Chapter 7: It's All A Dream

Chapter 7.

 

7: It’s All A Dream

            That day I was very zoned out. All day I sat through classes. I couldn’t pay attention, too many other things to think about. Both Madison and Emerson tried to snap me out of it, but it just wouldn’t work.

It was like that day Emerson and I met on the sidewalk. I was frozen momentarily. Everything else around me continued but I was stuck. This time it was different though. I saw something. I had like a weird flash forward. It was like I could see myself doing stuff but it wasn’t me doing it. It was like seeing the future, that’s when I knew something was wrong.

I had those kind of “frozen in time” moments since I was little, or so my parents told me. I didn’t know to what extent they were though. I certainly never thought that I would have like visions of my friends and myself when they happened. I wanted to figure out what was going on, soon.

Madison promised to give me all her notes since I didn’t take any. I answered any questions the teachers asked me and correctly at that, but I wasn’t really thinking about it.

As soon as the final bell rang I grabbed Emerson’s hand and pulled him towards my car. I popped the trunk and put our school bags in the back. Then I tossed him the keys to drive. He slipped into the drivers seat after I was safely tucked in the passenger side.

Immediately he pulled out of the parking space, I didn’t tell him where to go, but I had a suspicion he already knew. The gate guard from our school waved Emerson and I out through the gate.

Emerson took the New York exit.

“This is where you wanted to go right?” He asked intertwining his fingers with mine. I nodded slowly and squeezed his hand tightly.

The rest of the drive we were pretty quiet. The occasional question or comment filled the comfortable silence. Emerson drove fast.

“Do you ever think about death?” I asked shifting in my seat to see his gorgeous face better. He glanced at me oddly before returning his eyes to the road.

“Not really. Mostly I just think about you.” He said still focusing on the road ahead of us. I smiled to myself.

“You really are perfect aren’t you?” I asked still looking at him. I studied him for a while before he answered the question.

“Only for you.” He said quietly. I almost didn't hear him, that's how quiet he was. We didn’t talk the rest of the ride to the hospital. I contently looked out the window and held Emerson’s hand tightly.

After a while I realized we were already pulling up in a parking space in the hospital parking lot. I unbuckled my seatbelt while Emerson came around to open my door and help me out of my Mustang.

“Thanks for doing this. Coming out here with me and everything, not a lot of people would do this for me.” I said taking his hand and walking towards the hospital entrance.

“No need for thanks Lauren. I do it because I love you.” He said softly. I stopped in the middle of the parking lot.

“You what?” I said louder then I thought.

Emerson looked at me quizzically.

“I love you.” He said plainly.

“Oh. Okay. You love me, cool.” I said before continuing walking, this time Emerson pulled me back.

“Well?” He asked staring at me.

“Well what?” I countered.

“Aren’t you going to tell me you love me too?” His face dropped a little.

“I don’t know are you going to make a bigger deal about it? You just said I love you to me and you act like its nothing. Loving me is a big commitment Emerson! I’m a lot of work and with everything going on now I’ll be extra emotional and extra needy. You can’t tell me you love me and then leave me like my mother did! I don’t need to go through that three times, understand?” I said suddenly crying in this hospital parking lot. Emerson pulled me tightly to his chest. He stroked my hair silently, waiting until my crying slowed down.

“I know Laur, I know. Honestly Lauren that’s why I told you that. I want you to know I love you and I’ll never let you go.” He whispered still holding me; I leaned back in his arms a little to look at his face. He smiled at me and wiped away those last few tears that were rolling down my cheeks.

“I love you Emerson.” I said before kissing him. He pulled away and smiled.

“Let’s go see your dad.” He said simply, taking my hand and dragging me along.

I was happier then I had been in a long time. This gorgeous boy just told me he loved me. He said he would never let me go. He was all mine… and the best part? He was real.

Maybe this is what that vision was trying to tell me. Maybe it wanted me to know that three months from now I would still be with this boy. That he would still love me. That he would hold true to his promise and never let me go. I hope so.

I smiled to myself knowing this boy was in it for the long run. “Emerson loves me.” I thought to myself still strolling along through the hospital hallways.

Finally we arrived at my father’s room.

“Can I see him now?” I asked the doctor standing with Emerson and I looking at my pale father through the glass window.

“Babe, maybe you shouldn’t.” Emerson said sounding very unsure.

“Ms. Daniels-” The doctor started.

“Please, call me Lauren.” I said cutting him off.

“Okay, Lauren. Your dad is in a coma he’s not dead. He can still hear you. He isn’t too far-gone and if he heard some familiar voices I think he could come out very easily. That of course is only if he wants to come out.” Doctor Greg said to me.

“Well what are we waiting for? It’s worth a shot.” I said with a renewed hope in my voice.

“Go ahead in then Lauren.” Greg the doctor said calmly. I went straight towards the door. I stopped right in front of it, and looked up at Emerson. He squeezed my hand and smiled, I turned the knob slowly.

Once we entered the room I saw the amount of flowers sitting in various places around the room. I didn’t realize how many people had seen my father or sent him flowers before I got there. For a moment I was mad that anyone who had seen him before me wasn’t his family and they wouldn’t even let his only daughter see him first. Slowly the anger subsided as I looked at my father and how he was holding on for dear life.

“Hey Daddy.” I said moving to his side and taking his hand gently in mine. Emerson pulled up a chair behind me so I could sit down. I sat slowly into the chair never dropping his hand.

“Daddy, I really need you to wake up for me. I need you to be here for me.” I said sighing before I continued; I really didn’t know what to say.

“When I go to the prom. When I graduate. When I get married. When I have kids. I want you to be there for me Daddy, through everything.”  A single tear dropped down my cheek. Emerson rested his hand on my shoulder; I gazed up at him and where he stood behind me.

“Lets pray for him.” Emerson said. I didn’t realize that Emerson was religious; he had never spoken to me about it. I hadn’t been to church since my mother died; my dad couldn’t bear to go back there without her. I glanced on at my father before Emerson went around to the other side of my dad and took his hand. Emerson reached across the bed and took mine as well. I bowed my head and closed my eyes.

“Dear heavenly father today we call on you to help Lauren’s father get well again. You have given us life and we wish that you could spare his. Lauren still needs her father in her life. We ask that in time you make Mr. Daniels better again. I know in my heart this is not his time to go. All we can do is pray to you and hope that he may again walk with you everyday. Heaven’s gates can wait for this one God. Please. Amen.” Emerson raised his head again but still held my father’s hand and mine. I said Amen softly before raising my head as well.

