Chapter 3: Surprise Party Part 1 

After having a talk with Emily, the girls climb up the stairs to set things up for Emily’s stay. “So I guess you can sleep on the floor or do you prefer an air mattress?” Maria asked. “I prefer the air mattress or a sleeping bag, do you have a sleeping bag?” Emily asked. “No, but I got an idea what if we build a fort with blankets and pillows,” Maria suggested. “That’s a good idea, I love it, and we can watch movies and talk together or whatever we want!” Emily said. Maria and Emily started building the fort, “I’m going to get some spare blankets and pillows from the closet in the hallway,” Maria said. “Ok,” Emily replied to Maria. Suddenly the sound of keys from the door knew that her father was now home. “Girl, hide!” Maria said in a panic. “Oh, okay,” as Emily hides in Maria's closet. 

“I’m home!” Mr.Campbell said, “Maria, where are you?” Mr.Campbell asked in confusion. “I’m here dad!” Maria shouted while coming down the stairs, “good, I need to talk about you about something important,” Mr.Campbell said. “Oh, okay what is it?” Maria asked. “Well I just got informed that there will be a Gala at the Sivic Party building on Thursday,” Mr.Campbell said,” It’s a good luck and thanks party for all the Strikelab has done and is hosted by the president.” Mr, Campbell informed Maria.“Really, that’s amazing?” Maria said. “All the adults and children the age 13 and up will be going with their parents and I want you to come with me. “Oh, that’s surprising,” Maria said in shock. “There will be a banquet, masquerade, and a dinner party at the gala, since this is an important event Mr.Strike wants us to look our best, so he gave us money for us to prepare. Also since I’m one of Mr. Strike's most trusted employees, he wants to get to know me and my family, that’s why you’re coming so I can introduce you to him.” Mr.Campbell said surprising Maria. “That’s great, I can’t wait, but what about…my appearance, you know what I mean,” Maria asked pointing out her scales. “We’ll just find a dress that covers it perfectly,” Mr.Campbell said. “Right, so what’s the theme?” Maria asked in curiosity. “Royalty, Classy, and Elegant,” Mr.Campbell answered, “so I want to get work on it tomorrow, you have finished your course for school right?” Mr.Campbell asked, “yes, today I actually have!” Maria confirmed in excitement. “Good you always finish early,” Mr.Campbell commented. “Alright, thanks for letting me know goodnight,” Maria said as she walked up to her room. “Goodnight Maria, love you,” Mr.Campbell said, “I love you too,” Maria said back. 

As Maria walks up to her room, closes her door, and goes to the closet to see Emily, Emily kicks Maria in the face. “Ugh, dude what was that?” Maria asked as she tries to recover. “I'M SO SORRY I THOUGHT YOU WERE SOMEONE ELSE!” Emily said frantically apologizing,” are you okay?” Emily asked in worry. “I’ll be fine, but we have a problem,” Maria said with worry. “Oh, now what?” Emily asked. “Okay so I have to go to this Gala with my dad at the Sivic Party and it’s hosted by the president as a good luck and thanks party for Mr.Strike and his company,” Maria said. “Oh that ain’t good,” Emily said in a panic. “Well, since my Dad is one of the most trusted members of Mr.Strike, and wants to get to know my dad’s family, which is me I have to go,” Maria said dramatically. “Girl, what you going to do I thought you’re dad knew about your scales,” Emily said in confusion. “He does, he just said we’ll find a dress to cover it up,” Maria said. “Seriously why didn’t he just say that you’ll be sick or in surgery or any excuse for you to stay home?” Emily asked in anger. “He really doesn’t want to let Mr.Strike down or risk his life at work, that’s all he’s obsessed with,” Maria said in anger as she is upset. “Wow talk about a father who cares about his work life for the man who has to right to take people like you away to who knows where and for the fact he knows that is worse. He could’ve just called in sick but no he had to bring you to him, risking your life, for his reputation at work, but it’s okay he’ll just cover the scales up, totally not messed up at all,” Emily rambled in anger. “Okay you could’ve just said workaholic,” Maria said. “That’s true too,” Emily said, “Talk some sense to him or fake it if you have to, this is your life we're talking about and mine, if Strike finds out and comes to this house, he’ll catch me too,” Emily ranted. “I’m bad at lying there’s no way out of this and I can’t talk to him I’ll choke up and can’t say anything,” Maria said in hopelessness. “Girl you better not choke up, this is life or who knows what, now is not the situation to choke up,” Emily said. “I know, I know,” Maria said in despair. “Look just talk to him, I’m sure he’ll understand that you’re scared about it and won’t come, problem solved,” Emily said hopefully. “Yeah, I guess,” Maria said,” Now let's set up the fort you’ve been in there for about ten minutes let’s go,” as Maria reaches her hand toward Emily and helps her up. 

As they finish the Fort they get in and watch cartoons, laugh, eat, and it was now time to go to sleep. “Man you’re something else,” Maria said, “We should get some sleep, I’ve got a big conversation in the morning.” Maria reminded Emily, while she goes to her bed. “Yeah and don’t choke up, for us okay,” Emily warned Maria. “I won’t choke, I mean I would in any situation, but this is life or death, or whatever option is there, so I’m sure I won’t,” Maria reassured Emily. “Good, cause I don’t want anything to happen to any of us,” Emily said. “Ok, goodnight, see you in the morning,” Maria said. “Night, see you tomorrow,” Emily said as the girls closed their eyes and went to bed.