his nose broken.

Actually, he deserved it for starting that fight.”

“What are you talking about? He didn’t start the fight. That horrible scholarship boy did. I told the board that it was a mistake to create that scholarship program, and look, I was right.”

“Why was it a mistake? It gave kids who can’t afford tuition a chance at a better education. It’s the best thing that the school has done in a long time.”

“We don’t want our children associating with those kids. They don’t belong there. Of course, the board still won’t listen. They refuse to kick out those kids,” she said with a sour look on her face.

“How are we even related?” I asked.

I had no clue how this woman could possibly be my mother. We had nothing in common, and we never saw eye-to-eye on anything.

“Don’t get smart with me. I have no idea where you get your opinions from—probably that father of yours. He could never understand why I would get upset when he would sign autographs and such when we were out. We are better than those people.”

“Are you even listening to yourself talk? We are not better than anyone.

Everyone is equal, regardless of how much money they have.” Flames flashed in her eyes. I’d really pissed her off now.

“You listen to me, Emma. You are not to talk to those kids who are part of that scholarship program. If I find out that you’re friends with any of them, I’ll pull you from the cheer team.”

“So what? Do it,” I said as I returned her glare. “You might be stuck-up, but I’m not.”

I grabbed my keys, and I ran from the room. I could hear her yelling as she followed me through the house, but I had too much of a head start for her to catch up.

I was already in my car and pulling away from the house by the time she made it to the bottom of the driveway. Screw her. There was no way that I was going to let her push her ridiculous values on me.

I drove around town aimlessly as I tried to control my temper. My mom already hated Jesse, and she didn’t even know his name. What would she do if she ever found out that I’m not only friends with him, but I’ve kissed him as well?

After driving for over an hour, I steered my car toward Jesse’s side of town. I had no idea where he lived, but I did know where he worked. Hopefully, he had to work tonight because I needed to be around him right now, and he wasn’t answering any of my texts.

I pulled into a space in Rick’s parking lot. After making sure that my car was locked, I walked into the shop. There was no one around, so I stood nervously at the counter. A few seconds later, a guy came out of the back.