*Hello, this is odd. Hah, a note at the beginning, there's also one at the end. I just want to say that I've won 2nd place in the Winter Rose Awards. I was so surprised, but I'm so happy! I also want to say that I'll be joining the watty's 2019 this year. So, that means I'm going to try to get The Beard completed before the deadline to enter is up! Then I'm going to do some editing! Okay, now you can read.*

Miguel Patel is the smarted boy in Elderwood High School. He's never slacked and somehow he's kept a 4.0 GPA since junior year. The word on the gossip mill is that because his parents didn't come from good backgrounds, he wants to be better. Everyone constantly talks about how Mario was born out of wedlock and wasn't accepted by his family. Of course his parents love him. Anyone would've been able to see that from elementary school till now; they're extremely proud of him. But the thing is, Miguel's mother is Spanish, coming from Columbia while his father is Indian though I'm not sure from where.

Supposedly, Miguel's parents had met while they were both in America. Miguel's mom had been here to help her aunt who had just had surgery. Miguel's father was here to achieve better education so that he could make better living situations for his family. They had ran into each other and I believe they had been in New York, though I'm not really sure. But maybe it was love at first sight because they fell in love. Miguel's dad had been arranged to marry an Indian girl who was the daughter to his father's friend. Miguel's grandparents had wanted his mom to help with the aunt then return to help take care of the family.

Now, I'm not sure how true all of this is because it is just gossip. What I do know is that Miguel is one of the very few diverse people in this school and town. I also know that we haven't spoken since we were in the same math and biology class in ninth grade. So it's odd to me to see him placed right next to me.

"Small towns talk a lot, doesn't mean I'm suddenly popular." I point out, turning my head to look over at Miquel.

Miguel is a fair mix of his mother and father. He took after his parents with naturally dark, tan skin. His hair is curly, the strands winding wildly over his forehead. They give him a natural volumized look. Miguel's eyes are a deep, chocolate brown, getting that more from his father. He has trimmed facial hair which I assume is also from his dad. To be fair, Miguel is gorgeous in my own personal opinion, but I know many girls who would disagree.

Miguel raises a thick, bushy eyebrow. A slow, wry smile tugs at his lips. "Oh, but doesn't it? Sebastian Caldwell and Emerson Badgley, the 'it' couple of Elderwood High. You break up and two seconds later the whole school knows. I'd call that popular, wouldn't you?"

I shake my head slowly and start gathering my trash. My eyebrows furrow as my mood drops. "Miguel...I really don't need another person reminding me that the love of my life is no longer mine."

As I go to stand, I glance over to see the smile removed from Miguel's face. A guilty expression replaces the smile and he reaches out for my wrist. I let him grab it, choosing to hear what he has to say rather than just leaving him high and dry. With a sigh, I take my seat again and turn towards him expectantly.

"Listen, Emerson, I know that your grades have dropped some-"

"How?" I cut him off, my tone coming out harsh and unforgiving. I'm quick to rectify that with an apology aimed his way.

"Teachers talk." He shrugs, a sheepish smile now on his face. "I may or may not have also been asked to talk to you and set up a tutoring session. With midterms on the way, your teachers are a bit worried."

I find it odd that no teachers chose to speak to me about this. My grades hadn't seemed so bad to have to acquire a tutor. My plan had been to study hard for the midterm to help boost my grades then focus on school so that when finals approach, I'll be in good standing. Looks like that's no longer the case.

"Miguel," I start slowly, letting my tone come off as easy and reassuring. "Listen, I appreciate it, but I don't think I'm quite at that stage for a tutor."

Miguel raises his eyebrow once again. His body leans over as he places his elbow on the table with his chin in the palm of his hand. My eyes trail over to the silver bracelet he wears on his wrist. From how close we're sitting, I can just see the outlines of letters on the small placket. My eyes roll up his arm and to his face. Miguel glances over at his wrist before pulling down the sleeves to his hoodie.

"I can help you stay focused," he says once he finishes shifting his body uncomfortably. "You aren't sitting with your friends so I assume something is happening with them too? Now you and Sebastian have ended things. Your mind is too occupied by this high school drama. How about I help you stay focused."

"How though? How are you sure that with your help I'll stay focused as you say? We haven't even spoken to each other since ninth grade. Why do you want to help me?" I shoot off the questions, not pausing. "Shouldn't you be focused on writing essays for scholarships?"

Miguel scoffs and shakes his head. "No, Emerson. I've already written them. You really think I'd slack off?"

The both of us are quiet for a moment. Our eyes are glued to each other's and slowly, Miguel grins. I realize it's a joke and I start to laugh quietly. Miguel joins in my laughter, shaking his head profusely.

"I'll be your friend, Emerson." Miguel says once the laughs die down. I look over at him, my thoughts muddled by why he'd offer this. "I'll be your friend if you be mine."

