It had been a few weeks since Emerald and Ash started living together, and Everything seemed calm. The whole Hector and Calvin business faded into the background. That was until people started following Emerald whenever she went into town. All that anyone could see was more and more news about magic in Foggy Hollow. What Hector got from his research worked, one by one people started using magic again. Emerald started to feel like she was being watched wherever she went like it was almost unsafe to be outside again. One day, Hector came to where Emerald was staying and asked for her. “No, unfortunately, I have no idea who you are talking about,” Elizabeth Replied to Hector she was trying to play dumb, Hector smirked and crossed his arms. “Hmm, that's unfortunate Lizz! Because I swear this is where Emerald ran off to, to be with Ashton, well if you see her tell her to come home because I have a surprise for her!” Hector said with an imitating voice. He turned around and walked away from the door. Elizabeth closed the door behind him and locked it as well. “Ashton, Emerald it’s ok you can come out now,” Elizabeth said with a calm cool voice. Ash walked down the stairs with Emerald. “What did Dad say?” Emerald asked carefully. “He was asking if you were here, I said no but I think you should be more careful from now on Emerald” Emerald nodded. “Yeah, I'll try to be more careful outside. I'll start carrying my pepper spray around again, and I’ll take Ash with me when I go anywhere. God knows he could take down my father because of his remarkable strength-” Emerald said, this remark made Ash’s face turn bright pink. Emerald giggled. Elizabeth shook her head and frowned, “Emerald you don’t understand, Hector wants you for something, I just know it, I lost my older son, I’m not going to lose you too Emerald” Elizabeth cupped Emerald’s face in her hands. “Emerald, you hear me, and do exactly what I say alright? You're going to need to cut and dye your hair, cut it short, and dye it brown, no one will recognize you, not even your father. If you want me to do it I can, but I'm worried for your safety. You living here with me makes it seem like you're my daughter, and you have no idea how much that means to me Emerald. And before you say anything about this not being fair, just know that I think this is best, plus I'm older than you so you should listen to me” Elizabeth seemed like she knew exactly what to do to protect Emerald, almost as if she had done this before to protect herself from someone. In fact, Elizabeth had once had to run from her family. Emerald’s mood dropped, and she felt a pang of anxiety in her chest as she listened to Elizabeth's directions. Emerald had always thought of Elizabeth as a second mother but this hurt Emerald. She had to hide again, she had just finally gotten free from her father and now she needed to hide from him again? But she knew it was for the best if she tried to hide her identity… “Why do I have to dye my hair brown specifically? I mean.. I would dye all of my hair purple and have it fade out to brown..” Emerald stated. Elizabeth shook her head and said. “It’s so I can use the excuse that you're my adopted daughter.. Named Emma, Emma luke.” Emerald smiled, She hasn't heard anyone call her Emma since her Mom disappeared. “I like the name Emma, It makes me seem more normal.” Emerald was trying to be very understanding. Ash got Shivers sent down his spine from hearing his mom call Emerald Emma Luke. “This just got real, Mom! Are you trying to say that you're going to adopt Emerald to protect her?” Elizabeth nodded. And Emerald Or Emma now spoke up. “Uh.. that's very kind of you but- that's unnecessary, I feel like changing my name and dyeing my hair should be enough, plus I'm 19, that means technically I'm too old to be adopted.” Emerald had a good point.
The next morning Emerald and Elizabeth went to the salon together, Ash was told to stay home, Girls' day y’know? Emerald was called back by the stylist, She sat in the salon chair. The stylist, Grace, Smiled at Emerald in the mirror. “Wow, your hair is beautiful, are you sure you want me to cut it so short?” Emerald Sighed “I've heard that a lot, and yes I'm sure, plus my.. Aunt Elizabeth would like you to dye my hair to match hers for family photo reasons. I'm the only redhead in my family currently, so you can understand where I’m coming from can’t you?” Grace nodded, and then whispered into Emerald’s ear, “I understand that you're trying to hide from your father, Lizzy told me, your secret is safe with me ok Em?” Grace said that with an understanding tone in her voice. Emerald nodded. Grace started on the process of cutting Emerald’s hair, Separating layers, you know normal stuff.
