Escape Route

Ten

The trip back home was long and quiet. I've never imagined meeting Emerson's father in such a complicated situation. His look of disgust alone was enough to keep me from speaking to Emerson during the drive to the airport and in the plane. 

Our seating arrangement help even more. Emerson and his father were across from me in the other row, but that didn't stop Emerson from glancing at me from time-to-time. I always thought his father was the bad guy, was I ever wrong about his two-timing son. I just wanted to go home and try to forget whatever happened on that island.

As soon as we landed, Emerson's father mentioned to me that one of his personal drivers would take me home. Those were the first and last words he ever said to me. I can understand his reaction towards me. In his eyes I was just a side-chick preventing his son from marrying his finance. A gold-digger, if you will.

The driver placed my things in the trunk of the car and politely opened the door for me. Before I climbed in, I heard my name. I whirled to the cry only to find Emerson standing nearby. His face didn't shine with happiness like it always did. Instead, it was replaced with (what I hoped was) regret and misery. 

My heart twisted. The need to hug him was immense, to just talk to him as if nothing happened, but the damaged was done. Also, I was nobody's second choice.

I continued to climb in and close the door saying absolutely nothing. I told the driver to go. I attempted my utmost not to look back at Emerson's sullen face because if I did, the tears threatening to come out would've won. I was stronger than that.

*

"Riley, love." Mom called from behind my closed door. "C'mon it's been a week. I think it's time you get some fresh air and be a bit productive."

I sighed as I threw my pencil on the scattered papers on my desk. "I am being productive. I'm studying."

I was finally doing what I was supposed to be doing. Not wasting precious time on little boys.

"You can't stay here forever." she sighed. "Please, I know it's difficult right now, but I just thought you should know that your regulars are missing you at the café. Your help would be greatly appreciated too."

When she realised I wasn't going to answer, I heard footsteps becoming softer with each step. My eyes scanned my room that now became my second home. It looked cluttered and untidy. Mom was right, I needed to get out of the hole I buried myself in. 

I've never really spoken much to my parents after the trip, but I decided to tell them what happened. I haven't spoken or seen Aunt Maggie after Emerson's attempted visit. I was too upset to talk and I couldn't trust myself around him.

A few days after my arrival, Emerson managed to find my address and surprised me with a visit. Aunt Maggie was the one to speak to him, while I hid behind the curtain, peeking through the window.

"I just want to see her."

"You know this wasn't part of the deal." she spat. "You never told me you had someone in your life. You think you can take advantage of my niece?" Aunt Maggie scoffed. "Break her heart just like that?"

"Ma'am it's complicated, let me just talk to her. I know what I did was wrong." he finally admitted.

"You're right about that." she agreed. "But no, she doesn't want to see you... me included actually. Give her space, Emerson. It's the best for now."

"Please, just let her know that..." I didn't know if I imagined myself, but I noticed Emerson glance towards my direction for just a moment, making me suck in a breath as if he could see me. His eyes pleading. "I'll be waiting if she decides to talk things through."