From Mystery to Romance

An Emily Chapter: A new beginning

I couldn't believe Xander asked to be friends. Why did he want to be my friend? We have gotten pretty close after he met North, but I didn't think he was actually going to want to be friends.

"What's your biggest fear? Mines cancer." I asked reminding myself about Judith.

"Mines car accidents," Xander said.

I gulped, "Is-is it because of...your mom?"

He looked me in the eye. God, I never realized how beautiful his eyes were.

Xander nodded, "Yeah. Is yours because of Judith?"

I nodded.

Xander looked back at the stars. There was silence after that.

Later on, Xander and Mr. Gerkins left. North continued playing with the puppy. I have never seen her happier.

"Alright, girls. Time to go to bed." Mom said.

Julia groaned, "Why?"

"It's a school night. And a Monday. And the last thing a mother needs on Mondays is kids who can't wake up." Mom put on her mom's voice.

"Alright, then. Goodnight everyone. Happy birthday North!" Julia went up to her room.

"Goodnight," North said then looked back at Apple, "Goodnight Apple! See you in the morning!"

She got up and told everyone else goodnight. Then, she went up to her room.

"Goodnight guys," I said going up the stairs.

I reached my bedroom and felt a tongue lick my ankle. 

I looked down and found Apple there. Did he follow me? 

"Alright Apple, time to go back downstairs," I demand.

 He tilts his head in a cute way.

I laugh, "I mean it Apple. Go downstairs."

Who am I kidding, he's a dog. He can't understand English.

I sighed, "Come in."

He immediately runs in and jumps on my bed. I go into the bathroom, leaving the bedroom door open expecting Apple to leave soon.

But when I come out, I see that he is still sitting on my bed.

"Your still here?" I groan, "Alright, you can stay."

 I sit on the bed and stare at Apple.

"So, Xander asked if we can be friends. What do you think?" I randomly asked.

Apple barked and sat on my lap.

"Hmm. What does that mean?" I say, "Well, I guess I want to be friends with him, but I don't know why he even wants to be friends. Is it because he likes me, or because he feels sorry for me about Judith?"

Apple sat still. He's a good listener. Maybe I should keep talking to him.

"I miss Judith. I wish she didn't die. She was the only one who really liked me for who I am," I said, "But now, I don't know who I am. It's like Judith took the person I was with her when she died."

A couple of tears ran down my face. Apple licked them away from my cheek.

"I want to find out who I am. I feel like everyone is taking the opportunity to do that away from me." I said.

I stared at the little puppy. I couldn't believe how much I had bottled up inside me. I needed someone to talk to. And Apple just sat with me and listened to my feelings. Sure it's just a dog but...

Maybe this is a new beginning.