Silent Emily

In Town

The sun lit up outside the window and small beams of light danced on the floor as I sat up.

I pushed my palms into my eyes, wiping away the little hard sandy type things that sat at the edges.

Beth jumped against my back and I turned around to smile at her. I didn't want to be away from her and Axel was fine with her sleeping with us for one night. Her little fists continued on my back until I picked her up and put her on the floor. My belly hurt a bit but I shrugged it off as I pulled a pink slip dress over my body. I braided my hair over one of my shoulders and watched as Beth tried to crawl across the bedroom floor.

She was getting better, her little legs finally moving just a bit while her arms struggled to hold up her chubby body. Her dark hair was already quite long and I wanted to give her a haircut but I didn't want to mess it up.

Her green eyes peered into mine as she turned to sit on her bottom facing me. Her hands clapped together and she cooed something that I didn't understand.

A soft knock came from the door and Atticus stepped inside. He grinned at Beth before making his way to the bed and sliding his body onto it. His hands clasped together in his lap and he brought one knee up so he could face me.

"You don't need to make breakfast this morning mother." He said. I knew the look of confusion was evident on my face when he let out a laugh and continued. "Dad is going to take us into town today. Everyone for a big breakfast at the diner."

I felt like throwing up.

I had always wanted to go in town but Axel always said it was impossible. He hadn't went in a little while and I was waiting for his next trip so I could walk outside and test Arnya and I's plan.

Why would he take us into town now?

"Everyone but Arnya and Ethan." Atticus finished.

"Why can't they come?"

"Dad says Arnya is a risk right now and with the baby he doesn't want her to get hurt in town."

I nodded and leaned down on the floor to pick Beth up. Her diaper was soiled and I desperately wanted to get going then.

Atticus led us out of the room, his fingers clung through mine until we stepped in front of Beth's door. "I need to get her dressed and changed. Wait downstairs for us?" I asked.

Atticus grinned and shook his head before practically skipping down the stairs. His little soul was so bright and happy. I dreaded the day Axel ruined that by making him join Ethan and Felix.

I pushed her bedroom door open and laid her down on the blanket already spread out on the floor. Her dresser was easy to go through since I hadn't done laundry and most of her clothes were dirty. I pulled out a little pink shirt with white shorts and frilly pink socks to match me. Beth giggled and rolled around on the ground as I crossed my legs to sit in front of her. I slipped her diaper off and fastened a new one on before sliding her clothes over her soft skin. I used my fingernails to pull her hair back into a suitable little style before pulling her back up.

I closed the door behind me and we descended the stairs. Axel was standing by the front door with his coat on. Felix, Atticus, Cora and Ivy were dressed and jacketed up too.

"We're waiting on you Emily." Axel said. His voice was kind and steady. His tall frame blocked the wooden view of the door as I half ran to grab my jacket. He held open the door once I slipped it on and the kids filed out and slid into the running Camaro outside. It would be a tight squeeze but one that I was excited for nonetheless.

As I neared the door Axel's hand shot out to stop me. His fingers gripped the wood as he pointed toward Beth with his free hand. "We can't take her Emily."