latent love [eddie munson]

04

Emily's POV

The next day I'm woken up by what smells like breakfast. It takes me a few moments to find the energy to climb out of bed, to leave the comfort of my bed. A unusual feeling and I would be more than happy to get used to it. Before leaving I slip on a sweater and my slippers. I enter the kitchen to find mom cooking, her back to me. I can't help the smile that leaves my lips at the sight.

"Morning," I announce my arrival which startles her, causing her to pull away from the stove and look at me wide eyed.

"Jesus, you scared me." She says as she calms down. A heavy sigh escapes her mouth before laughing. Which brings a laugh to me at her many emotions in a short time.

"How'd you sleep?" She asks, returning her focus on the task at hand: cooking.

"Actually, the best I've slept in a very long time. Thank you again for everything." I respond moving closer to her taking a peak at what she's making. 

"No problem sweetie." Mom replies as she flips the last pancake onto the plate, shutting off the stove.

"I wanted to apologize for last night. I shouldn't have gone off on Dustin like that on your first night back." She adds, as she plates us both up a serving. Moving to the kitchen table and motioning for me to follow.

"It's fine," I reassure her taking a seat next to her.

"I just don't understand what Dustin sees in that Eddie." She sighs, buttering her pancakes.

"He must be nice. I'm just guessing.. if he's made Dustin's high school experience better maybe he's not that bad." I say trying hard to diffuse the situation, following in her lead and preparing my breakfast.

"Maybe you guys are right. I don't know." She talks as I watch her put syrup on her plate. She passes me the bottle and continues, "I have a question to ask you about tonight."

"What's tonight?" I ask drenching my plate with far more syrup than she used.

"Richard and I were invited to a dinner with his old friends. They're in town visiting right now. I was just wondering if it was okay for us to go." As she talks her face is filled with worry, she's obviously been stressing over this.

"You don't have to ask me for permission." I point out the obvious and laugh.

"No, I understand that," She chuckles, "It's your first official day back. I just don't want you to think I'm ditching you."

"It's okay mom. I'll be okay." I smile back at her, the thought that she cared about how that would make me feel makes me feel loved.

"Are you sure?" She asks again.

"Yes. Of course. Plus it'll give Dustin and me a chance to hang out for a bit." I reassure her. In reality I'll end up watching TV all night in my room, alone but it doesn't matter.

"Okay sounds good. We're leaving around 6, probably won't be back till midnight." Mom explains before taking a bite of her food. We sit and talk until our plates are empty. The smile never leaves my face, so incredibly happy that this is my reality now.

—

Shortly after six o'clock, Mom and Richard are getting ready to leave for their dinner. Aunt Susan decided to stay with some of her family before she heads back home in a few days. It will only be Dustin and I tonight. Before she left I thanked her for everything for the millionth time and told her I hope I get to see her again. She reassured me more than once that she'd be in my life more consistently now that my dad was no longer in the picture.

"If you need anything at all, do not hesitate to call us!"Mom tells me while grabbing her purse and keys.

"Everything will be okay," I reassure her for the thousandth time.

"I know I just worry. You know how I am." She half smiles.

"I know." I smile in response, listening once more as she goes through her rules and warnings. Ending it with a hug for each of us before leaving.

"Love you guys, be safe!" She hollers as she shuts the door behind her.

"Love you!" Dustin and I respond in unison.

He takes out his phone and starts making a phone call.
I'm curious so I sit there and listen to his side of the conversation. It sounds like he's inviting people over. I hear him mention the Hellfire Club.

Once he hangs up the phone I question him, "Did Mom say you could have people over?"

"No, but she didn't say I couldn't. We're just gonna have a Hell Fire meeting to catch up, haven't seen some of the guys all summer. You can't tell mom. Please." He explains, pleading his case to me.

"I just moved in and you want me to lie to mom?" I scoff at the thought of that, crossing my arms across my chest.

"It's not a lie if just don't tell her. She won't even know. I promise." He says as he goes back to his phone, looks like he is typing out a message.

I sit there and think about it for a moment. This could be an opportunity for me to get on Dustin's good side, gain his trust. Maybe I'll just stay upstairs and mind my business. If Mom and Richard come home I'll just play dumb and act like I had no idea what he was up to.

"Fine, I won't say anything." I agree with his request.

"Thank you!" Dustin smiles, before bringing his attention back to his phone.

"I'll just be upstairs pretending that this isn't happening." I let him know as I head towards my bedroom.

"You know you can play if you want. We can always use another person in our group. Plus it will give you a chance to meet some people before you start school in a month." He suggests.

"Me play D&D? No thank you." I laugh at the thought of me trying to participate in their game.

"You don't even have to play, just watch, and hang out." Dustin says this and for a moment I consider it but ultimately decide against it.

"It's okay. I don't wanna be part of this in case Mom and Richard come home early and you get caught." I admit, leaving him downstairs stairs alone. He just laughs at me and says okay.

-

Not even five minutes later I hear people shuffling into the house. Several voices fill the downstairs. I shut my bedroom door as an attempt to keep myself away from the situation. Part of me wishes I would have said yes to hanging out with Dustin and his friends. Truth is I was terrified to be the odd one out in their group. Especially because I could almost guarantee I would be the only girl playing D&D.