The last few weeks were a blur. Jorge was moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation center, where he would be monitored for next month, making sure his surgery did its job, and he was going to be okay. Someone had boosted his insurance, so he was now at the WICKED medical facility, receiving the best care possible.

Emily would go to school, then visit Jorge or go to the gym. Lawrence had taken over for now, running the gym. It wasn't the same without Jorge. But it was still familiar and safe. Sonya, Newt or Minho would come with her, Thomas had also started hanging out with them more. So it was usually the five of them. Jeff and Clint would join them at school, sometimes for their big group study sessions.

Emily and Minho's business school project was coming along nicely, definitely a lot easier to work on when your project partner was also your roommate. Thomas complained constantly about Teresa. She never wanted to work on it, and when they finally did all she did was bug him for information on Emily and Minho. She also didn't seem to understand that Thomas was dating Newt.

Ben had kept his distance for the most part. Emily could feel his eyes on her in the halls or in the few classes they had together. But she wasn't ever alone. So she never worried about it. A few of the other football guys started coming around at the lunch table. She met the huge blond, Gally, he was quiet and broody, but he seemed nice enough. He was the defense captain, second under Minho. A guy named Winston, he seemed kinda sketchy, but he was polite enough, a guy named Dug, who seemed like he had nothing going on upstairs. And lastly -

"Frypan?" Emily asked confused, "I didn't know you played football!"

"You know Fry?" Minho asked, pointing at the big kid with his big white toothed grin.

"He's in ELA with Newt and I! I learned about him before attendance!" Emily  chuckled. "He sat down beside me and just started talking like we were besties!"

"Pretty much are!" Frypan chuckled.

"What do you do on this team that has a thousand players?"

"Special teams."

"Very helpful." Emily rolled her eyes. Though, from listening to Minho and Papa Lee talk football all the time she knew special teams were the plays who went onto the field when there was kicking play.

"Kick returner."

Emily nodded slowly, "when the ball is punted...you catch it and run as far up the field before your pushed out of bounds or tackled."

"Hey! You're listening and learning, Rocky! Good job!" Minho grinned at her.

"Well when you and Papa Lee don't ever shut up about it, that's all I hear from the moment we get home till I go to bed!" She rolled her eyes.

"Why are you at Min's house so much?" Gally asked.

They hadn't told anyone really the full situation. And that was one thing Teresa had kept quiet, that cops were at her place, taking Emily away. That would paint her in a poor light.

"My guardian had a heart attack, I've been staying with the Lee's until he's okay to come home."

"But aren't you and Theresa's step sister? Her mom had a heart attack?" Gally asked, trying to figure out what was going on.

"No, not her. And she doesn't live there anymore." Minho said sharply. His eyes flashed, the guys knew to back off and leave it alone.

Emily had shrunk and lowered her head when they started poking, her shields were back up, and her muscles tensed. She was greatful for Minho for deflecting the questions.

"So, guys, when is the first game?" Sonya jumped in.

She had reached under the table and held Emily's, giving it a squeeze. Emily appreciated it. She also felt Minho shift and he placed his hand gently on her back. She closed her eyes for a second. Without realizing she has slowly leaned into it. His hand put a bit more pressure, and she felt his thumb rub back and forth. Her tense muscles relaxed slowly the longer he kept his hand on her back. It wasn't much but she felt like she would be okay. She had Sonya and Minho.

They continued to talk about football the rest of lunch. Minho didn't take his hand from her back. It wasn't much, that little gesture that small physical contact from someone she trusted, it helped. Her racing heart slowed, but was beating fast for an entirely different reason.

Minho ended up walking her to her next class.

"Hey, you okay?" He asked her quietly.

"Yeah. I am now."

"I'm sorry about that."

"It's not your fault or theirs. It was honest questions. She doesn't want a bad reputation for having cops show up at her place, so no wonder no one knows."

"As long as your okay."

"I always am."

"I know, Rocky." He smirked at her. "We'll have fun in Math."

~•~

The dance was the only thing people were talking about now. The dance was tomorrow. Minho had asked her to go with him, the group of them were all going to go. But she hadn't really given him an answer. She had mixed emotions about it. She didn't know what to do. Everyone was talking about these dresses and costumes, whenever these topics came up she would shrink, or pull out her homework or just excuse herself.

This time she had escaped to the library, sitting in the corner she pulled her computer out, she needed a trusted voice of reason. Finding her message thread with Subject A7.

I need some advice. Mr. Voice of Reason.

She leaned her head back against the wall, and closed her eyes, trying to figure out what to do. It was probably her over thinking and anxieties making this harder. Her computer dinged.

Shoot Princess. I'm all ears. Well eyes, cuz I'm reading. 😎

🙄

Ha. Come on lay it on me. What's up?

Well. I'm sure you know there is a dance coming up...

Huh? What? News to me! You going?

That's the thing. I don't know. :/

Why not? Mr not quite available isn't available anymore? Is that slint head going with someone else?

No. He's been nothing but a sweetheart. Its...my own demons again. This scares the klunk out of me. Also...as girly as it sounds, I have nothing to wear.