Suddenly a million beeps filled the air. I was shocked. The doctors and nurses rushed in, they were obviously watching us. One nurse ushered Emerson and I outside. I kept trying to get a look at what was happening but I was being pushed out so fast I couldn’t see. The nurse told us to just go home and that they would call us if anything happened.

I didn’t know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. I was mentally debating with myself. I didn’t know if I should stand my ground or leave and follow orders. Emerson tugged on my hand and I realized I would go. I couldn’t bear to stay, I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I knew in that moment I should let the professionals handle it, they said they would call.

“Come on Laur, it’s not worth staying. They’ll call soon.” Emerson said pulling me towards the lobby. I didn’t look back. I looked up at my boyfriend and how his eyes shined with hope. I walked with him back to my car not trying to stop him or argue with him about what happened. I could see that he thought God had answered our prayers, he believed in something or someone. All that mattered was that he believed.

I sat silently in my car waiting for him to get in on the other side. It was sweet how he always did that, opened my door for me. I imagined my son doing that for girls, knowing his father taught him that. I smiled thinking about my son, even if for now he was imaginary. I didn’t care.

Emerson finally appeared in his seat and started to drive away.

“You know that was really great what you did back there, right?” I asked staring out the window while I spoke.

“What was great?” He said soundly genuinely confused.

“The prayer. You never told me you were religious.” I said softly.

“Well you never asked about my religion.” He said fitting his fingers in mine.

“I know. I haven’t been to church since my mother died Emerson. I can’t remember the last prayer I said. I guess after she died I just didn’t think that saying words to no one would help anything.” I said speaking slowly as if I shouldn’t say that words but they kept coming out.

“Don’t ever think that Lauren. I understand that you probably had a hard time accepting that even though you went to church and prayed God he didn’t save your mother, but you can’t do that. You can’t let it consume you.” He said eyes never leaving the road.

“You’re right Emerson. I won’t think like that, promise.” I said turning to look at him for a minute.

“Hey Lauren, let’s talk about something else. You know, something fun, like the winter festival tomorrow. I guess Madison is forcing us to attend, besides my mother would kill me if I at least didn’t make an appearance with my soon to be wife.” He said matter-of-factly. My breath caught in my chest, he had a soon to be wife? I turned towards him sharply.

“Excuse me?” I said rage starting to bubble inside me.

“Oh, oh. Sorry Lauren.” He said quickly. “My mother, she likes to refer to you as my “soon to be wife”. I didn’t mean to. I just forgot to tell you, I’m sorry.” He said quickly, I guess hoping I wouldn’t be too mad.

“Oh, okay then. I guess that’s fine, but don’t do that again. You scared me half to death. I thought you were like engaged to some girl or something.” I said turning back to look out the window.

“Sorry Mrs. Phillips.” Emerson said sarcastically.

“Hmm. Lauren Phillips. It has a nice ring to it.” I laughed jokingly.

“Uh huh. Keep dreaming Lauren.” He said back.

“Always honey.” I said leaning over to kiss his cheek.

“I love you, you know that right?” He said glancing at me.

“Yep. I do, but I get that a lot so we’ll see who wins that contest.” I said glancing over at him quickly trying to see his reaction.

“Oh really. I had no idea; obviously I need to put my game face on since so many guys are running around screaming that they love you. Lauren, you should have told me earlier and maybe I would be ahead by now. Now I’m certainly behind in the polls.” Emerson said continuing our little joke.

“I’m just kidding you nerd! You know you’re the only one for me.” I said cheese factor included.

“I’m a nerd now? I thought I watched you study, not the other way around.” He said laughing at my joke.

“Yeah you know that’s really creepy right?” I said squinting at him.

“Yeah, yeah. No need to tell me. Madison already told me like a million times how creepy I am. I’m just your neighbor creep.” He said now pulling into the school. I didn’t know how fast time went when I was with him. The ride from New York to Vermont seemed like five minutes.

It was 6:06 when we arrived back at my place and I was starving. I ran inside and went straight to the kitchen.

“Whoa, Lauren. Don’t attack the kitchen, it did nothing to you.” Madison said walking into the dining room munching on an apple. I looked into the cabinets and came out disappointed.

“We really need to get some food in here.” I said turning to the fridge. I opened it and saw nothing appetizing. I turned back to where Madison and Emerson were sitting, watching me in amusement. Madison tossed me an apple from the fruit bowl.

“Oh well. I guess this will do for now, we are going grocery shopping tomorrow.” I said pointing at both of them. I cut the apple into slices and got some peanut butter out of the cabinet, one of the few things we actually did have.

“I guess this is healthier than some other opinions.” I thought spooning the peanut butter into a small dipping sauce bowl.

I took my snack and went to sit next to Emerson at our dining room table.

“Okay, so now that you both are here we need to discuss the winter festival tomorrow.” Madison said pulling a board she made herself from behind her chair. It was a full on tri-fold presentation. I stifled a laugh. I stuffed an apple slice in my mouth before it was too late.

“You know Madison, it is really getting late and I haven’t eaten dinner yet. Maybe we could do this another time.” Emerson said standing.

“Yeah, sure another time.” Madison said. Emerson turned to leave.

“I was kidding, Emerson the festival is tomorrow and if we don’t do this tonight we won’t be prepared so you have to or else you can’t see Lauren ever again.” Madison said. I almost choked on my apple slice.

“You can’t do that! She’s my girlfriend, I can see her whenever I like.” Emerson said crossing his arms over his chest.

“Oh yes I can. She’s my best friend oh and also I live with her, so you know it’s technically my house too! I can control who comes into our house, I’m sure Lauren will agree with me.” Madison said turning to me.

“But I didn’t do anything!” I said looking anywhere but at them.

“It’s not fair Madison, I don’t have to do what you say.” Emerson said not moving an inch.

“Actually you do.”

“What if I don’t?” Emerson countered.

“Well maybe I need to make a call.” Madison said back.

“What do you mean ‘make a call’?” I asked looking at Madison.

“I mean call Emerson’s mother.” She said honestly. Emerson laughed loudly.

“Call my mother? And what would she do?” Emerson said sinking back into the chair beside me.

“Well you see Emerson, while you and Lauren were out your mother stopped by the house. She said she loved my idea for the winter festival tomorrow. She told me to call her if I needed any help because she knew how difficult you can be, she is your mother.” Madison said harshly.

