The Song of Darkness

I'll Wait

KILLIAN JONES

It's been four days since I've seen or spoken to Emma. Every time I call check on her it goes straight to voicemail. I called her father a few times and he just says she's asleep every single time. So either she's avoiding me or she's ill. I'm debating going over there when she calls me.

"Swan?"

"Yeah it's me."

"What's up love?"

"Can we meet at Grannys?"

I smile and say yes then go to get on my way. Laylas at school so I don't have to bring her. I meet Emma there and hug her. She has my jacket. She was wearing it the other day too. I love seeing her wear it.
She gently pushes me to stop hugging her.

Her eyes are darting all over the place. "I um. I think we should just not see each other for a while."

"What? Why? Is someone making you say this?"

"What? No. I just think it's not gonna work."

"Why?"

"I don't need a reason other than that. I'm not ready to be in a relationship." She hands me my jacket.

"Did I do something? Is it Layla?"

She shakes her head. "No it's me. I'm not ready."

"Can I do anything to help you?"

She kisses my cheek. "Just give me some time okay?" I nod.

"Yeah as much time as you need." I put my jacket back on her.

She takes it off. "Please just keep it."

"No love, I don't want it. It's yours."

She puts it over my arm and walks to her car to drive off. She's gone before I can give it back. I'll wait for her. I don't mind waiting. If she needs space she can have it. I'll never stop waiting for her. I already know she's it for me.

My stupid phone is ringing again. I answer it. "Hello?"

"Is this Killian Jones, father to Layla Jones?"

"Yes it is?"

"This is the nurse at her school, Layla fainted and is saying she feels like throwing up now."

"I'll come pick her up." I hang up and go to the school. They lead me to the nurse. I kneel next to Layla. "Hey little love."

She puts her arms around my neck and lays her head on my shoulder. I rub her back and take her home. "I keep having dreams about this lady. She always says she knows you."

"Oh? What does she look like?"

"She looks like this girl I found drawings of on your ship." Milah.

"What else does she say?"

"She just talks about her son."

"What about him?"

"How she misses him." She rubs her head. "Can you get me water please?"

"Yes of course baby." I carry her into the kitchen and get her some water in her favorite cup. I set her on the counter and she drinks it. I brush her hair with my hook and kiss the side of her head. "I think we're gonna see the doctor about this fainting thing okay?"

She frantically shakes her head. "No." She's saying it quiet.

"I just want to make sure it's not serious little love."

"No." She gets off the counter and goes upstairs. I sigh and pour myself a drink. Now I just play the waiting game.