Don't Save My Life

Chapter 23

Emmett

     The relationship between Willa and I seemed to flourish; steamrolling deeper and deeper into what I felt maybe was something more than physical or even emotional attraction. It was a connection that delved into our history's but still felt new and for that every day was like spending time with someone I knew well, yet always discovered something new about her.

"I don't know if I'd feel comfortable with that."

I sighed, refilling her foam cup with the contents of the blue thermos my mother had packed for me.

"Oh come on, this is a big deal for Lyle. There will be a huge turnout if you and I are to go up on stage and make the speech together.

"I know." she knitted her eyebrows together. "But, I'm just extremely stage shy. Why can't you go up by yourself?" 

     We'd been discussing this for a week now. Lyle's father had been talking of selling the crescent. He could no longer afford the upkeep or the small restaurant next to it. Lyle was embarrassed to tell anyone so he'd told me that night when he was drunk. At some point we'd all hung out. As a group, Felecia, the sloth, Payton, Rickie,  Willa and I were together when Lyle mentioned it again.

     Now that it was becoming more and more real, there was going to be no way to hide it, and I wouldn't let him just disappear when summer let out because he was too ashamed of his family's circumstances. That's when Willa suggested a fund raiser at The Crescent. Instead of keeping it a secret the way all the teens of our town did, The Crescent would be open to everyone for a New Years Eve ball. We'd raise money and put it all to the debt that had accumulated over the years for the property and with zero bills to pay, maybe Lyle's dad could start new and plan out the spending better.

"Willa, you and I both survived the biggest tragedy in our towns history. We proved that new beginnings are possible no matter what and people will respond to that."

"What if they don't? What if they all hate me?"

"Do I hate you?"

"No."

"Okay then. Plus, if anyone bothers you, I'll kick their ass. Sound good?"

I winked and that sheepish smile appeared on her face making me let out a chuckle.

"Why do you always laugh at me?" she feigned hurt, but waited for my response.

"Because you're cute." I offered, leaning forward from my crisscross position to kiss her on the cheek. The cabin was cold and creaky, especially in these December months. Her cheek feel like soft snow against my lips.

"Now, say yes so I can tell Lyle it's a done deal."

She turned her head to the side, and I saw that spunky glint appear in her eyes. "One," she started, "cute is for puppies. And two, I'm not going to say yes just because you say so."

     I started to argue this but my phone began ringing. The caller ID said, Frank. Ironically enough, I discovered that I really did call my own father Frank, even before the amnesia. From the outside, Frank would seem to anyone, like a cold hearted bastard. Over the months though, I’d gotten to know him. He was stand-offish and allergic to affection, which didn't bother me in the least. But I couldn't deny that warm feeling of pride I got when he'd pat me on the back and say "good job." or brag about me on the phone with clients when he should be working.

I could remember that he'd broken Benet and me both from the habit of calling him Dad when we were thirteen. He'd said we were men now, and should address him the way men address each other.