Maybe it's the hidden pleading in his tone or the genuity in his face but I nod my head, agreeing to him. He'll be my friend if I be his.

"Emerson, I'll make sure nothing distracts you. And just so you know, I'm not only about studying and school. I can do fun things too." Miguel stands, hoisting his bag on his shoulder. I hadn't even realized he had one with him.

"Okay, Miguel," I watch him straighten himself out. "I'm looking forward to seeing that side of you."

* * *

My walk home is quick and filled with mindless thoughts. School had ended seemingly fast, something I was content with. Had the day dragged on, I would've been very upset. With the use of my earbuds and phone, I had been able to ignore the gossip about why Sebastian and I had ended things. Though a few slipped through the cracks like me being a prude and not 'putting out' or that Sebastian had decided that I wasn't worth his time. It appears that in all of these situations, I'm the bad guy or the unworthy one. If only they knew.

I step up the last steps to my front door. Looking towards the driveway, one car is there which belongs to my mother. She's home a lot lately, not that she has many hours at the local doctors office, but she's never been so...grounded before?

"Mom?" I call out once I unlock the door and push it open. "I have some good news."

My mom peeks her head from the top of the stairs. She comes out and starts to make her way down, a jovial smile on her face. I've always appreciated my moms smile because it's brought and beautiful and a lot of people say I take after it.

"Emie, baby, you're seemingly happy. Some goods things happy today?" She steps off the last step and comes towards me. Reaching out, she grabs my shoulders before pulling me into a hug.

"Mhm," I nod against her shoulder, enjoying her comfort. "I made a new friend. He's going to help me stay focused on school and not drama."

My mom pulls away slightly to look at me. Her eyes shift slightly, moving side to side as she reads me.

"This isn't a potential suitor is it? Because, Emie, you still love Sebastian. Now listen, I know these days children go through relationships like underwear-"

"Mom, no!" I say loudly, not meaning to shout. My face heats in embarrassment as she looks at me in amusement. "No, he's really just a friend, okay?"

"Mm, okay." She nods but I can't tell the cogs are turning in her head.

"When is dad coming him? I feel like I haven't seen him in ages."

My mom scoffs and rolls her eyes. She places her hands on her hips. "Late. Some big promotion he's working for so he's been trying to get as much work done as possible."

I nod my head , frowning slightly. Promotions are great and all, but I don't want nor need my dad killing himself for a couple extra dollars.

"Well, can Miguel come over tomorrow? He's going to help me study for the midterms that are coming up. Halloween is soon, do you and dad have plans?" I question as I make my way to the kitchen to see if we have any snacks.

"Miguel?" My mother shouts back now that I'm in a different room. "Why does that sound so damn familiar."

I shrug, knowing she can't see me, as I pull an orange from the fridge. Setting my bookbag on the counter, I start peeling the fruit. Each peel is set on the counter. Oranges are one of my favorite fruits, but they're sticky when you peel them. I groan as I feel some of the juice spray my hand as I switch to a different side to peel.

"Miguel Patel?" I turn slightly to shout back. "Maybe you've examined him?"

"Oh," I hear my mom clap. She come quickly into the kitchen, a small smile on her face. "Yes, the Patels. Such a sweet and kind hearted family. I hate that their youngest is going through such a hard time."

Furrowing my eyebrows in confusion, I turn towards mom. I didn't know Miguel has a sibling, a younger one at that.

"Yeah, poor thing. Cancer." Mom shakes her head, a small smack coming from her lips. "And the little girl is such a sweetheart. They have to go into the city quite a lot for checkups and stuff. You know, since our little doctors office isn't too advanced."

"Wait, what?" My eyes are wide as I set the peels orange down. I'm quite flabbergasted by this information I've just learned about Miguel. How had nobody learned this. Small towns talk and nobody has talked about this. "Miguel has a little sister? She has cancer?"

"Well, she's in remission, but yes. She comes for regular check up here like for the flu, strep, any physicals to make sure her health is good. They drive her to the city for CAT scans, MRI's, and all that heavy stuff we can't do." My mom says as she walks to the fridge and pulls it open. She reaches in and grabs a water bottle.

"How does nobody know about this?" I let slip.

Mom turns to me and gives me a warning look. She sets the water bottle down and crosses her arms. "If you were going through something like that, would you want a whole town to know? Let alone start gossiping about it at every turn."

No, I wouldn't. I can hardly handle teenagers talking about Sebastian and I so I know I wouldn't be able to handle people talking about a serious illness. And now I know Miguel's plan or endgame. Whatever to call it.

Miguel just needs a friend.

*Hello, hello. Can you believe we're already on chapter 18? I can't! I hope y'all don't think the story is dragging. That's definitely not my intention! Oof, I don't know the path of the story anymore. New character? Miguel was definitely not planned. He kind of just happened. Do you guys think he could be a possible love interest? Or will he just be a great friend to Emie? Let me know what you think with a comment and please don't forget to vote. Thanks for reading!*