“I don’t believe you.” Emerson said.

“You don’t have to, she can tell you herself if you want.” Madison said smiling.

“Fine, whatever. Just tell us about what we’re doing.” Emerson said giving in.

“I knew you would come around Emerson.” Madison said ruffling his hair. She walked over to her board again. I looked more closely at it. The title read “The Snowflake Ball”.

“Okay, I know what you’re thinking but just hear me out before you shoot me down.” Madison said slowly.

“So the idea is to have a ball, or a dance I guess. This is like a totally private school and I mean we can all afford the gowns so I ran it by the headmistress, and well she thought it could be an annual event. She really loved it.” Madison said beaming. She was so proud of herself, I could tell.

“Wait what does this have to do with running a booth at the fair tomorrow?” I asked crossing my legs under the table and dipping an apple slice into my peanut butter. I popped it into my mouth before Madison continued.

“Well I’m getting to that. So tomorrow at the winter fair we will hold an auction in the middle of the festivities, so people have time at the beginning and the end.” She said.

“What kind of auction?” Emerson asked.

“Would you both just shut up? I’m going to explain it! Give me a minute to actually finish my thoughts before you ask any questions?” She said huffing from frustration. We both nodded.

“Okay then. So it’s a boy auction. The kind where you introduce the boys and girls bid on them, it’s a good fundraiser. Besides that, its good for my own personal needs.” She smiled.

“Anyways I’ve already got pretty much all the guys together that don’t have girlfriends and want to participate in our auction. I have a list right here.” Madison said holding up a piece of paper.

“So that’s them and I’m finishing up their profiles. I guess you guys are probably wondering where you come in. Well you two will be hosting. The auction is for a date to the Snowflake ball if you were wondering. You guys will be the ones introducing the boys and taking the bids, so pretty much all you have to do is stand up there and look pretty, oh and read their profiles off a paper I give you.” She said still smiling at us both.

“You guys are just so good together I think that it will be good for the people to see a good couple and maybe some of these dates people win will actually hit it off, its like playing cupid. Besides all the money goes to charity, that’s what this festival is mostly about.” Madison said sighing.

I could tell she was obviously imagining having a relationship like ours with a guy. I looked at Emerson who was holding my hand and focusing on Madison’s board display. I was more than lucky to have met him and to have him in my life.

“Anyways, since you two are hosting you’ll obviously go to the ball together and I’ve decided your color is red. Oh yeah, each couple picks a color out of a hat for what color the girls dresses have to be and the guys ties. You know so no one has the same color dress, it will be like a rainbow. It will be amazing, I promise. Just trust me.” Madison said.

“Oh and also you guys have to host the ball of course, so you’ll be the first ones there at the ball.”

“You’ll both have to make like a quick speech when everyone arrives. Oh and your tickets are free since you’re part of the whole operation. Tickets usually will be five dollars since its free to be in the auction and the girls already have to bid money.” Madison said quickly glancing at both of us.

“Okay, we’ll do it.” I said to my best friend.

“Lauren! We didn’t talk about this…” Emerson said turning towards me.

“It’s for charity Emerson, and besides it sounds like fun. It’s a ball, you can be my prince.” I said batting my eyelashes at him and smiling. He sighed and his expression softened, it always worked.

“Fine, I guess we can.” Emerson said hesitantly.

“Good choice.” I said leaning over and kissing his cheek.

“Uh huh.” He said unbelieving.

“So yeah I’ll just go to my room so I can finish the profiles with all the information I collected on these guys. Emerson if you could stay until I finish that would be great.” Madison said slapping her forehead.

“Never mind, you pretty much live here now. Mine as well sleep here tonight; we have a busy day all day tomorrow. Oh and I’ll give you two the schedule as well.” Madison said collecting her planning things and board and heading towards her room.

“I’m really sorry Emerson. She’s my best friend and did you see the look on her face? She was so happy. I couldn’t turn her down. I’m sorry.” I said hanging my head.

“It’s okay Lauren. I don’t mind, if you want to do it then I’m up for it, besides if it means we can have a sleepover tonight then I don’t really care what she wants us to do.” He said lifting my chin up to look at his eyes. He smiled at me as his eyes lit up again like in the parking lot at the hospital.

Abruptly my phone started ringing. I pulled it out of my jacket pocket that I just now realized I hadn’t taken off. The number was unknown. I shrugged and answered it on the last ring.

“Ms. Daniels?” A woman said into the phone.

“Yes, this is she.” I said taken aback by her formalness.

“Good. Uh, your father.” She said slowly searching for words.

“Wait, I’m sorry but I don’t exactly know who you are.” I said partly not wanting her to finish her sentence the other part just wanting to know.

“Oh I’m sorry Ms. Daniels. I completely forgot to introduce myself. I am Shelby Owens; I’m the receptionist at Columbus hospital in New York. I handle all the news of patients on the first floor. I was told to call you about your father, Mr. Thomas Daniels I believe.” She said sounding official.

“Okay, thank you. So about my dad?” I asked. Emerson shot me a look I ignored it.

“Yes Ms. Daniels. Your father, well. He’s awake.” She said slowly. I gasped and then started crying a little. Emerson looked at me with shock in his eyes.

“I can’t believe this. Okay I’ll be there as soon as I can. Thank you so much Shelby! Thank you!” I said excitement filling my voice.

“Glad I could help Ms. Daniels. I’ll see you soon then. Goodbye Ms. Daniels.” She said before the phone when silent. I took Emerson’s hand and dragged him out the door not bothering with a coat or anything. I grabbed my keys and took off.

“What’s happened Lauren?” Emerson said in a panicked tone of voice. I waved him off and pushed him towards the car.

“Tell you later.” I said pushing him towards the car faster.

“Fine.” He said. I basically pushed him into his seat. I jumped into the driver’s seat knowing Emerson wouldn’t know where to go or the fastest way to get there. I pushed the gas and tore out of the school area; at least I let the gate open before I drove right through it.

 I went through the city hitting all the green lights to get me there fastest. I sped down every street until we reached the hospital. I parked in the first spot I saw and jumped out. I took Emerson’s hand and then locked the car behind me. We ran to the hospital entrance. We ran down the hall though multiple nurses and doctors yelled us at.

