Against the Law

Chapter 6: Unexpected Encounters

Emily's POV:

James has disappeared for quite a while, so I decided I'd go and check to see what's going on. As I walked into the room, I immediately sensed a shift in the atmosphere. James was at the front door with a tall blonde by his side. Something was definitely off. The tension in the air was palpable, and it was clear that something happened between them.

Taking a deep breath, and mentally preparing myself for whatever was about to go down, I walked towards them with a smile "Hi. I'm Emily. I don't believe we've met. It's lovely to meet you."

The girl looked at me with surprise. "O-oh... um hi. I'm Sarah. James' friend." The look on her face was sickly sweet. Her smile was too big, but you could see it in her eyes that she had a problem with me.

I wasn't trying to be rude, but the next sentence out of my mouth made it seem otherwise. "Oh. James never mentioned you..." she let out a fake laugh. In an attempt to ease any lingering tension, I decided to play her way and act nice.

But Sarah had other plans. She looked me up and down then scoffed at James. "I see you moved on from me fast. Good for you."

At the same time, James and I both commented. "We're not dating."

"Oh, I'm sure. Well, I hope you're not just a rebound for him, you know." She directed the last part towards me.

"Okay, that's enough." James' voice came out firmly. "We don't need your commentary on any type of relationship Emily and I are having. Please show her some respect." I looked at James who was glaring at Sarah. She put her head down like a puppy who just got in trouble.

Tension is refilling the air and I'm struggling to keep my composure, but I have to be on my best behavior if I want to keep staying here. I don't appreciate her rude behavior though. I deserve some respect.

"Are you really going to stick up for her, JJ?" she asked him while grabbing onto his arm. James removed her hold on his arm.

"That's enough, Sarah. I won't tolerate you disrespecting Emily. It's time to move on." As James said this, he pointed towards the door as to show her the way out. Sarah let out a puff of air while leaving and slamming the door behind her.

James took a deep breath and looked me in the eyes. "Emily," he began. "I can't begin to express how sorry I am for how Sarah treated you. Her words were completely unjustified, and I want you to know I don't share her opinion at all."

I smiled as I noticed James' sincerity in his apology even though he had nothing to apologize for. "I appreciate your apology, James. But you have nothing to be sorry for."

It seemed like James gave a sigh of relief as he gave me one of his heart stopping smiles.

___

The moon hung low in the sky, casting eerie shadows all across my bedroom. That was until I turned on my side and saw a familiar boy looking at me, his face etched with pain and sorrow. Every detail of his physical appearance was a vivid reminder of the tragic events that took place years ago.

"N-Noah..." I whispered as he stared at me not saying anything. As we stared at each other it was then that I heard my father's angry shouts. I desperately tried reaching for the boy, I hollered for him, but it fell upon non listening ears. Tears streamed down my face, mirroring the unbearable sadness I had felt all those years ago.

But then, something unexpected happened, the boy reached his hand towards me making a glimmer of hope emerge within me. "Emily... Emily, wake up." I looked at him in confusion. "Emily! Please, wake up, please!"

"Emily!" I jolted awake, a cold sweat dampening my forehead. My heart raced, and my breath came in ragged gasps. Gradually, as I realized it was all a dream, I felt hands on my face, and I looked up to meet the familiar hazel eyes, James.

"Are you okay!?" I looked around the pitch-black room but couldn't hold it in anymore. I put my head in my hands and cried. James wrapped his arms around my trembling body and held me closely while rocking me "Shhh... it was just a dream. I'm here." he whispered.

I didn't know what to say so I just nodded my head. with each breath I took, I allowed myself to slowly release the grip the nightmare had on me. In this moment, I was trusting James to be my anchor, my rock, in this moment of vulnerability.

As the minutes passed, James remained by my side, patient and attentive, allowing me the space I needed to find my way back to reality. His touch and unwavering support reminded me that the ghost was only just a nightmare.

When my sobs started to subside, he tenderly brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. He kept whispering soothing words of encouragement. We continue to lay in the darkness with me wrapped in his arms. Our legs are intertwined.

Eventually, we both fell asleep in my bed with better dreams than the tragic nightmare that usually keeps me up at night.

Sorry! This chapter kind of sucks. But I wanted to give you guys an inside look at Emily's past.