His Only

Chapter Eight The News

~Jake's Perspective~

I felt so happy Emily woke up, but pained knowing how much pain she was in. Sarah told me it was normal and that they were going to make sure her leg was okay while getting her onto a new painkiller. She was very happy that she woke up constantly reminded me that the worst was behind us. Part of me wondered if she was better off sleeping peacefully so she wouldn't feel the pain, but I tried to stay positive. She slept all day, but her features showed that she was dreaming. I didn't want to leave her alone. When Sarah came by I shook my head looking at Emily.

"I can't leave her like this, I'm sorry," I said looking at Emily.

"I didn't expect you to come home," she giggled. "I came to say goodnight to you and Emily. Take care of her, Jake."

"Of course it is my job after all," I said smiling confidently to her to which she giggled and left.

I sat back watching Emily sleeping peacefully and I smiled remembering when she asked about the city.

~Flashback~

I wandered through the forest happy to see Emily again. It was her ninth birthday tonight and I felt a small pain realizing how much she's grown up. Although, part of me always wanted to be a father yet something felt weird calling Emily my child. I shook my head unable to feel right about it.

I guess nothing feels particularly right. I thought.

I felt a presence nearby and I stopped a smile forming on my lips once more knowing who was there. Little Emily ran out of the bushes and I spun around picking her up in my arms.

"Jake!" She squealed with delight wrapping her arms around my neck giggling. "I missed you so much!"

"I missed you the most sweetheart," I said holding her small frame against mine listening to her laughing with joy. "Happy birthday!"

"Hey Jake," she said slowly unsure whether to ask something or not.

"You can say anything to me, sweetheart," I said getting down on my knees setting her on her feet so we were eye level.

Her green eyes bore into mine and I saw small bits of fear in her eyes as she spoke, "Why can't we move to the city?"

I froze unsure she'd understand why I couldn't be there. I sighed softly smiling at her sadly collecting myself before speaking.

"You see, Emily, I'm not really safe in the city. To be honest neither are you. There are people there who really hate my kind and people who like children as beautiful as yourself. I'd be so worried about you every day in the city and it can be so dangerous there. I know life can be easier there, but at the same time it doesn't feel worth it putting your life in danger like that," I said. "More than usual."

She looked sad but she nodded understanding.

"I don't want you to worry about me and Jake! I am in no danger with you! You are not a monster," she said taking my face in her hands trying to convince me.

I chuckled hugging her again caressing her hair softly.

Always ready to cheer me up. I thought happily.

"They talked about families today," she said suddenly.

"Oh yeah?" I asked pulling away to listen to her.

"Yeah. They talked about fathers and mothers. I noticed that you fit the category of a father, but... I don't want you to be my father. You say you love me and I love you, but when I grow up I want to be with you. I want you to change me so we can be together forever. I love you so much," she said looking into my eyes honesty in her eyes.

Her words took me back and I felt a little happier knowing where I stood with her, but unsure how someone so young can think that way. I smiled softly at her kissing her forehead softly.

"I know I'm not, but you are too young to understand those emotions sweetheart," I said enjoying her spark of anger. "When you're older we will see how you feel about me then."

"I will still love you and I'll still want to spend my life with you," she said confidently.

I felt happy knowing that she had feelings for me that may stick around when she was older, but a burning question stuck in my head.

Did I take her life away from her? I pondered.

~Flashback End~

"Good morning, Jake," Sarah said walking in bright and early breaking me from my many thoughts.

I sat up slowly from the couch stretching smiling at Sarah.

"Missing that bed already?" she asked jokingly.

"Yeah kind of," I said chuckling.

I looked at Emily glad to see she looked more relaxed this morning. Sarah moved around to check her vitals before leaving the room. I sat down waiting for her to stir or wake up at all. Within a few hours, she did. She groaned lifting her arm rubbing her temple.

"I can move my arm?" she said excitedly happy for another improvement.

"How's your vision?" I asked.

She looked towards me and removed the sunglasses. She whimpered putting them back on quickly.

"Better than it was yesterday, but the light still bothers me. I can't feel my legs though," she said frowning.

"Well they injected some medicine into your leg to keep it numb so it can heal, I suppose they did it to both so you wouldn't get up and hurt yourself any further," I said recalling what I saw them doing. "Since the other one had so many side effects."

She frowned clearly insulted that they think she'd try to get up. I smiled knowing she definitely would have. It was actually my idea to numb both of her legs for that reason.

"Its okay sweetheart, you'll be feeling better very soon I am quite sure of it," I said leaning over to kiss her head. "Do you remember anything?"

I was referring to the day of the accident and assumed she had only forgotten that day.

"Um... Actually.." she said looking away from me unsure whether she should speak or not.

"Talk to me Emily, you know you can tell me anything. Its okay if you don't remember," I said leaning back.

"I don't remember," she said slowly looking down.

"Its okay, it'll come back to you over time. Your brain is recovering after all," I said glad to be talking to her again.

"No," she said finally looking at me again a sad look in her eyes, "I don't remember you, I don't remember me, and I don't remember my past. I don't remember anything."