The English Teacher ➳ Emison

Chapter 5 | ...The Harder You Might Fall

Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Fields stood quietly outside his daughter's room, savoring the moment. After six months away from home, the weight of his absence hit him more deeply than he anticipated. He had missed his wife and daughter more than words could express, and now, being back, he was filled with gratitude.

The big feast his wife prepared to celebrate his return was a joyful reunion, but it was during the casual conversation at the dinner table that he realized just how much he'd missed. Emily was growing up, navigating a crucial time in her life, and he was determined to be there for her as much as he could.

Emily sat at her desk, focused on her homework, when he gently knocked and stepped inside. A warm grin spread across his face. "There's my girl, hard at work as always."

She lifted her head in surprise, as though still not used to the sound of his voice not coming through the phone. Her face mirrored the smile as she turned to him, "I thought you went to sleep already."

"I'll sleep when I'm old," he teased softly, bending to kiss the top of her head. "Right now, I want to spend time with you."

He made his way to her bed, patting the space beside him. Emily chuckled, pushing her chair back and joining him. The familiarity of her father's presence made her feel instantly at ease.

"You look great, Emmy. You're glowing," he said affectionately, his eyes scanning her face as if to memorize it all over again.

Emily grinned but gave a timid shrug, "I bet I just look the same as the last time you saw me."

"Not true. You seem more mature, sweetheart," he said with a tender expression. "I'm so proud of you for volunteering over the summer. Those Habitat for Humanity folks were very lucky to have you on their team."

"Thanks, dad," Emily sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his strong arm around her and she curled up next to him, closing her eyes in instant comfort. The familiar scent of her father's aftershave alone could've lulled her to sleep if she wanted.

He rubbed her arm gently. "How are the girls? College plans all ready?"

"Hanna and Aria still need to get final answers but other than that, yeah," Emily nodded.

Wayne's brow furrowed slightly. "And Hanna? Didn't you say she had some financial issue with her father?" 

"She convinced Mr. Marin to cover her tuition, so that's hopefully solved," Emily assured.

"That man doesn't know the meaning of being a father, I tell you," Wayne shook his head in disapproval. After a pause, his voice grew more inquisitive. "And what about Paige? You said on the phone that things were a little tense between you two after you came back. Any chance of working things out?"

"No, that's completely done and shut, trust me," Emily admitted, not keen on elaborating on what went down between the two of them at the party.

He didn't press, sensing her reluctance. Instead, his tone shifted to playful. "But something else has gotten you in a good mood," he implored. Emily shyly played with her fingers and he piped up mischievously, "Or should I say, someone else?"

Emily blushed, shrugging softly, "I guess you can say that."

"Well, who is this girl? Tell me about her," Wayne asked encouragingly, squeezing her shoulder.

When Emily had come out a couple of years back, he had been the one to steer his wife, Pam, to accept Emily's sexuality. Ever since then, he's always tried to make his daughter feel safe and comfortable talking to him about her dating life.

"She's... Different than anyone I've ever met," Emily described, sitting up slowly. A tiny grin rose on her face as she thought of the infamous woman. "We just had an instant connection, but I don't know if it could ever go anywhere."