Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 23

Emily stared at Lucas cot from the bedroom door where she stood with her book hanging from her right hand. She was ashamed of herself for her actions the other night but the feeling still didn't leave her head. She quickly looked away from the cot and bowed her head in shame. She wouldn't go near him except she wanted to feed him or clean him.

Why? Why did she allow herself to get pregnant?

Why didn't see abort the child?

Why didn't she run away earlier?

Did God hate her?

Most importantly, who will she tell about her shameful act that won't judge her?

She heard the doorbell ring, causing her to drop the book she held and stroll to the door. Since she wasn't expecting any deliveries that day, she wondered who it could be. After unlocking the door and opening it, she saw Andre glancing at the surrounding area. As soon as he heard the door open, he looked at her and flashed a smile.

"Good morning, Emily!" he greeted her instantly with a smile.

"Thank you so much. Good morning. I should be greeting you first, Mr. Andre," she returned the smile and bowed slightly, catching a glimpse of the shopping bags in his hand.

"Can I come in?" he asked kindly.

"Oh, sure," Emily replied, giving way for him to enter. She shut the door behind him and stared at him, feeling uneasy about letting another man who wasn't Mark be alone with her.

"Where's Lucas?" he asked, settling on the couch.

"He's asleep," Emily said, pointing towards the bedroom. There was silence between them before she asked, "Would you like some tea or anything?"

"Nah, I'm fine. You don't have to stress yourself, Emily," he said, crossing one leg over the other without taking his eyes off her. She settled on the chair opposite him and watched him look away from her to the unfinished book she had left on the couch. He lifted it gently, trying not to close the open page, and looked at its contents.

"It's an educational book," she explained. "I use it to pass the time."

"I see," he said, examining the book. "Looks interesting."

"Yes, I guess it is," she hurriedly replied, trying to cover up the uneasiness she felt. She watched him quietly as he looked through the book.

"How have you been?" he asked, not taking his gaze off the book. Emily was confused, wondering if he was talking to her or just reading words from the book aloud. "Hmm?" The sound told her everything she needed to know.

"I'm fine. I've been great, just a few worries here and there," she said, demonstrating with her hands as she explained. He put down the book and looked at her.

"That's great to hear," he said.

"Thank you, Mr. Andre," she nodded. "How have you been?"

"Little problems here and there, but I've been chill," he replied, folding his arms. "But never mind me. Do you have any issues?"

She shook her head. "Lucas and I are perfectly fine, thanks to you."

"Not again," he rolled his eyes and fell back on his seat. "You don't need to keep thanking me. It was an empty house."

"I–" she paused before continuing. "I'm sorry if you don't like that."

"It's fine," he said before flashing a smile at her.

Emily rubbed her right hand behind her neck while trying to avoid making eye contact with him.

"So, what is the book about? Why are you reading it?" he asked.