Emerald (The Protector) - undergoing editing

Chapter 16

Author's Note

Sorry it's taken me so long to update, hope you enjoy.  I also want to say thank you - I have had over 100 reads which is just fantastic.

On with the story...

Sarah woke to the warmth of sunlight on her face. She looked at Emerald who appeared to still be fast a sleep. Sarah realized that the predicament they were in had been taking its toll on the other girl. Emerald looked so pretty, her face clear of worry lines. She knew she felt responsible for the situation they were in, but as Sarah had already told her, she didn't hold her responsible, if anything she had saved her life. She sat up and looked out the window. The street was deserted, though she could just make out a figure standing at the end of the laneway. Who was that? She wondered. Dressed in dark clothes, he or she wore a hat that hid their features from view. They moved their head to look up at her window and she instinctively drew back. She had no desire to let them see her when she didn't know if they were friend or foe.

"You're up early," she heard Emerald mutter.

"I am."

"Sleep well?"

"Yes thank you. You?"

"Uh huh, this bed's really comfortable."

Sarah's stomach growled.

"Are you hungry?"

She grinned at the other girl, "Looks like it."

"Amazing, you ate so much last night." Emerald stretched and yawned.

"I know, but it was too good to resist."

Em laughed, "I think I might go and freshen up, unless you want to go first?"

"No, you go, I'll go after you."

Emerald gathered her things and left the room. Sarah turned to look out the window again, but the man or woman was nowhere to be seen.

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"Good morning girls," Geoffrey greeted them, "up bright and early."

"Yeah well Sarah was hungry," Emerald joked.

Geoffrey chuckled "I must admit I was as surprised as Julian with how much you could fit into that tiny frame of yours."

"Geez guys, I didn't think I ate that much."

Hank joined them at the table, "Bacon and eggs for everyone?"

"Yes please," they chorused.

"Excellent" and he left to tell the kitchen.

"Beautiful day outside," Geoffrey remarked.

"Yes."

"Looking forward to seeing the town?"

"Sort of," Sarah replied, "hopefully it will be a bit busier with the shops open."

Their food arrived along with Julian who had obviously just come out of the bath. His wet blonde hair dripped on to the collar of his shirt.

"Sorry I'm late" he said as he sat down.

"No worries" Sarah said, "you're just in time."

"Looks good, are you sure you can fit any more in?" He winked at her.

Sarah just rolled her eyes and continued eating.

"Well, I'm stuffed " she said finally. "What time did you want to leave Em?"