“Oh Lauren, Emerson. I’m glad you made it.” I was breathing heavily when we arrived and the doctor began to speak to us. “I guess you heard that he’s awake.” Doctor Greg said to us.

“Oh that’s what this is about?” Emerson said looking at me. I smiled back sweetly.

“Yep.” I said.

Then I faced Dr. Greg. “May I see him? Please doctor?” I asked.

“Of course. I think that the prayer you guys said earlier and talking to him really helped.” He said smiling graciously.

“Thanks Greg.” I said before I went into my father’s room. I saw Dr. Greg give me a look about calling him by his first name but I ignored it and smiled.

“Blue eyes? Is that you?” He asked sitting up in bed slowly.

“It’s me Daddy.” I said choking back my tears.

“Oh honey. I thought I would never see you again.” He said to me.

“You thought you would never see me again? Dad, you were the one in a coma.” I said upset for a second but then I hugged him.

“Don’t ever scare me like that again.” I said to him softly.

“I won’t, promise.” He said.

“I just wanted to see that you were awake and that you’re okay, but Emerson and I really have to get back to Vermont. We have the winter festival all day tomorrow and it’s really busy. So I’ll call tomorrow and come see you if I have a chance, but otherwise I’ll be here as soon as I can. I love you Daddy, and I’m so happy you’re better now.” I said kissing his cheek.

“I am too Lauren. I’ll talk to you tomorrow sweetheart.” He said to me.

“Mr. Daniels, I’m really glad you’re recovering. I’ll take good care of Lauren.” Emerson said shaking my dad’s hand lightly as if not to hurt him more.

“Glad to hear that son. I’ll see you guys soon. Goodnight, drive safely.” He said laying back down in the bed.

“We will Daddy. See you soon. Get some rest.” I said taking Emerson’s hand and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind us.

“Thank you so much Dr. Greg. It’s a miracle, I really didn’t think I would ever get to speak to my father ever again.” I said seeing him still standing outside the hospital room.

            “Like I said before, I think it was your efforts and prayers that did it for him. I’m glad you’re happy, but if you’ll excuse me I have a few more things to do.” He said cordially. I hugged him tightly. It was a brisk hug, but I really owed him a lot.

            “Again, thank you for everything.” I said before taking Emerson’s hand and walking out the door with a smile plastered to my face.

            “That went better than I expected.” Emerson said sighing loudly while leading me towards the car.

“Well it wasn’t going to go bad.” I said looking at him as we walked.

“I didn’t know. I mean you told me nothing. We just left... I bet Madison is in a bad mood.” Emerson said probably thinking of all the bad things Madison would do to him for stealing me away.

“She’s not. I’m sure she hasn’t finished yet. Knowing Madison I think at about two in the morning she will burst in and throw her papers at me and then slam the door shut. She’ll have drank four cups of coffee by then and will only get around thirteen minutes of sleep tonight.” I said calculating the numbers in my head.

“Oh, well that’s just great. Here I was thinking I would actually get a good amount of sleep tonight.” Emerson said sighing.

“So you didn’t get good sleep last night? You know because I woke up in the middle of the night and it was like you were dead.” I laughed looking at him. He glanced away knowing I was right.

“Okay, okay. You caught me. I did sleep very well last night, it seems you have that effect on me.” Emerson said accepting defeat.

“Thought so.” I said waiting for Emerson to open my door since we reached the car. He opened it and then closed it when I was inside. He went around the front of the car and got in the drivers seat. He just sat there for a while.

“What are you waiting for?” I asked wondering why he wasn’t driving yet.

“Lauren I need your keys. This is your car.” He said slowly.

“Oh right. Yeah, I’m sorry I forgot with all the excitement and stuff.” I said fishing around in my pockets for my keys. Finally I managed to shimmy them out of my front pocket. I handed them to Emerson.

“Much better.” He said putting them into the ignition.

“I agree.” I said grabbing his hand after he backed out and began driving back to our school.

“So are you really to be this year’s cutest couple?” Emerson asked focusing on the road.

“What do you mean?” I asked in confusion.

“Well every year when I date a girl we’re like deemed the cutest couple in the school. We go to all the parties, meetings, dinners.” He said.

“It’s not like we’re famous. And what do you mean every year when you date a girl? Do you get a new girlfriend every year or something?” I asked staring at him. I didn’t want to be the jealous girlfriend; I just wanted to understand what he meant. If he got a new girlfriend every year then that means this would never work. That means he would break up with me when school let out. That means I wouldn’t date Emerson forever.

“Hey Lauren. I don’t know what’s going on in that pretty little head of yours but it’s not like that. Its just that most of my past girlfriends... well they haven’t worked out. We haven’t lasted more than a year. I don’t think that will happen with us, you’re different than all the other girls I’ve dated.” He said glancing at me.

“Emerson it’s just that I want us to work. I don’t want it to go down the drain. I don’t want to be another one of those loser girls that you dispose of after a year when you get bored with me. I mean you said that you loved me. You said you wouldn’t leave me and now... well now you are talking about all your past girlfriends. Emerson, I’ve never had a boyfriend before. I didn’t want one and I guess this is why.” I said turning to look at him through the dim light in the car.

“Lauren it’s not like that, I swear. I’m not going to just dump you when I get bored. I didn’t mean anything when I said that.” He said taking his hand back and rubbing the back of his neck. “I... I don’t know what I meant, but it isn’t this.” He said his eyes suddenly growing dark. I felt bad.

“It’s okay Emerson. Really. It’s fine. I didn’t mean to go all psycho girlfriend on you.” I said laughing nervously. I quickly took his hand back and held it. “I love you.” I said looking at him. Relief flooded his face. I smiled.

“Okay, I guess I’ll have to believe you.” He said. I stuck my tongue out at him.

“Yeah, you always have to believe me. It’s in your contract.” I said.

“What contract? I never heard of such magical things!” He said laughing.

“Yeah, yeah. Eyes on the road Emerson.” I said.

“Will do mother.” He said rolling his eyes. I laughed. The rest of the ride we were quiet, it was a peaceful and comfortable quiet.

“We’re home.” Emerson said once the school gates where in sight.

“It seems we are. Thank you captain obvious.” I said laughing at him.

We drove right through the gate and around the large circular driveway that branched off into the neighborhoods.

“Are you going to stay over tonight like Madison suggested?” I asked innocently watching his facial expressions as he took the long road that lead to my home.

