Chapter 5

"TikTok?" Emma said. "You mean the website my sister uses?"

"Yeah, that one," Katie said. "It's really popular with young people."

"It's an awesome way to express yourself and connect with others," Katie said. "Plus, it's a lot of fun!"

Emma frowned. "But is it dangerous? I heard that some people have had their accounts hacked?"

Katie shook her head. "Well, yeah. As long as you're careful and follow the safety guidelines, it's perfectly safe."

"I don't know." Emma shrugged. "I'm just not sure I want to take the risk."

Katie grabs Emma's hand. "Taking risks is part of life. It's how we grow and learn. Wouldn't it be great if you could change yourself? Don't you want to be popular? For people who see your creative work online?"

Emma looked down, scared. Katie squeezed her hand gently. "You don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with. Just take it slow and remember that you can do this!"

Emma still remains silent. She wanted to change herself, to become a better version of herself, but she was still scared of taking the leap. Signing up for TikTok can be a challenge. She was afraid of the judgment she'd receive from the people who followed her, and the possibility of making mistakes.

And if she does something really inappropriate online, it will last forever. Hackers might search her online history and blackmail her.

She was terrified of the consequences of her actions. She knew she had to take a chance to make the changes she wanted, but the fear of the unknown was holding her back.

"Katie, why can't we use OTHER websites? Like Youtube or Vines?" Emma asked.

Katie shook her head, "It's not enough. We need to do something more substantial, something that'll really make an impact. The new deal for the millennials is TikTok. And seriously? Vines? Nobody uses them anymore."

"We have to think big," she continued. "We need to use something that will capture the attention of a whole generation. Social media is our best bet."

Emma let out an oh didn't respond with another word. At that moment, the waiter came to their table and placed something on the table.

Emma looked at the waiter and then at her friend. The waiter said, "Enjoy your meal!" and walked away.

Emma looked at her steak and Pepsi before looking at her friend's order. Katie ordered a salad and a glass of water. Emma couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of her friend's healthy choice. She shook her head and ate her meal.

"You didn't answer my question," Katie said. "Are you interested in signing up for TikTok with me?"

Emma paused for a moment before responding. "I don't think I have the answer to that question yet."

"What do you mean? Is it a yes or a no?"

"It's a later."

Emma took a large bite of her steak as Katie rolled her eyes and began to eat hers. The teens started talking about other things: They discussed the movie they had seen the night before, the plans for the weekend, and the upcoming school year. As they finished eating, they smiled and agreed it was a great dinner.

Katie paid the bill and both girls left the diner. Both the teens walked alone in the dark street enjoying the vibe of 3:14 A.M.

"Yeah, Emma, when will you start school at Eastwood Academy?" Katie asked.

Emma smiled and replied, "On Tuesday, I was a bit drained. My mom says the teachers are really kind and the students are very friendly. But I'm also a bit scared. I'm not sure if I will be able to make friends or fit in. I'm hoping it will all work out."

"Girl, it will work out: with all your artistic talents and a pretty face, I'm sure you'll make tons of friends. Just be yourself and stay positive. You'll be fine!"

"Thanks, Katie, but what about the TikTok channel you want me to sign up for?"

"Nah, it's cool. If you don't want to do the project, fine with me. Put your energy on the path that makes YOU happy."

Emma grinned. "Thanks, Katie. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about something that happened to me before I arrived here."

"What? What happened?"

Emma's cheeks blushed. "I met this guy at the gas station when I traveled. He was so charming and handsome, I couldn't help but talk to him. We had a great conversation and exchanged numbers. And he'll be at my school next week. I'm so excited about seeing him again, but also nervous at the same time."

"Wait, you mean you ALREADY got over your breakup with Benjamin?" Katie asked.

Emma nodded, her cheeks still pink. "Yeah, I guess I'm ready to move on. I don't know what's gonna happen, but it's worth a try."

"Okay, what's his name anyway?"

"Calvin Ashton."

"Calvin Ashton?" Katie thought. "Why do I feel I heard that name before?"

As the girls approach the house, Emma runs through her garden. She climbed the tree and jumped into her bedroom window.

"Thanks for the night snack. You are the BEST friend I could ever ask for."

"I know I am. Talk to you later."

Emma watched her friend walk over the fence and then enter through a small window that looked like the basement should.

"Uh? Does Katie live in a basement? What is she? Cinderella?" Emma was puzzled. She had never been to Katie's house before and this certainly wasn't what she expected.

Emma would talk to her about that later. Right now she's exhausted and needs a good night's sleep.

She lay on her bed, closing her eyes. She was so tired, her body ached and she just wanted to forget everything that had happened today. She drifted off to sleep, not knowing what the next day would bring.

.

.

.

An alarm started ringing at 7:00 A.M. which made Emma get up from her bed. She put on her slippers and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

When she entered the kitchen, there was no one there. She turned on the lights and proceeded. The thought crossed her mind that she would make her own omelet today, but she remembered they didn't have any eggs.

Instead, she made some coffee and toasted some bread. She sat down to enjoy her breakfast alone. Before the breakup between her and Ben, she was the only one in her family that woke up early in the morning and made her own breakfast before going out for a run.

Emma ate her toast while looking at her phone. She felt a pang of sadness as she thought of the days that she and Ben used to share breakfast together. She shook her head and put her phone down, determined to enjoy her breakfast and start her day.

She drank her coffee and then dipped it into her toast when her mother walked into the kitchen wearing a suit.

"Wow, Mom. You look completely different when you wear it like that. You look skinny." Emma said.

"You don't need to tell me that," her mother replied. "I know how I look." She grabbed her purse and opened the door. "I'm off to my new job so I have to look presentable. I'll be back later."

