Moving On *Completed*

Chapter 102- Hear Me Out

Emily Pov

As I walked into Owen's home, I decided to modify my plan. I will still have my say, but also see if I can take away the concern and wariness I see reflected in them. Yes, I am hurt, but it's time to move past it and the pain we caused each other.

"Would you care for something to drink?" asked Victor.

As I turn to face him, I can see his eyes are dull and I hate that look on him. Remembering our walk through the park, I asked: "Hot chocolate with extra marshmallows?" and I see him smile and a flicker of emotion cross his face as his eyes start to smolder. Oh boy, I could get lost in his eyes. Focus Emily.

"Anything to please my queen." he replied with a smile, and I know he is remembering our date. "Yes, it will please me to have a hot chocolate."

"Chef Luke, a hot chocolate with extra marshmallows for the queen," he quipped and I laugh as Luke bowed "Yes, for your queen," and walked into the kitchen.

"Sunshine, your jacket is awesome. Where did you get it?"

"Thanks Gabe. I found it at the Goodwill. I just loved that it said Steel Cowgirl in pink."

"Well, I think it suits you just fine" North said as he walked into the room. "Baby Girl, that black Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT is awesome. I knew you liked to race so we will have to have a race together."

"If you like that one, you will love my Ninja H2R. There's just something about hopping on a bike with all that power underneath you and being in control of it. I can just get on and ride to clear my head."

"I know what you mean Baby Girl."

"Here is your hot chocolate, Sugar."

"Thanks Sweetie." I say as I take the mug from him. I sip my hot chocolate and it's the perfect temperature. It's so chocolatey and creamy that I let out moan as I drink it. I hear several groans but I pay no attention as I take another sip when I hear a throat clear.

I open my eyes and look over the mug towards the noise and see Owen looking at me with a serious face. Only his eyes give away his thoughts of concern and worry. "I believe you had somethings to say to us." he said.

Sitting my mug down, I sigh and looking up realize how they all appear as though they are on pins and needles. Hoping they won't explode I begin. "I was upset, hurt, embarrassed and angry that not one of you showed up last night. I felt like you just turned your backs on me and walked away. I talked to my girlfriend last night and she told me if the baby doesn't cry, the momma doesn't know the baby's hungry. I knew exactly what she meant and that is the only reason why I am here. I want to know where you all were last night. How come you did not come?"

"We did not know about it until we ran into Alec in the parking lot of the club we were at last night." answered Kota.

"Did you not get the packages or letters I sent?"

"Yes, we just did not get a chance to open them until this morning," admitted a worried looking Luke.

"I see." is all I can whisper as I try to hide my hurt feelings. My face must reflect my inner turmoil because quickly he replies:

"We did not mean to put you off or make you feel that way."

Feeling hut and rejected, I decided to press on. Its not like I have anything to loose.

"Well, let me tell you all what I know. Before you all walked through my office doors, I was very closed off. Yes, I threw great parties, knew a lot of people, worked on a prestigious board. Plus, my parents founded and were on the board of the Academy. It looked like I had a great life and had a lot a friends, but I did not let anyone in."