it's so lonely here

Miss You

Emma's POV
And suddenly I was alone. Ethan had left a while ago, promising me he'd visit once I earned my hours, but somehow I continued to stare out my bedroom window, thinking he'd soon be back to rescue me. It was obvious I needed to be here, but everything inside me told me to run. I knew that would make everyone disappointed, so I glued myself to the window, and watched the world pass me by.

Ethan's POV
I couldnt help but breakdown in tears when I reached my Jeep. I missed Emma terribly and it hadn't been more than a few minutes. I looked back at the house before starting my car and driving away. She needed to be here, that was made very clear by both the doctor and psychiatrist, but that didn't take away the emptiness I felt inside. She was my other half, but she needs to get better and I'll have to stay strong for her. Her program was intense, and I desperately hope she sticks to it so she'll earn visitation hours. I want her to progress and I want her to get her life back, but I'm nervous with how she'll cope with everything. She's in a room, alone.... nothing good has ever happened when Emma was alone, and that was driving me insane. I prayed that she'd somehow find her strength and not turn to hurting herself as a coping mechanism. I pulled into my driveway and headed inside and went straight to my bed. My empty, cold, emmaless, bed. The best thing I could do for myself was get some sleep and try to forget that my favorite girl wasn't lying next to me.

Later

I woke up to my phone vibrating under me. "Hello," I answered groggily, it was hard to distinguish if this was real life or if I was still dreaming. "Hello, Ethan Dolan?" The person question. "Yeah this is Ethan," I replied. "Hello Mr. Dolan, I'm David Brunswick and I am calling you to talk about the upcoming trial regarding Ms. Emma Chamberlain and Logan Paul. I tried to contact Emma directly but was told she's currently in a treatment center and to contact you for further communication. That being said, Logan's trial is expected to be next month, and although we have video proof of the events that occurred that night I still highly advise that Emma come to trial to give her testimony." I didn't know how to respond as I was still borderline asleep but managed to mumble out, "Next month?" The trial was set for next month? That seemed so soon and Emma wouldn't be far along in her recovery yet. What if this pushed her back or sent her into a downwards spiral. "Yes next month," David answered, interrupting my thoughts, "do you think Emma would be up to it? It would help the case and I personally think it may help her too. Think of it as closure for her." "Is this something that needs to be answered immediately? I may have a chance to visit Emma this weekend, can I talk it over with her and give you an answer Monday morning?" I asked. It felt weird to make a decision on Emma's behalf, especially when it related to that night. "That is fine with me, and if she does decide to share her side I would advise the two of you not to talk to anyone about the upcoming trial. Your words can get twisted and could easily be used against you," he warned. "Okay, I understand, thank you for the time extension, I'll let you know as soon as I speak with Emma," and with that the call was over. I leaned back against my headboard and attempted to collect my thoughts. My main priority was getting Emma help and to stop the self destructive cycle she was enduring that I completely forgot that there would probably be an investigation and trial for Emma's assault. Part of me imagined that somehow the Pauls would pay off the authorities and that night would be a thing of the past. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that Logan would be held accountable for his actions, but it was worried for Emma. If she decides to go to court she will have to relive ever detail of that evening and share secrets about the assault and everything that followed. It would be incredibly difficult, and if I was her I know my punk ass would say forget it and crawl under my blankets for the rest of my life, but that's not Emma. Emma's a fighter, she'll want to tell her story, I just hope it doesn't break her.

Emma's POV
I heard a knock coming from my door and turned to see a girl standing at the entrance of my room. "Emma?" she asked as she nervously picked at the skin around her nails. "Yeah?" I replied. "Umm it's almost time for group and I was told to come up and get you. We're meeting in the family room in a couple minutes," she said as she started to turn and walk out of the room. "Wait," I called, stopping her in her tracks. She turned back to me with a scared look on her face. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," I quickly said, "I just wanted to ask you something." The girl nodded, prompting me to continue, "Is it scary?" I quietly asked, looking past the girl to make sure nobody was down the hall. "Is what scary?" she asked. "Group.. is group scary?" I could feel the panic start to rise within me, I had no idea what I'd be walking into down there or what I'd have to say. Would they make me share my whole story? Would I have to talk about that night? Has anyone seen the video? The last thing I wanted was to be known as some freak that was assaulted on the internet. I looked back up towards the girl and saw that she had taken a few steps back inside my room. "Not really," she answered as she slowly swayed back and forth with her arms tangled behind her, "you probably won't have to talk much since it's your first day here... but if you're nervous you can sit next me." A wave of relief washed over me, "that would be great, thank you," I said hoping she'd see how appreciative I was. She was about to leave when I called out to her again, "hey." "Yeah?" She said, turning around again. "What's your name?" I asked. I felt silly for not having a proper introduction and wanted to get to know the kind stranger. "Auna," she answered. "Auna," I repeated, "nice to meet you Auna, I'll see you down there." She gave me a small smile and headed down the stairs. I felt better knowing at least one person here, even though I was still dreading group and whatever other therapy I would go through today. I let out a sigh and decided to gaze out my window for the few minutes I had left alone. I missed Ethan and wish he could be here with me. I could sure use one of his hugs right now.

AUTHORS NOTE:
Hello again friends!!! Back with another diplomas, sorry it's kind of short but I'll be updating again tomorrow! I have big plans for the next few chapter so I hope you stick around. Let me know if you still want updates or if I should abandon the book. Anyways, love you all!!