A Tough Choice

Chapter Seventeen

“I just want to talk.” Stuart said as I turned to face him.

“I’m not interested.” I snapped.

“Please, it won’t take a moment.” he pleaded, a note of sadness
evident in his voice.

“And then you’ll leave?” I asked.

“If that’s what you want.” he said quietly.

I heard Ethan clear his throat and suddenly remembered that he was
still standing behind me.

“I don’t finish my shift for another half an hour so you’ll have to
wait.” I told Stuart shortly.

“Okay, I’ll go and grab a coffee.” he replied.

“Who is that?!” Ethan hissed in my ear, as soon as Stuart was out of earshot.

“We’ll talk about it later.” I said, as I quickly walked away to
resume my shift.

Ethan’s POV

I sighed and started the cubicle round, unable to stop thinking about
Stuart and how Emma knew him. He had a strange look about him,
something that made me nervous. Maybe it was because he was covered in tattoos and piercings. But whatever it was, I couldn’t escape the feeling that something was strange. I didn’t want her to be alone with him; I’d never forgive myself if something happened to her. I knew that she would be finishing at four pm, so I quickly finished
my work and rushed to join her.

“Emma, are you going to meet him?” I asked, slightly out of breath
when I eventually found her in the hallway.

“Yeah I’m just on my way to see him now.” she admitted.

“You shouldn’t see him alone.” I told her.

“I’m not alone.” she grinned.
I smiled slightly.

“I’ll be fine though, you should head home.” she told me.

“Not a chance.” I insisted.

“Ethan, this is something I need to do alone.” she said quietly.

“I don’t want you getting hurt.” I whispered.

“He won’t hurt me, he just wants to talk and then hopefully I’ll never
have to see him again.” she stated.

“But….” I started.

She gave me a stern look and I sighed as I watched her wander into the
café. I couldn’t bear the thought of going home; I would just sit and
wonder whether or not she was safe. I sighed and sat outside the
café....waiting patiently for her to emerge.

Emma’s POV
I took a deep breath and sat opposite Stuart.

“So what do you want?” I said shortly.

“How are you?” he asked.

“Fine.” I said quietly.

“I’ve missed you.” he stated.
I scoffed. How dare he waltz in here like nothing had happened? I
would never be able to forgive him for what he did.

“I know that I hurt you and I’m sorry.” he told me.

“Can we start over?” he added.

“No we can’t, I’ve moved on with my life.” I told him.

“I’ve changed, if you give me another chance I’ll prove it to you.” he
said sadly.

“I don’t believe you, what you did was unforgivable.” I told him.

“I know that.” he answered quietly.

“Then why are you asking for another chance?!” I exclaimed angrily.

“I will never give up hope.” he said.

“You’re all I have.” he said.

“That’s the case.” he added.

“Thanks.” he smiled.

“You don’t even have me.” I said rudely, as I stood up and stormed
away from him.