“Are you sure? Madison will be a handful and a half with all the festival stuff. Wouldn’t it just be easier for you to stay with me?” He said not looking at me. I looked at him as though he had three heads.

“Are you crazy? You want yet another run in with the infamous Toby?” I laughed obnoxiously.

“Well I guess not. He’s not that bad you know. He’s actually kind of my friend and I would very much appreciate it if you, as my girlfriend, would be nice to him or at least tolerate him.” Emerson said slowly pulling in my short drive way. I made a sort of snort noise at him.

“Yeah sure whatever you say Emerson.” I said sarcasm dripping off my every word. He gaped at me.

“I’ve never seen you act like this before Lauren.” He said with a look on his face that made me want to cry. Now I felt even worse. I wasn’t this girl. I don’t think he would forgive me as easily this time. I just dissed his best friend pretty much. Since when did we become the couple that fought all the time?

“Yeah, I’m sorry Emerson. I don’t really know what’s wrong with me tonight.” I said quickly backpedaling.

“Maybe I should just head home Lauren. I’ll see you tomorrow at the festival.” He said basically telling me to get out of his car.

“Emerson I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry. I really am. How can I make it up to you?” I asked smiling a sad smile hoping he would buy it.

“You can give me some time. I’ll come back. I promise.” He said kissing my cheek softly but briefly before unbuckling my seatbelt for me.

“I’ll make it up to you, I swear.” I said honestly before opening my door and exiting the car. My heart hurt. I felt like I was about to cry, but I waited until Emerson had drove off towards his house before I did that.  I felt dizzy and like nothing was adding up these days. I sat down on the pavement feeling defeated. The door behind me clicked open and it dawned on me that Madison had probably watched the whole thing go down.

“I don’t want to talk about it right now. He said he would be back.” I said wiping at my tears trying not to start sobbing in front of Madison even though she was my best friend.

“Fine then get inside b***h before you freeze your butt off and ruin my festival tomorrow.” She said turning back inside and shutting the door. I wiped my last tear and stood. Brushing the dirt off my butt I laughed soundlessly at the name Madison called me. Loving how she expected it wouldn't offend me at all. It was better than not being talked to you. I liked yelling and getting it all out because that meant once you stopped yelling and getting all your anger out the fight was over and then you made up. Not talking about it didn’t help.

I entered the house and was overwhelmed by the loud classical music Madison was blaring. I covered my ears to keep from becoming deaf. Madison picked up a remote and turned down the music. I uncovered my ears. “Thanks.” I said walking to the living room, which had been turned into a small ballroom apparently.

“I expected Emerson to be with you.” Madison said shrugging.

“Well he’ll be back if he knows what’s good for him.” I said. I was over the sad, depressed me. I wasn’t going to be that girl who cried every time her boyfriend fought with her. I was going to hold my head high and pull through. Madison laughed softly behind me.

“It’s Friday night! Madison, winter break is like a week away! Oh my gosh. Wait what about the dresses for the dance? When is the dance even? Oh gosh I have major shopping to do!” I said feeling more sure of myself and my relationship with Emerson.

“How about tomorrow? We can go get some food for our house. Then dresses and accessories. Oh and shoes!” She exclaimed smiling broadly. I felt happy.

“Sounds like a plan. Maybe eight? I need to get an early start with all this festival business.” I said sighing.

“Eight it is. We are leaving this house at eight o’clock tomorrow morning. Not a minute more. You and Emerson will need to be at the festival doing your rounds at ten thirty. By that time most everyone will be there and you need to be the smiley, brilliant couple I know you guys are.” Madison said rubbing my shoulders for a brief moment. She then left the room and headed to bed I assumed.  I took a deep breath and decided to take a long hot bath. I needed it.

I headed to my bathroom that held a separate tub. They really did think of everything at this school. I lit the candles I had placed around the room. Then I proceeded to dim the lights to a comfortable relaxing level. I turned on the tap and walked back out to my room.

I gathered up my silk robe and the book I was reading currently. I grabbed my iPod as well for some soft music. I was really going to get into this. When I entered the bathroom again the tub was half full. I pulled out my lavender bubble bath out of the cabinet and began pouring some in with the steamy running water. I took a large clip and pinning all my hair up into a pile on the top of my head to allow the water to warm my entire body. Finally the tub was completely full.

“This is heaven.” I said softly to myself as I slipped in the hot water after I turned the tap off. The amount of bubbles was ridiculous but I deserved them. I started to read my book. It was about a fearless heroine who was facing her biggest fears at the moment. Her best friend disappeared earlier in the story and the heroine just started looking for him. It caught my attention and kept me on edge every second of reading it.

Suddenly there was a light knock on my bathroom door.

“Madison, go away I’m in the bath!” I yelled trying to make sure she knew I meant business.

“Guess again.” A male voice said from just outside the door. I thought about whom the voice belonged to and then it clicked. I rolled my eyes though no one could see it.

“Toby, what the heck are you doing here? If Madison let you in you better tell her to hide or something because I’m gonna kill her.” I said putting my book down beside the tub in case I had to run away or something.

“Don’t worry girlfriend. I’m not going to walk in on you or something.” He said before he walked in. I quickly covered myself, but I had enough bubbles it wouldn’t have mattered anyways.

“I knew you were a bubbles type of girl, and thank god for that or Emerson would have killed me.” Toby said taking a seat on the toilet. I smiled thinking Emerson would be mad at his best friend for seeing me in the bath.

“That’s true. Now why are you here?” I asked knowing my relaxing was over with and ruined.

“It’s Emerson.” He said. I froze.

“What happened?” I asked panicked.

“Nothing, nothing.” He quickly mended.

“What happened to him Toby?” I asked more forcefully.

“He’s fine, safe at home actually. It’s just that he’s moping around like a five year old who just got a timeout. Now my question is, what did you do to him?” He asked looking at me. His voice sounded hard with sharp edges. I shivered in the now warm water. =

“We just got in a fight. It’s nothing to worry about.” I said closing my eyes hoping the water would wash away some of my worries. Toby scoffed at my words.

“Hell yeah it’s something to worry about. Lauren, he’s like my brother. He wouldn’t say this because he thinks it’s my secret to tell, but he took me under his wing. When we were six--” Toby said pausing to settle in a little.

“We were both six years old and were neighbors. I lost my parents, both of them. I was living with my grandmother who obviously couldn’t handle a six year old. He invited me over to his house and until we got into fourth grade I basically lived there. Then, my grandmother died and he begged his parents until they let me live with them. Usually it doesn’t work like that, I would go to my next family member, but all mine were dead or worse.” He sighed.

