Wickedness Of A Child (Emison)

34

Next Morning

[E]

Everything was different this morning. The siblings barely spoke to me, and I knew it was because of what happened last night.

Alison did know what was going on between Steven and I at home, so why was she making such a big deal out of it? The fact that she wanted me to explain the situation to Micah was already established and I really wanted to trust her big brother, but my conscience kept telling me it wasn't a good idea. The more people who knew about it, the easier it'd be for the secret to get out, which the police told me was not allowed to happen.

''So what's the plan for today, ladies?'' Micah spoke up, finally lifting his eyes from the plate.

I didn't make any intention of responding. Instead I just glanced at Alison, who after a couple of seconds broke the awkward silence. ''Not so much. I won't be hearing from the rental company until tomorrow so.. maybe some shopping?'' Alison replied and looked directly at me to get some kind of confirmation.

''Mhm.'' I agreed. It did sound like a good idea. But I'm also afraid she might ask me more about last night.

''Good idea. Can I tag along?'' Micah enthusiastically requested.

''Yeah, totally.'' Alison happily said to give him a definitive answer. ''Any suggestions on places?''

Both of them turned to me. I exhaustingly raised my attention enough to get eye-contact with them. ''I don't usually go shopping so I'm not aware of what's relevant.'' I wasn't tired as you tend to be after a full day of working, or after practicing in the pool. I was exhausted because when the nightmare hits, it leaves my body exhausted for days afterwards.

No, I don't suffer from panic attacks. What I am experiencing is something completely different. It's not what normally happens to people when they get a panic attack, so it can't be it. I'm not scared when I'm being far away from home, or when I'm going to face one of my fears. I am constantly frightened because of one person.

''That's cute.'' Micah said and sparkled with his white teeth at me.

''Indeed.'' Alison agreed before she grabbed all of our empty plates and walked to the kitchen to clean them off.

Micah and I were left alone by the table. I gulped, because I knew the questions were coming.

''Emily..?''

Oh, there it is.

''Mhm?''

''I just want to let you know that I'm here for you. If you ever feel like you need to talk, then I'll always be listening.'' Micah sounded so corroborative, like he truly meant it. I wasn't expecting him to say that. ''What are you thinking?'' He gently added and placed his warm hand on top of mine.

''I'm just a little.. shocked.'' I admitted.

''Because?''

''I didn't expect you to say that.''

Micah yanked his head back. ''Then what were you expecting me to say?''

''I thought you'd try to get within my skin and get me to tell you why that happened last night.'' I felt a little embarrassed to admit it. Maybe he wasn't planning on doing it at all and I almost felt like accusing him of trying to dig into business that's not his concern.

Micah smiled and removed his hand. ''What kind of person would I be if I tried to force someone to tell me their deepest secrets?''

I could feel myself smiling too. Maybe one day I'll trust him enough to actually let him in. But unfortunately, it's not today. I knew deep inside that I could need him as support in the future, but he's still a guy I met yesterday and I've learned not to trust people easily.