The Aftermath: MPHFPC (editing)

T H I R T Y - T W O

E M M A

I caught up with Enoch. I grabbed him by the shoulder to get his attention and he whirled around to face me, a familiar glare etched in his features.

"Don't touch me," He snarled, shrugging off my hand furiously continuing on down the hall.

"Why are you angry, Enoch?" I questioned, struggling to keep up with him. "I didn't do anything to you."

He stopped and turned to face me.

"You suggested the idea of going to America to Miss Peregrine. You put the idea in her head. You know when the bird has her mind set on something there's no changing it." Enoch said, scowling. "Now we're going back to that hell of muggy weather and pick up trucks!"

"Enoch, do you hear yourself?" I demanded. "You're acting ridiculous! Why are you so against going back?"

"Do I look like I enjoy sunny days on the beach?" He questioned angrily.

"Considering you spent an entire lifetime in a dank basement, I wouldn't think so." I retorted back, crossing my arms.

"And what I chose to do with my infinite time on that damn island is completely my business." His voice was level and calm, but he might as well have been yelling at me.

I huffed indignantly. "You've got to quit being so hateful."

"And you've got to quit following me around trying to make me feel better, or whatever the hell you call what your doing. I don't need or want your help, so just mind your own, Emma." Enoch replied back, venom seeping into his voice.

"I know why you don't want to leave." I snapped. "It's a girl."

"What girl?" Enoch asked, sounding annoyed, but I could tell by the look in his eyes that I knew exactly what I was talking about.

"Annie," I said. "You don't want to leave because of her, correct?"

Enoch started to retort something back but stopped himself. He just clenched his jaw and scowled at me. But he didn't say anything.

"So it's true then?" I said, surprised that he wasn't denying it. "Why would you..." Then it dawned on me.

"You fancy her, don't you?" I asked, the pieces falling into place.

He didn't reply. He just crossed his arms and stared at the wall.

"Don't you?" I pressed, getting up in his face.

"I'm done with this conversation." He said, turning around and starting to walk off.

"Oh no," I said, jumping in front of him and blocking his way so he couldn't keep on walking. "You need to explain. Now."

He sighed and leaned up against the wall, probably realizing he was going to be here for a while. "And why would I do that?"

"Because, despite yourself, you know good and well that I've always been there for you," I said. "Would you like to stand here in the middle of this hallway and argue, or would you like to talk?"

"Emma, I'm going to try a direct approach with you." He made a point to look me directly in the eye. "I don't want to talk about it. I don't need to talk about. And for the last time, it's none of your concern. Now I suggest you get out of my way."

"Listen, like it or not, you're my friend, brother of sorts. And you've got a problem. We're going to work it out. So shut up and let me help you."

"Emma-"

"Shut up." I snapped, grabbing his wrist and pulling him down the hall.

"Don't touch me." He said, trying to pull away.