Easy to Regret, Harder to Forget

Chapter 20

~a good listener makes more friends than a good talker~

The whole dance was stupid. I knew I shouldn't have went. I lay on my bed face up, it is the day after and I am tired and bored. I know that I should be out and about but I really hate being social. I should be out with friends but I can't be bothered. Oliver is somewhere in the house causing trouble. And Edmund is out with our dad. I groan sitting up and going downstairs.
"You know, Emma, it would be better if you didn't lay in bed and did something." My mum said from the kitchen.
"Hey!" I say. "I was one of your children who went onto the most dangerous island there is to save yours and dads ass," I laugh as if it's just some memory. But it isn't just a memory. It is the memory. The story of my life that changed it forever. I have scars over my body and my parents are scared to do anything involving going near people who look bad. Or you could just say they are paranoid.
"Oh!" My mum says as Oliver runs past us. "We made it into the paper."
"For what?"
"The island."
"But that was 3 months ago."
"I know, but the reporters-whatever you want to call them-only just found out and want an interview."
"Yeah..." I say. "No thanks."
"Hun."
"Mum," I turn to look outside. "I know you were the one who was there for 2 years but I had to do things that would be illegal here. It was hell for me too."
"I know," my mum leans against the bench. "I know how hard it would have been coming to that island, knowing all the dangers, and having to do what you did. You did it for your father and I. And if it wasn't for you and the others, I would most likely be dead. But you had the courage to save us." James was a big part of it, I tell myself.
I stop looking out side and look up at my mum. Her bright brown eyes sparkling.
"But that isn't what is really bothering you, is it?" She says.
"I just-I don't know how to deal with t-this. All of it. The island, the memories, James, life. when you were my age, you had your life set out."
"Em," my mum shakes her head. "I was a mess. I really was. Your father and I have had so many fights, that on that plane while it was going down, I thought I wouldn't see him again and all those fights we had didn't matter. Because it was just him and I." She tells me, "well, and the crashing plane." That made me laugh a little.
"But the point is, no matter how long it takes, I know you and James will sort it out eventually. I know it. I used to be like you, in high school. And now look at me. I have my own family."