“So Emerson’s parents took me in. His mom started running this school and we both got in. We’re best friends Lauren. I would do anything for him. And unfortunately he would do anything for you. So that leaves me to mend this stupid fight you guys had. You do realize you two will end up getting married?” He asked matter-of-factly.

“Okay. First, when did you learn my name? Second I’m sorry about your life, I’ve had it hard too so don’t think you’re alone. Lastly who knows if we’ll get married, I mean Emerson is like perfect for me, but I’m sixteen Toby, how do you expect me to believe we’ll be together forever if we can’t get over a tiny fight, that unsurprisingly you were the topic of.” I said softly my eyes still closed.

“I learned your name when my best friend slash brother decided he was in love with you. And I was the topic of your fight?” He said not looking at me.

“Yes, you were. I don’t like you. You weren’t nice to me, and you only get one chance to make a first impression. Yours was rather terrible if I say so myself.” I laughed a little.

“Well you were the girl my best friend brings home without telling me. I didn’t even know he started dating again. I’m sorry for thinking you were the rebound.” Toby said sadly. My eyes flew open quickly.

“What do you mean ‘the rebound’?” I asked staring him down. He glanced away not wanting to face me.

“Listen Lauren, I’m sure Emerson has told you about his past girlfriends, he isn’t the kind of guy not to. Now don’t go all jealous girlfriend on him because I let something slip. It’s not like you haven’t had past boyfriends.” He said looking at me again. Then it was my turn to look away.

“Actually Toby, I haven’t have any past boyfriends. Just Emerson, not even like in elementary school. I was alone.” I said sighing and pushing my fingers through the warm water. Shock took over his facial expression.

“Oh.” Was all Toby said for a minute, I suppose he was gathering his thoughts.

“Don’t feel sorry for me. I was fine. Independent. After my mother died I didn’t really want to be around anyone anyways. It’s made me stronger.” I said softly.

“I just thought you being all magazine beautiful you would have dated other guys. With the typical blond hair, blue eyes. Thin with curves. It’s like every guys dream.” He said looking at the wall in front of him.

“Yeah, I suppose. I said I’ve never had a boyfriend not that I didn’t get asked to go out with guys before. I just said no every time. I guess I just thought that there was always something better out there and if I waited long enough I would find it.” I said watching Toby’s facial expressions change.

“Well let me tell you, you’ve struck gold with Emerson. He’s a good guy Lauren. I don’t want you guys to fight, I want you to be happy with him. So I’m going to go wait in the living room and I’ll drive you over to our place. Maybe you could make up.” He said getting up to leave.

“Wait, who said I wanted to make up?” I asked surprised.

“Well no one, but Emerson wants to. He’s a little too prideful sometimes. He doesn’t want for this to get between you guys, trust me. I’ve tried talking to him and trying to get him to reconcile, but he won’t listen. He’s stubborn.” Toby said pausing near the door. I sighed.

“Fine, I’ll be out in a minute.” I said giving in.

“Thanks Lauren.” Toby said smiling a little. He walked out the door and shut it behind him. I pulled the plug in the tub and stood up. Grabbing my towel off the rack I stepped out of the tub and onto the bath mat in front. I dried off and then reached for my robe that was draped over the shower glass.

I stepped into my bedroom and searched for some comfy clean clothes. I got some of my loose faded blue jeans that I only wore around the house and pulled them on over my freshly changed undergarments. Then I went to my favorite t-shirt drawer looking for the right one. I pulled on my Green Day concert t-shirt I got like a million years ago when I went to see them with Lauren on weekend in New York.

Last I grabbed a gray hoodie that was hanging in my closet. I went back to the bathroom and put a little perfume and lip-gloss on suddenly concerned about the way I look. Letting my hair out from the clip I had it in I ran my brush through it a few times. Finally I left the bathroom and headed to the living room.

“Hey Toby, ready to go?” I asked once I saw him on the couch.

“Sure thing girlfriend.” He winked as he stood and walked out towards the door. I followed close behind.

“Just let me put my shoes on.” I said grabbing my purple converse from the front hall and sitting on the floor to shove my feet into them. Toby stared down at me while I tied them up. Once they were tied in neat little bows I stuck my hand out waiting for Toby to pull me up, he just looked at me and crossed his arms across his chest.

“Oh right, not Emerson.” I said feeling a little down. I pushed myself up and stood. Toby opened the door for me.

“After you.” He said waving me through. I walked out to his car. It was colder then I would have thought. I mentally scolded myself for not putting on a heavier jacket. Toby unlocked his silver Jeep Liberty. I climbed into the passenger side.

“So tell me why you don’t drive a fancy sports car?” I said once Toby had joined me in the car and settled in.

“Well that’s an easy one. I don’t drive a sports car because I felt guilty. Emerson’s parents had done so much for me. They made me like their son and still do. Even though Emerson’s parents are splitting up they both call me once a week just to check up. I don’t want they to pay for my car, so I saved. For years and years, finally I had enough and I bought this. It’s nice though, I can’t complain.” He said backing out and heading towards their place.

“Makes sense.” I said.

“My turn to ask you something. Why are you transferring here in the middle of the year?” He said still focusing on where he was going.

“Come on. Don’t listen to the rumor mill do you Toby?” I asked knowing there were about a thousand reasons why I was here floating around the school at this point. He shook his head giving me the sign to keep going and tell him. I sighed.

“Fine. I’m here because my father is getting old. After my mother died ten years ago he gave me everything. He works here in Vermont, but of course he insisted that I go to school in New York because he didn’t want me to be around the memories of my mother. He thought I couldn’t handle it. So he bought a house in New York and we moved out there. Still he continued to commute everyday to work. Now he’s older and just had a health scare. Well I guess it wasn’t really a health scare because he was in a coma, but still. So I gave in. My father told me if he wanted to keep that job I would have to move out here. This is the best school for me. Emerson’s father works with my dad and they talked as men do, a day after I was packing up my life and moving here. Luckily I have Madison to help me through it. Of course meeting Emerson and falling for him was a bonus.” I smiled thinking about Emerson. Really I did miss him, even though it had just been an hour at most that I saw him last, but that didn’t end on a good note.

“Oh, well I’m glad you’re here.” Toby said glancing over at me.

“You are?” I asked not bothering to cover up the surprise in my voice.

