Like That

Chapter 12 - The Morning After

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see. - John Lennon

Chapter 12 - The Morning After

Emily POV:

Patrick walked out on the balcony and sat down beside me.

"It's nice to be away for home for a while, isn't it?"

"Hmmm." Was all I could reply because I didn't want to be anywhere near him. Part of me wanted to cling to him with all that I have, but the other part of me remembers I've suffered the loss of my child alone.

"This trip is for us. We need it." I look at him but say nothing. "Emily, I miss you. I know you are hurting, but you are not alone. I need you to know I am hurting, too." He didn't say anything more for a long time; he just stared out into the ocean.

"I think I fell in love with you the day we met. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known, but it wasn't love at first sight." He took a deep breath then glanced at me. "It was when I heard you talk to your grandmother and brothers and Will that I began to fall in love." He smiled at me, but I didn't have it in me to return the gesture.

"I still remember the day we met. You and your brothers decided to surprise your grandmother for her birthday. You showed up for church and sat with her. She was so happy. I could see it on her face. You were only a row in front of me. I watched you that morning; I couldn't wait for service to be over so Ms. Esther could introduce me to you." I remembered that day too. I couldn't believe such as man as Patrick would want to talk with me. He stayed by my side all day.