Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 6

Emily stepped off the bus at the stop, retrieving her phone from her pocket. She navigated to the location where the church women were gathering. She wasn't thrilled about it, being around people heightened her anxiety, and with her husband's craziness, her distress only deepened. Plus, she was running a slight fever. Nonetheless, after persistent advice from Mrs. Waterfield and some articles she'd read, Emily decided it might be good to spend time with her peers once in a while.

She glanced across the street and spotted the café. Crossing the road, she entered and saw the group of women talking. There were four of them, all familiar faces, young married women like herself. Seated around a table, they occupied the rest of the café's emptiness.

"Hey, you made it!" Crystal exclaimed, her excitement evident as she pushed her long blonde hair behind her ears, careful not to let it dip into her coffee. "I'm surprised," she chuckled. "Did you come without your car?"

Emily shook her head. "I prefer taking the bus," she replied.

That's a bit odd, Crystal thought to herself.

Emily forced a nervous giggle. Why was she so uneasy around people?

"Welcome," Leah greeted her.

Amanda observed Emily standing before her without uttering a word. She let the other women carry on the conversation.

"Mind if I join you?" Emily asked politely.

Leah chuckled. "Of course, feel free," she said, gesturing to an empty chair.

Emily settled in, sitting across from Amanda, unaware of Amanda's sharp gaze fixed on her.

"Hi, Emily," Amanda forced a smile, holding her stare.

"Oh, hi, Amanda," Emily responded, her smile equally forced. "Hope you're doing well."

"Yeah, I'm good," Amanda said, her gaze never leaving Emily.

Emily looked away, turning her attention to the other women, doing her best to engage in their discussions.

"What would you like to order?" Becca asked from the other end of the table.

"I'm fine, no need," Emily replied, offering a warm smile.

The women giggled collectively. Emily glanced at them in confusion.

"What's wrong?" she asked, perplexed. "Did I do something?"

"No, not at all," Crystal reassured her, giggling. "You're just being too formal," she explained, reaching for her slice of cake.

Emily fidgeted with her fingers, glancing around at everyone.

"You don't need to be so formal," Leah added, signaling the waiter.

...

As the women chatted, discussing church matters, their jobs, and family, Emily found herself getting caught up in the conversation, feeling a little happier despite her unease.

"Your husband is such a romantic," Leah said to Becca.

"Well, what can I say? I'm blessed," Becca replied, her smile radiant.

"My husband took our son to the park yesterday," Amanda shared. "I'm so glad he finally did," she continued.

"That's wonderful," Crystal said, reaching for her coffee. "Mr. Davis used to be so strict, but thank God for you," she grinned at Amanda.

Amanda chuckled. "Changing our husbands is our job, after all," she said, her gaze shifting to Emily. "Isn't that right, Emily?"

Caught off guard, Emily's smile faltered, but she managed a nod.