“Yes, I am. Emerson has never had the best of luck with girls, he’s not a very good choice of character.” He laughed. “But I always knew one day he would meet that one girl who made him happy. I didn’t doubt for a second it was you when I met you that first day. I’m only hard on you because I want Emerson to be happy. I want him to love a girl and marry her. I don’t want that girl to break his heart. I mean why do you think I even came to see you late at night pretty much begging for you to talk to Emerson?” He asked before he turned into their driveway.

“Thanks Toby.” I said.

“For what?”

“For being there for Emerson, and for making sure we got over this fight. I don’t know how Emerson survived before you.” I said before reaching over and pulling Toby into a tight hug.

“Whoa. Don’t get all emotional. As far as Emerson knows I still dislike you and you still dislike me.” He said pushing me away lightly.

“Sorry.” I said unbuckling and getting out. I walked up to the door and waited for Toby. He walked up to the front step and threw me his house key.

“You go ahead. I don’t want to be there for all the making up stuff. I’m just going to go for a drive. I’ll be back in a while.” Toby said before going back to his car, starting it up, and driving away. I stood there staring down at the key in my palm. Inserting it into the door I took a deep breath. Walking through their house without Emerson there talking to me or making jokes made me realize what I had. I knew right then that I didn’t want to lose it. I made a guess as to which room Emerson was in. I walked to the back of their house where the small study was placed.

I knocked lightly on the door, but got no reply. I stood there thinking if I should knock again or just go in. I decided on the latter. I jiggled the doorknob a little but it wouldn’t open. The door was locked. I didn’t know what to do. Emerson had literally locked himself in a room. I knocked again without thinking.

“Emerson, its Lauren. Will you please open the door? I wanna talk to you.” I said pressing my ear to the door.

“What so you can insult my friends?” He said with a sneer.

“No, so I can talk to you.”

“Well I don’t want to talk to you.”

“Don’t be childish Emerson, just open the door.”

“Maybe I am a child. Maybe I don’t want to open the door.”

“Emerson stop being difficult. If you don’t open the door I’ll just have to open it myself.”

“How do you think you’ll do that?” He laughed. It became obvious he wasn’t going to open the door for me, so I did what I did best. Taking two bobby pins out of my hair I stuck them in the door and moved them around until they were in the best position. Then I pushed one in harder and turned it slowly. The lock clicked open. I turned the knob and the door swung open for me. I took my pins out of the door and stuck them back in my hair. Smiling I watched Emerson’s head lift from the desk.

“How’d you do that?” He said shocked. I just smiled.

“You could say I’ve had a little practice.” He just stared at me.

“What? You don’t think I’ve ever had to pick a lock before? You don’t think that my father went into depression mode after my mom died and tried to kill himself? Oh well let me tell you, childhood wasn’t my favorite time. Besides I watched a lot of cop shows when I was six.” I shrugged and dropped down in the chair in front of his desk.

“Why are you here Lauren?” He asked obviously the shock had faded away.

“Well because you’re my boyfriend. You promised you would come back and you didn’t. I gave you some space. Then Toby came to me and told me that you were moping around like a five year old, so I came here. It seems nothing can stop Toby when he’s on a mission, not even a naked girl in a bath.” I said waiting for Emerson to get mad, that’s what I wanted. I wanted him to let out all his steam so he would calm down and come to his senses. His cheeks started to turn red; he banged his fists on the desk so hard it sent papers fluttering to the ground.

“Toby did what? I’ll kill him.” Emerson screamed before standing up and knocking his chair backward with a thump on the ground. I stood and came around the desk. I took his arms and held him in place while I looking into his eyes that burned green, the brown barely visible.

“Emerson. Listen to me. Do not go kill Toby. Once you realize what he did for you you’ll thank him. Once you calm down you’ll be okay. Emerson I love you, you need to know that. I don’t hate Toby and he doesn’t hate me. We’re actually kind of friends.” I said searching his eyes.

“Lauren you don’t get it.” Emerson said trying to pull away.

“Yes I do. It’s not like he actually was trying to see anything. I had bubbles.” I laughed a little.

“That’s not funny Lauren.” He said. I returned to my serious face.

“Stop calling me Lauren. You don’t call me that. You’re still with me. You’re still my boyfriend. You can’t just decide to switch it off when you feel like it. Emerson, this won’t be easy. I know that for a fact, but you have to meet me halfway. I can’t keep coming back to you because Toby tells me to. I’m not going to run back to you. You probably aren’t used to that, but I can handle myself just fine without you. Just because I make a mistake does not mean you can promise me you’ll come back and you don’t. I’ve dealt with excuses all my life, so don’t try and make one up now. I’m being blunt and honest right now and you need to hear me. You need to listen.” I said trying to get his attention. I needed to get through his wall. I needed to break down everything he put up to try and keep me out, if I didn’t there would never be an us. We wouldn’t exist anymore. It wouldn’t be more than a few encounters complete with small talk and awkward silences. He looked down at me; suddenly he stopped struggling to get out of my grip. He didn’t have any fight left in him. I realized one of those walls had come down I broke it down. Slowly he was coming out of his tall fortress. All I had to do was keep trying to get through to him.

“Lauren.” He whispered. His eyes calmed down. The deep brown mixed with the raging green slowly. He was calming down bit by bit.

“Emerson, let’s go home.” I said taking his hand. He just nodded and allowed me to pull him along. I pulled him toward the front when I remembered I didn’t have       a car. I swallowed.

“Hey Emerson... I kind of need to use your car because you know Toby drove me over.” He pulled me towards the front hall and grabbed his keys off the key ring mounted on the wall. Then he kept pulling me towards outside. I allowed him to lead knowing I couldn’t stop him if I wanted to. As usual once we got to the car he opened my door for me and helped me inside. My heart fluttered knowing even when he was mad he was still a gentleman.

We drove in silence towards my house I noticed he didn’t bring anything with him and began to get nervous. Was he going to stay over still? Or was he going to just drop me off safely at home? He didn’t say anything that would give me a hint and I didn’t want to be the first person to break the silence.

Suddenly looking out the window I realized we were in my driveway. The short drive had gone by quicker than I had expected.

“Hey Emerson, are you planning to stay over?” I asked hesitantly, biting my lower lip.

“Yeah. Why? Do you not want me to?” He asked, worry suddenly filling his voice.

