Page 36 of Breaking Emily's Rules
Actually, the idea had been Rachel’s at first. But I was going to take credit for this one. Now it was my turn to explain the history behind it, and I could only hope Dad would find some pride in me then. I was, after all, following in the footsteps of a Parker. His family line.
“We’ve been doing the family tree and it turns out one of your relatives, my great-great-grandmother, Emily Parker, was a pilot.”
“Is that right? Sounds like a nutcase to me. And here your mother thought she named you Emily after her favorite author, Emily Brontë. I wish she was here right now so I could tell her she mistakenly named you after one of my relatives. All the people she hated. What a kick!”
Molly laughed, but I didn’t think it was that funny. “I’m doing well with my lessons. The teacher said so just yesterday.”
That wasn’t quite the truth. He’d kind of lost his temper a little bit when I touched a button I wasn’t supposed to. One having to do with landing gear, before it was time. Mostly, though, he was a bit nicer though I seemed to bore him. He hardly even looked at me anymore. But the point was, I’d made progress on my flight hours and was that much closer to getting my license.
“What if you have an accident?” Molly asked.
“Flying is statistically safer than driving.” I had learned that, among other things.
“But when your engine dies, you can pull over to the side of the road. In a plane, it’s more like ‘Sayonara, baby! Hope you got a parachute.’” Molly laughed.
Dad laughed, too. Naturally.
“At least I’m trying to do something with my life.” I shot a glare in Molly’s direction.
“Who says I’m not trying to do something with my life?”
“Now, don’t you girls start fighting. Didn’t come home for none of that. Emily, I’m glad you’ve had your fun, but it has to stop now. Just go over there and tell that teacher of yours you’re done.” He waved a hand in the air dismissively. “Mother needs you around here anyway.”
“I never let it interfere with my job. Just ask Grammy. I’m the one who does most of the work around here.” I could manage to keep a few balls in the air, thank you very much. And flying would not be the one to go.
“Well, I won’t have it. What will people say? The only ones who want to fly little planes anymore are those gall darned terrorists!” Dad pounded his fist while his face colored to an interesting shade of red.
I would need to tread carefully, because there was no point in upsetting him. His cholesterol and blood pressure were through the roof, and he refused to stop eating red meat. Said that would be unpatriotic.
“Calm down. You know I love America. And also, red meat.”
“Stop making Daddy sick!” Molly said. “The doctor said he can’t get upset.”
“I’m fine, sugar.” He patted Molly’s hand. “Don’t you worry none. Your sister has good sense. She’ll come around, won’t you, Emily, now? Where’s dinner? Mother?”
I smiled and said nothing, because saying the truth would mean Dad’s blood pressure would blow past the two hundreds. This might not be the best time to assert my newfound rebel streak and let him know I’d do what I wanted to regardless of his input.
I wasn’t the young girl who listened to her father, no matter what he said. Even when it didn’t make sense. Even when he hadn’t let me go out with Luke Eilers, the handsomest boy in high school, because he came from a family of no good un-American vegans. The horrors.
No, best to keep quiet and do what I wanted anyway.
If I’d learned nothing else from Molly, I’d certainly learned that.
CHAPTER9
Emily
Iwas gratefulfor flying lessons. Dad had been home for a week now, and I hadn’t had any trouble sneaking around yet, even if Molly seemed to suspect. Every afternoon Molly grilled me on where I was going then followed me out the door, where she’d stand, arms folded, shaking her head.
Molly was usually at her best when Dad was home, but lately she seemed jumpier than normal. She’d been back to the Silver Saddle many times now, without me, and even though Molly had said she missed Sierra, it certainly didn’t look that way. It seemed lately that Molly’s biggest concern was finding the party.
Sooner or later, I would have to talk to her again. I’d never seen Molly so afraid, but it seemed as if fear of failing again with Sierra had rooted her into a bad pattern.
In a bit of a contrast, this time I was the one who had no fear. I was too busy making history to be afraid.
Flying lessons also involved sitting close to Mr. Studley, while listening to the deep sexy timbre of his voice in my earpiece. So it was no coincidence that coming to the small airport three times a week was the highlight of my week. It also didn’t hurt that he seemed to feel guilty about his attitude, even though he hadn’t officially apologized. He also hadn’t mentioned the date again.
For now, we had a silent agreement. He would teach; I would listen.