Well... sometimes what scares us the most...ends up being the best adventure. And helps you grow.

Wholly shuck A7. *Tears*

Emily really did have tears in her eyes. Her heart was beating wildly, her hands were shaking and sweaty, but she pulled her phone out.

Hey Thunder Cat...

Hey Emmy! What's up?

Is your offer still available? 🫣

You finally gonna say yes to my dance date?!

Emily took a deep breath typed a response and closed her eyes and pressed send.

Yes, good sir knight, I'll be your date to this fairy tail dance.

SHUCK YES!

Umm. Girl problem. I don't have anything to wear.

We can cause a big scene and wear nothing together?

Shuck no, gross Minho!

Fine. Honest Emmy, I could care less about costumes. I just wanna be with you.

Okay.

Yay! :) I'm so shucken excited now!

You r a goof

:D
A very happy goof.
It's gonna be awesome.
Like seriously, Emmy! I can't wait!

Emily smiled, her cheeks hurt, she had butterflies and tingles. She quickly texted Sonya letting her know. And she sent back a rediculous caps lock squeal.

She put her phone down and sent A7 a message. She saw a typing notification. from him as well.

Took your advice. I said yes to Mr very available.

PRINCESS YOU WONT BELIEVE THIS!
Hey! That's awesome! I'm proud of you! And how do you feel about it?

Okay, what won't I believe?

THE girl...MY girl...my princess...she finally decided to come as my date!

Awww! Yeah! Happy for you!
Virtual high five.
Now, treat her like the princess she is!
Uhh, feeling very nervous. But I mean ...also excited.

Emily bit her lip, feeling very much all the emotions. She smiled though. Sonya came running into the the library, being scolded by the librarian. She slid down the wall beside Emily and squealed grabbed her arm and shaking it.

"Eeeeemilyyyyyyyy!!!"

~•~

Emily sat on her bed, it was Friday. The day of this big stupid dance. The school had closed for the afternoon, claiming it was a PD day, for teachers to catch up, but the student council kids took the afternoon to set up.

She sat with her head in her hands. Sonya had brought over like most of her wardrobe. Minho had gone to Newt's, with Thomas and Gally, who had asked Sonya to the dance.

"Sonya...I don't know...none of those fit me properly. And I feel so uncomfortable."

Sonya frowned, turning back and digging through again. Emily's phone buzzed and she picked it up. And she smiled.

How's dress shopping with Sonya?

Sucks. I have come to the conclusion I am not a girly girl. I don't do well with the whole dress and make up crap. I feel so uncomfortable.

Then don't bother. Just wear my hoodie. It's the cutest thing you wear! ;)

Already am!

Ya you are! ;D

Gonna have to put it back in your closet and grab a different one.

Uh why?

Cuz it doesn't smell like you anymore :(

Shuck.
Go! Right now and switch!
Plus for me, now it'll smell like you! ;)

Emily giggled, her cheeks flushed pink.

"Girl! Pay attention!" Sonya waved a hand, she held up two more dresses. Some kind of black slinky skin tight one and another flashy red one. Emily wrinkled her nose and got off the bed.

"Be right back." Emily said vaugely, not really paying attention again.

"Shuck sakes woman! You're impossible!"

Emily left her room and pushed open Minho's door. She pulled off the hoodie and folded it up and played it on his bed. Then went to his closet and opened it, he had everything neatly lined up on hangers and his hoodies folded on the shelf. He had a lot of football jerseys and hoodies. Smiling to herself she pulled a hoodie off the shelf she pulled it on. It was his hoodie from this year. The school logo on the front, his number, 07, on the back and his name on the arm.

She burried her face into her sweater. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath. It was almost like he was here giving her a hug. She felt her over thinking mind slow down. And her tense shoulders loosened.

Sonya shoved the door open, with an exhaspirated sigh and an eye roll. Emily just shrugged, feeling close to tears.

"Feeling overwhelmed. This is why I didn't want to go, Sonya. I just feel so uncomfortable."

Sonya's frustration melted and pulled her into a hug.

"I'm sorry. Let's take a break from the dresses. I can start curling your hair. If you wanna wear his hoodie he won't care at all."

"But..." Her eyes started to sting, and her throat felt thick. "I want to. I want to put the shuck dress on and feel pretty. I just don't know how to let myself!"

"It's Okay, Love. Come on. Coffee and hair."

Sonya had her sitting on a chair in the bathroom as she curled her hair. Her knees pulled up to her chest. Her phone buzzed.

Did ya get my hoodie?

Yes.

Good. Feeling better?

Sonya had gone to grab something, so she stood up and took a quick selfie. And before thinking too much, sent it.

Shuck sakes.

?

You're just really cute.

Don't feel it. Feel...uhg. I wanna wear the pretty things but I don't feel pretty. Feeling uncomfortable. And overwhelmed. I need one of your hugs.

Loading and sending a hug.
Emmy. Your beautiful.
And cute.
And I kiss you.
*Miss.
I miss you.
But kinda wanna kiss you.

Bold.

Sorry. :(

Don't be.

