Raising Ema-Lyn

Chapeter 8 - "How do you really feel about me?"

“Dani? Where are you? Are you okay? Did something happen? Is Ema okay?” Drew asked.

“Hey, one question at a time. I’m fine. Ema’s fine. Nothing happened. Are you at my house?” I never took my eyes off Brad. I was praying he would stay silent.

“Yeah, I wanted to surprise you. Kimi said you would be home by six and when you didn’t call to tell her you were gonna be late I got worried,” he rushed out.

“I’m still at Doug and Anita’s. I’ll be home soon. I’m getting ready to leave now.”

“Whose all there?” he asked.

“Well, umm Doug, Nita, Travis, Alijah, Robert,” I looked at each of them as I said their name.

I locked eyes with Robert when I noticed him staring at me. It was almost like he didn’t want Drew to know Brad was there.

“Anyone else?”

I knew he was referring to Brad. I hesitated before answering. I didn’t want to lie to him, but that hesitation was all he needed.

I heard him breath through his nose. “You have exactly a half an hour to get home or I will call the cops.” The line went dead.

I flinched when he hung up. He was beyond angry. Even though, I knew it wasn’t at me, I still didn’t like it. I brought my phone down and pushed the end button. I just stared at it; I could feel the tears coming to my eyes.

“I have to go,” I whispered finally.

I was so quiet that only Robert and Travis heard me, but that was only because they were the standing right next to me.

I started to walk forward, but Robert stopped me.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” I whispered, looking down. “He’s just mad. Everything will be fine.”

He let go of my arm and walked away. Travis went and got Alijah to take him inside. Everyone else followed suit. Soon I was left with Ashley and Brad outside.

“Brad?” I asked. He was watching Ema again. She was sleeping soundly in her car seat. Probably never heard a thing.

“Yeah?” he asked. His voice cracked, like he was crying. He turned around and walked up to me.

“I know you’ll probably never forgive me, but I’m sorry.” He walked away.

Instinctively I reached out and stopped him.

“If I’ve learned anything through everything I’ve been through, it’s to forgive, but don’t forget. As much as everyone does and will hate it, I’ve already forgiven you. I don’t understand why you did what you did. Probably never will. But you will always be forgiven. You were my first love, and I don’t want to be the couple that hates each other just because we broke up. We were friends while we were together. We can be friends when we’re not.” I reached up and kissed him on the cheek.

Then I turned around and got in the car. I started it and left, without waiting. I knew if I did I’d turn back. I forgave him the second he did it. I never could stay mad at him. I just hoped I wouldn’t regret it.

I arrived at home with seven minutes to spare. I walked in and was almost tackled to the ground. I had two kids attacking me. I didn’t realize who they were at first, but when I did, I was ecstatic.

“Justin! Sami!” I squealed. I set Ema’s car seat down and pulled them both into a hug. It felt like it had been years since I’d seen them, but it really had only been a few months, mom and dad’s funeral.