“Oh no. I do want you to. It’s just I noticed you didn’t pack anything.” I said. He smiled at me and got out of the car. I just sat there blinking. He came and tapped on the window of his car. I pushed the button to roll it down quickly.

“I packed when I left. I was planning on coming back Lauren. You just needed to give me more time.” He said dangling his duffel bag from his fingers.

“Oh. Wait what do you have packed in there? It looks pretty big for one overnight stay.” I asked with questioning eyes.

“You’ll see. Just come with me.” He said opening my door. I took his hand and stepped out of the car. He led me up the walkway to the front door. He produced a key from his pocket and unlocked the door. I stood in shock. He tried to pull me through the doorway, but I dug my heels in.

“How in the world did you get a key?” I asked.

“Well I have my resources.” He said tugging on my arm still trying to get me through the door.

“I didn’t give you a key. I think that’s a little bit of an invasion of my privacy.” I said still not moving.

“It’s not like I expect you to be with another guy. I’ll give it back after tonight. I swear.” He said. My heart melted. I swear he could say just about anything and I would go with it.

“Okay.” I said in agreement. He pulled me inside and towards the kitchen. Madison was sitting at the table papers spread across the table in a disorderly fashion. She was impatiently tapping her pencil rapidly against the table when she heard us enter.

“Oh good you’re back.” She said not looking up from her work.

            “Hey Madison.” I said.

            “I was just going over some plans for tomorrow. Hello Emerson.” She said still staring at her papers.

            “Uh.” Emerson said shooting me a look that said, “how the heck did she know I was here”.

            “Oh stop gawking. We have work to do. I only knew you were here because I know my best friend and she won’t go down without a fight.” I smiled to myself sure that Madison knew me better than I knew myself sometimes.

            “What kind of work?” I asked eying my best friend carefully.

            “None you guys can help with now that I think about it. You would just get in the way. Go make out or something because I need to focus.” She said shooing us towards my bedroom.

            “Fine Madison. Have fun.” I said taking Emerson by the arm and pulling him along with me. Once we got to my room I plopped down on the bed and Emerson shut the door.

            “What’s her problem?” He said lying down beside me and taking my hand.

            “She’s lonely.” I said before letting out a long sigh.

            “Well then why not find her someone?” He asked turning his head to look at me for a moment before turning it back to stare at the ceiling.

            “It’s not that easy Emerson. Madison is very picky, besides it’s like in the girl handbook that we don’t set each other up on blind dates.” I said placing my free hand on my stomach absently.

            “What if it isn’t a blind date? What if we like go on a group date or something?” He asked sounding hopeful.

            “Emerson, let it go. If Madison wants to be with a guy, she’ll be with him. For now she will be alone, but that’s her own choice. Besides I’m sure she’ll find a guy at the festival tomorrow.” I said sitting up. Emerson sighed but still lay back comfortably.

            “So, what’s in the bag?” I asked slowly, looking down at him. He sat up quickly. A smile spread across his face.

            “Let me show you.” He said standing up and grabbing the bag from by the door where he dropped it when we came in. He came back and set the bag down on the bed next to me. I pulled my legs up under me and waited. He slowly unzipped it. It was like torture.

            “Are you doing this on purpose?” I asked eying him.

            “Doing what?” He asked coyly. I just glared.

            “Just open the bag Emerson.” I said firmly.

            “Fine.” He said pulling the zipper down faster. The bag gaped open, I turned to look inside but all I saw was pitch black. Emerson reached inside and out came a tie. It was black. Then came a shoe and then another. I was slowly putting the puzzle together.

            “Ah. I see. Madison made you get a suit for tomorrow.” I said nodding absently to myself. Emerson kept pulling out items. Eventually we had an entire suit.

            “Wait, there’s more.” He said sticking his hand back into the bag that seemed bottomless.

            “What else could there be in that bag?” I asked waiting for him to pull out a rabbit. He didn’t reply, he just felt around in the bad and pulled out a pair of tan oxfords. Next thing he laid out on the bed was a black peacoat. “Stylish, not gay. Interesting.” I thought to myself. Then dark green pants were laid out, there were nicer and dressier, but not like he’s trying too hard. Lastly was a plain cream-colored henley. The outfit was very put together; it would look great with his eyes. And I could just imagine his messy brown hair and how I wish I could run my fingers through it. Suddenly I was snapped out of my dream state, quite literally. Emerson snapped his fingers in front of my face and I focused on him again, not that I wasn’t focusing on him it was just a different not real version of him.     

“Lauren, did you hear anything I said?” He asked.

            “Uh, is it bad if I say no?” I asked slowly toying with the edge of my t-shirt. Trying my best not to look up into his eyes because I knew if I did I would be a goner.

            “Well yes, but I can say it again if you tell me where you were.” He said. I could feel his eyes on me, waiting.

         “Uh I don’t think that is such a good idea.” I said still looking down.

            “Come on Laur, open up. Live a little, what’s the worst that could happen?” He said.

            “Well you could laugh at me.” I said softly. I didn’t want to own up to it. He would think I was being childish for thinking he would laugh at me. That it shouldn’t affect me. It’s not something you just admit. You don’t come right out and say you’re scared of people laughing at you.

            “I won’t laugh Lauren. I promise. I just want to know, I’m sure I’ll like it.” Emerson said. He was kneeling on the ground in front of me.

            “Fine. I was just thinking about an imaginary you. I could see all the details in my head.” I said raising my head as he stood. I wanted to tell him about my vision. I desperately wanted to tell someone about my flash-forward into time.

            “Lauren, what’s wrong?” He asked. I could hear the concern in his voice and knew my eyes were probably as dark as the oceans at night. I put my head into my hands and cursed myself for having these eyes. My eyes gave me away every time, and for the life of me I could never control them.

            “Nothing Emerson.”   I said, but even to myself I wasn’t convincing.

            “Lauren, tell me. That’s what I’m here for. I want to listen. I want to help.” He said. I felt the bed dip beside me. I looked over and saw Emerson arrange himself on the bed. He lay back against my mountain of pillows, on my side. He stretched his legs out until they were resting over my legs. He sighed and his eyes drifted closed for a moment.

            “I could get use to this.” He said when his eyes opened again.

            “Don’t get too comfortable.” I said sarcastically though a smile spread on my face. I could get use to this too.

            “I will. I’m not leaving right here until you tell me what’s going on. So you mine as well get comfortable as well.” Emerson said sinking even further into the pillows.