Abhor

Chapter 19

Emma

 I sat on the couch, my leg bouncing up and down. I ran my hand through my hair, which I had just finished blow drying after my shower. Dylan still wasn't home. It had been about 2 hours. Actually two and a half now that I think about it. I glanced up at the clock. Another minutes ticked by. I took a deep breathe in, leaning back into the couch. Where was he? He said he was just going to get his clothes and shower and then he'd be back. Even I took a shower, a girl, and was already done. I was becoming anxious. I do not like being alone right now. Because being alone means being alone with my mind. And based on the last week or so that has not proved good for me or my health.

Dylan. Dylan. Christmas. Be happy. You are okay. Don't think about it. I forced the thoughts through my head. Dylan. Christmas. Be happy. Dad is gone. I felt a pang in my stomach. He said things were going to be different. He finally came to his senses and kicked Sheila out. He promised he would be here for me. He said he would be a better dad. And now where is? Is it me? Does he not want me? I shook my head, scattering the dark thoughts that had begun to cloud my brain. I'm doing fine. I don't need him. Dylan. Be happy. You are okay. Isabelle's funeral is tomorrow. I felt sick. Isabelle is dead. My best friend, the girl I shared all my secrets with got shot and died. I should have been there. I should have-stop. I pressed my hans against the side of my head. "Don't" I whispered to my self. I felt the tears welling up in my eyes and I pushed them back down. I was done crying. I just want to be happy. But its my choice. Mine. I was going to be strong now. I clenched my fists as I fought away the thoughts. I opened my eyes and looked around. I had done it! I'm okay. I had a bad thought and its gone. I couldn't help but wear a smile on my face. I couldn't wait to tell-Dylan. Where was he? I thought again as I looked up at the clock. It had now been three hours.

I heard a groaning noise outside. I stood up from the couch, my eyes remaining on the door. I heard scuffling, and then a sharp knocking noise rang in my ears. I scurried over to the door and looked through the peep hole. I couldn't see anything, it was blocked. I reached down, my hand grasping the door knob. I quickly turned it, yanking open the door. I was greeted by a tree. "Watch out" Dylan said, buried behind the tree. I quickly stood back, holding the door open. Slowly, the tree finally made it in the house. To say the least, it was huge. Dylan was bent over, struggling to hold onto it.

"Need some help?" I asked, a large smile on my face. Dylan grunted as he shifted his grip on the tree before he continued to move towards the living room. He laid the tree on the ground as he tried the methode of dragging the tree.

"No its okay. I got it" he managed to say. I could practically hear the strain in his voice. I chuckled as I followed him into the living room. He groaned as he finally stood the tree up in the corner of the room. I was thankful for a moment that I had a large empty house, because the tree was so big, it fit perfectly. I walked to stand next to Dylan, who stood in front of it, fishing for something in his pocket. I noticed that the tree still had the net around it that held the branches in. "Ah-ha" Dylan muttered as he pulled out a small pocket knife. He took a step forward as he began cutting the netting. I watched, surprised that the tree could get any bigger. With a loud snapping nose, the next popped off and in a second I lost Dylan in branches. I began laughing as Dylan finally managed to find his way out of the branches. The tree was now about two times larger than it had been before.

"You gotta a little something" I said as I stood up on my tip toes, brushing all the pine needles out of his hair. He smiled as I finally got them all out. We stood next to each other looking up at the tree. He wore a look of pride on his face. I bumped my hand against his, lacing my fingers with his. I squeezed his hand, leaning against him. "Thank you" I whispered, my eyes filled with tears. "I don't think anyone has ever done something this nice for me in....forever" I whispered. "Nor have I had a christmas tree in like a million years". Dylan looked down at me, noticing my watery eyes. I blinked, wiping my eyes. He removed his hand from mine, wrapping it around my shoulder.