Dancing with Shadows ✔

Understanding Pain

Dancing with Shadows

Chapter 27

As Emma's due date approached, a deep sadness settled into her heart, growing heavier with each passing day. She barely spoke anymore, her once vibrant personality dimmed by the relentless cruelty of her grandparents. This time, they had broken her spirit, and she feared the damage might be permanent.

She tried reaching out to her old friends, but their parents always answered the calls, their responses chilling. "Don't call this house again. You're a bad influence on my child." The words cut deep, leaving her isolated and abandoned by those she once held dear.

Emma avoided speaking to anyone, even Red, since the day he had insulted her. She spent most of her time standing by the window, admiring the flora outside, finding solace in the quiet beauty of the world beyond the glass. But that peace was shattered when a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Emma?" Catharine entered, carrying a plate of food as usual, but this time, someone else was with her.

"I brought your lunch... and a guest." The moment Red stepped into the room, chaos erupted.

Panic gripped Emma, and she began throwing anything within reach at him, fear and anger driving her actions.

"Emma, please stop! He wants to talk to you," Catharine pleaded, trying to calm her down.

Red stood there, taking it all in, and when Catharine finally left, leaving them alone, he approached her cautiously. Emma sat on her bed, gripping the sheets, her body tense. Red tried to sit next to her, but she shifted away.

"I want to apologize for my behavior the other day," Red began, his voice tinged with regret. "I didn't mean what I said. I haven't been close to anyone since... well, since I got trapped in this world." He let out a sheepish chuckle, his vulnerability apparent.

Emma remained silent, her eyes fixed on the floor.

"I'm sorry, Emma," Red whispered, his sincerity clear.

Emma hesitated before finally responding, her voice shaky. "I-I forgive you." It was easier to forgive someone who apologized than to hold on to the bitterness she felt for those who had abandoned her. Red's apology was a small light in her otherwise dark world, and she clung to it.

"Thank you, Emma," Red said, offering her a small smile. Emma tried to smile back, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Is something wrong?" Red asked, turning to face her fully.

"M-my family d-died and there's n-no one I-I feel safe talking to," Emma admitted, her voice wavering. " C-Catharine talks to me, b-but... only because it's her job. She thinks I'm a-a freak." Her voice cracked, and she sniffled, her emotions overwhelming her.

Red's expression softened, and without a word, he pulled her into a hug. Emma tensed at first, but the warmth of his embrace soon melted her defences. It felt like home—something she had been missing for so long.

"Let's go back," Red whispered, his voice steady.

"G-go back?" Emma asked, her tears drying as she pulled back slightly to look at him.

"To the werewolf world. We'll be free again," Red said, holding her hands in his. For the first time in a long while, Emma smiled genuinely.

"Y-you know... I d-don't even know y-your real name," Emma giggled, the sound surprising even herself.

Red's face lit up, and he scratched the back of his head, chuckling. "It's Logan."

A pregnant silence filled the room, and then Logan's hand gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing across her cheek.

"H-how c-can we go back?" Emma asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"With this," Logan said, pulling out a small bottle. "It was given to me when I first arrived in this world. It was taken from me when I was locked in this place. Pouring it into water will create a portal for us."

Emma stared at the bottle, hope flickering in her chest. "When do you want to leave? We could go now if you want," Logan offered.

"No, n-not yet. I-I'd like to say g-goodbye t-to my f-friends, even if they're not a-allowed to talk to m-me anymore," Emma said, her eyes softening at the thought.

"Take your time. I wouldn't rush you," Logan assured her, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. The gentle kiss sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

"I'll always be here, Emma," he whispered, his gaze unwavering.

"Thank you," Emma whispered back, feeling a sense of calm wash over her.

Later that day, for the first time in what felt like forever, Emma decided to leave her room and get dinner. She left her wheelchair behind, determined to walk on her own.

As she wobbled down the hallway, she spotted Catharine walking toward her, carrying a tray of food.

"Emma? You're outside..." Catharine's eyes widened in surprise.

"Y-yeah... I-I decided t-to e-eat with e-everyone this time," Emma stammered, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

"Whatever Logan told you must have been good," Catharine said, smiling back. "I'll walk with you."

**

When Emma entered the cafeteria, she made a beeline for Logan's table, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and nerves.

"Hi, Red," she greeted, her voice wavering slightly.

Logan looked up and flashed her a wide smile, revealing sharp teeth that Emma hadn't noticed before. She stared, momentarily taken aback. She couldn't recall if everyone's teeth were like that in the other world.

"This i-is the f-first t-time I've e-ever seen y-you s-smile like that," Emma stammered, her surprise evident. "I-I l-like it. Do that m-more often."

To her astonishment, Logan's cheeks turned a deep shade of red, the colour spreading from his face to his ears and neck. Emma felt her cheeks heat up in response, and she couldn't help but blush too.

"So, I see you're out of your room today," Logan remarked, trying to steer the conversation to safer ground.

"Y-yes, I had s-someone to meet this time," she replied, a shy smile playing on her lips.

Logan nodded, the redness still lingering on his face. "Oh, okay."

Just then, a whisper in Emma's ear made her jump. She turned quickly, only to find Catharine standing behind her.

"O-oh my—Catharine?" Emma pressed a hand to her racing heart, trying to steady her breathing. Logan was smiling, clearly amused, though he was trying hard not to laugh.

"Sorry about that, Emma," Catharine said, her tone apologetic. "But some guests are waiting for you."

"Guests?" Emma's heart sank. "My grandparents?"

"No, your family and friends drove far to get here."

Emma's eyes widened. "Friends? My friends are here?"

"Y-yes, they're here," Catharine confirmed, her voice gentle.

"O-okay, I'll g-go with you," Emma said, about to stand when she felt Logan's hand gently grab hers.

"Will you be okay on your own?" he asked, his grip a comforting anchor.

"Y-yes, I'll be fine. See you l-later," Emma assured him, squeezing his hand before letting go. She offered him a small, reassuring smile before turning to follow Catharine, her heart racing at the thought of seeing her friends again.