Emerald's Awakening

Chapter Three

When I wake up, Emmy is still asleep. I kiss her head and go to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

After I get ready for school I go to the kitchen. Mom is sitting at the table reading her newspaper. I go over to the small bookshelf we have at the back of the dining room. I look at the picture of Dad. "Hey, I miss you." I kiss the glass of the frame.

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Dad was my everything. I felt like he was the only thing that really cared about me besides Emmett. He was in the Navy. He promised he would come back after three months from overseas. He said we would play video games together and and have a party. Then we recieved his folded up flag. I was in shock. I missed a week of school, staying still, speachless in my bed, pretending I was dreaming. Wishing I was dreaming. Hoping I was dreaming. But I wasn't. Emmy was still just a baby. I was 13 at the time.

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I make breakfast for Emmy, Mom, and myself. Blueberry bagels with strawberry cream cheese.

"Why don't you finish up those bagels, get them out of the house."

There is four left in the package.

"Yeah," I say, "I'll make one for Emmett too." These are his favorite.

Emmy comes walking into the kitchen, still in her pajamas. She goes to school one hour after I do.

"Morning, Sleeping Beauty," I say with a smile.

I give Mom and Emmy their bagels, look at the clock, realize it's 7:00, and head out the door. Class starts at 7:35 and Emmett will be wondering where I am.

"Bye, Mom." I hug her in her chair.

"Bye, Em." I kiss the top of her unbrushed head of blonde hair, and walk out the door, taking my breakfast to go.

5 minutes after I start walking Emmett catches up with me, as always.

"Hey, I have something for you," I say, reaching into my bag.

"Soph, you don't have to do anything for-" I pull the bagel out of my bag.

"Well, on second thought." We both laugh.

"How's Em?'

"Getting better, I guess. She slept with me last night and didn't seem to have any problems."

"That's good. I hope she's okay."

"Me too."

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When Emmy gets home that afternoon, she seems a little shaken up.

"Hey," I pull her over to the side in the hallway going to our room, "you okay?"

"Yeah."

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We are getting ready for bed when Emmy comes over and wraps her tiny arms around me.

"Sophia?"

"Hm?"

"Will you protect me?"

"With my life."

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That night we sleep in separate beds. I offered for Em to sleep with me, but she declined. I crack the window open a tiny bit. We like the breeze.

Mom says her goodnights as always and turns out the lights.

"I love you, Sophia," says Em.

"Emmy, I love you more than life it's self."

And then we both fall asleep.

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