She stepped out of the house and shut the door behind her. Emma finished her breakfast and then cleared the table. Just then, his sister walked in.

"What the hell is going on here? Why did you get up so early? "Is there a surprise party?" Emma asked.

She shook her head. "Uh, no? I'm doing my updated morning routine."

Emma shrugged and returned to her room to change into her sports outfit.

She grabbed her water bottle and phone and headed downstairs. She put her headphones on and opened the door. Taking a deep breath, she began her jog around the neighborhood.

As she ran, she felt the fresh air fill her lungs and her muscles loosen. She felt her stress fade away as she focused on her breathing and the rhythm of her feet hitting the pavement. She was grateful for the opportunity to move and clear her head.

She hit her limit and then proceeded to run slower to find a bench she could rest on. A mile away, she spotted a bench where a girl her age dressed in all black was sitting reading a book.

She appeared to wear grunge fashion. She had a tough expression as she looked up from her book. The girl seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, unaware of the world around her.

Emma got the impression that the girl was running away from something. Either way, she loved her outfit and decided to try her social skills on her.

"Good morning, I noticed your outfit and it looks really stylish. Where did you get it?" Emma asked the girl, hoping to start a conversation.

But the girl didn't reply to the question. Instead, she gave Emma a suspicious look. Emma grinned awkwardly.

"Hey, is it alright with you if I rest here for a bit?" Emma asked, waiting for an answer. The girl hesitated before nodding her head. Emma breathed a sigh of relief as she settled down on the bench. She was finally able to take a break from her journey.

Emma glanced at the book with the girl and the title was written: The Road to Home.

"Hey, what are you reading? Looks pretty interesting. What genre is it? It looks like a thriller. Are you into a thriller?" Emma asks with a curious voice.

The girl still didn't respond, making the whole conversation really uncomfortable.

Emma cleared her throat, attempting to break the silence. "I love your style, it looks amazing. Are you in a rock band? Or do you play a musical instrument?"

Just then, the girl's phone rang. She checked the message, then got up and walked in the opposite direction, leaving Emma alone.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH HER? IS EVERYONE IN BROOKLYNVILLE THIS SHALLOW OR IS IT JUST HER?"

Emma shook her head in disbelief. She couldn't believe that someone could be so flaky and unreliable. She thought to herself, "I need to find more reliable people to hang out with."

Then it hit her. Calvin! He must live in one of the neighborhoods hopefully. She quickly grabbed her phone and sent Calvin a text.

EMMA: Hey, remember me?

EMMA: I'm the girl you met at the gas station.

CALVIN: Emma?

CALVIN: What are you texting me about?

CALVIN: It's 7 in the morning.

EMMA: SO?

EMMA: It's not like you go to school or whatever.

CALVIN: What do you want?

EMMA: I want to see you.

(Calvin typing hesitatingly)

CALVIN: Alright, let's meet up.

EMMA: Cool. Where do you live?

CALVIN: How about we meeting in the park nearby?

EMMA: I don't know where the park is but I'll try GoogleMaps.

CALVIN: Great! I'll send you the address. Let's meet at the entrance in an hour.

EMMA: Sounds good. See you then.

Emma ends the massage and opens Google Maps. She types in her destination and finds the quickest route. She saves the route and puts her phone in her pocket. She heads out the door to start her journey.

An hour later, Emma was at the park entrance waiting for Calvin. For every passing moment, her heart beat at the thought of seeing him again. Emma breathes deeply as Calvin walks towards her.

"Oh my God, he looks even cuter now!" Emma thought.

Emma felt her heart skip a beat as Calvin approached her. She felt butterflies in her stomach and couldn't help but blush.

"Hey! Emma. It's been a while." Calvin said.

"It's been a day, we just met yesterday," Emma remembered him.

"Oh right!" Calvin laughed. "It feels like it's been longer."

Emma smiled and said, "It's good to see you again."

He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you want something to eat soon?"

Emma said, "I'm not really hungry right now. I thought we could troll around the park like you said in your text?"

He smiled and said, "Sure, that sounds like a great idea. Let's go."

They headed out the door and walked to the park. They found a comfortable spot under a big tree and sat down. The sun was shining, and birds were singing in the trees. They talked and laughed, taking in the beauty of the day. After a while, they decided to get ice cream and headed off to the nearest shop. They enjoyed their ice cream while admiring the park's view.

She has no idea why, but a question pops into her head.

"Hey, Calvin. What's your new year's resolution?"

"Uh? My new year's resolution? Why did you bring that up? Honestly, I've never kept resolutions. I think I'll just stick to making small changes throughout the year instead of coming up with grand plans."

"Oh come on Calvin! At least one! Something you ALWAYS wanted to do but never did?"

Calvin thought for a moment and said, "I always wanted to meet a celebrity."

She licks her strawberry ice cream. "Really? That's so cool! Why do you want to meet them?"

Calvin shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I just want to know what it's like to be famous."

Emma nodded. "I know what you mean. It must be a fascinating experience."

"I've been wanting to see this particular person. She's an amazing dancer and into anime."

"Do you like anime?" Emma asked.

As Calvin pulls up his phone, he types the name of the celebrity. "Yeah, a lot!" he exclaimed.

"She uses all kinds of websites, but mostly TikTok. You have your own TikTok account, right?"

"All no, I don't use TikTok that much-"

Emma's words were cut short when she saw Calvin's phone screen.

There was a TikToker dressed up as a Neko and singing along to "Neko, Neko, nie" posing in a cute yet seductive manner.

It was her sister releasing her famous update video.

Chapter end