;)

Sonya had come back and glanced over her shoulder. She let out an over the top groan with an eye roll.

"Girl! You two are buggen' gage me cute! But like come on! Just shucken bloody date already! You pretty much are, make it official! Enough with the flirting, it's time to put the phone down and finish your hair and onto makeup."

Sonya says no more flirting and I gotta go.

Nooooo!
Come back! I wanna keep flirting. ;)

I'll see ya later.

Can't wait to see you! <3

Sonya just finished curling her hair when the front door opened.

"Emily!? Sonya?!"

"Mama Lee!" Emily jumped up and raced out of the room. Sonya right behind.

"Hello girls!"

"Ma Hija."

"Papi?!" Emily shrieked. She bounded over and before tackling him she skidded to a halt and hugged him tight. He hugged her gently.

"Millie, my girl." He kissed her forehead.

"What are you doing here? Are you okay to be out?"

"I sprung him! Busted him out, Shawshank Redemption style!" Mama Lee chuckled. Emily whipped around, her eye wide. A spike of panic flashed through her.

"Millie, I have a free pass for a few hours. I wanted to be here for this."

"For what?" Emily asked confused.

"Well. I know the lead up to tonight has been hard on you, si?"

Emily looked at the floor, her freshly curled hair falling in front of her face. She nodded, feeling ashamed that this would cause her all kinds of problems.

"And you're doing amazing, ma Hija." He said gently. He raised her chin and made her look at him. "I'm sorry I couldn't help out like I should. I can't buy the new dress-"

"Papi, I'd never asked you to! Or would I accept it! I don't need it!"

"I know you never would, but that doesn't mean you don't want it. You deserve it! However, I may have found an alternative. Kim, or Mama Lee, has been very helpful in the last two weeks."

"What are you getting at Papi? Mama Lee?" She looked between them, confused.

Sonya was smirking. Emily narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her friend.

"You knew!?"

"Oh bloody hell ya! Why do you think I brought the most rediculous dresses?!"

Emily gasped. Jorge held Emily's hand and led her to a chair and he sat down gingerly, he looked tired.

"Millie, my girl."

He nodded his head to the Kitchen table. Sitting on the table was a old battered looking box and a few other bags.

"It took a while to find it." Jorge grinned sheepishly.

"What is it?" Emily asked, her voice shaking as bad as her hands. Jorge had never acted mysterious like this, or as dramatic.

"Emily Victoria Fitz. This belonged to your mother."

Emily sucked in a shape breath. Her eyes filled with tears. Jorge motioned to the box. Emily's eyes flicked from the box to Jorge and then to Mama Lee to Sonya. Jorge and Mama Lee had a small sad smile, but their eyes were filling with tears.

Emily hesitantly stepped closer, with shaking hands she lifted the box lid and placed it beside the box. She pulled the plastic protective wrapping away and she had to choke back a sob. She had only seen this dress in a few pictures.

"How...? What... Jorge?!"

Inside the box was Emily's mother's wedding dress.

It looked brand new still. Tears slipped over her lashes and slid down her cheeks. She gingerly took the dress out of the box.

"It's beautiful." She whispered.

"Just like your mother was, and you are. You are looking more like your mother every day." Jorge said quietly, his eyes were sad with memories.

Mama Lee made coffee and gave Jorge a cup and told him to be patient and then pulled the girls into Emily's room to help get them ready. Mama Lee pulled out all her fancy hair products and makeup; everything from her personal product lines.

"I've never had a daughter to help get ready before!" She was just as excited as the girls.

She helped Sonya first and then Sonya scurried out of the room leaving Emily and Mama Lee.

She held Emily's face for a second, smiling at the girl. She gently sat Emily down and kissed her forehead.

"Again, child, I won't replace your mother, but will you accept my help?"

Emily's eyes filled with tears again she stood back up and hugged the only woman in her life that made her feel loved.

"You have been the only mother I've known. You have been my mama for the last month and a half. Minho's gonna have to learn to share." She whispered into the woman's shoulder.

Mama Lee wiped her tears with a smile. They both took a deep breath. When Emily's makeup was done, she swept some of her hair back pinned it. From one of the other small boxes she took a simple tiara and slid it into her hair. And lastly she helped Emily slide her mother's wedding dress on. Somehow by some fair tale magic the dress fit her perfectly. Mama Lee did up the buttons at the back and turned her around. She guided her to the mirror.

Emily's legs just about buckled. She really did look like her mother from her pictures. Emily walked to her wall of worn and taped together pictures. She gently pulled one picture off the wall and looked at it. It was her mother and father, standing in a grassy field on their wedding day. Emily wore the same dress, necklace and tiara.

"Shuck, Imma ruin all the make you just did!"

Mama Lee just smiled. She opened the door, "your Papi, and papa Lee are here waiting to see, along with a few others." She smiled at Emily and cupped her cheek.

"You are beautiful, Dear. Your parents would be very proud of you. I know papa Lee, your Papi Jorge and I are very proud of you."

Emily tugged her trusty sneakers on, and stepped out of her room with shaking hands, and walked down the hall.

There was a collective gasp.

~•~