𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 │ 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧

𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄

A FEW DAYS LATER, EMBERLY drove to Crenshaw to attend Shawn's funeral service. She went to pay her respects and, most importantly, to be there for Spencer. Dealing with grief was never easy, and she wanted to make sure he knew she was there to support him.

"Quinten Dennis. Marcus Heard. Tyson Glover. Jamerrill Maxwell. Shawn Scott. I'm tired, y'all. This list just keeps growing. How many more names do I need to read in here? I've known Shawn Scott since before he could walk. He should be sitting here, next to his beautiful mother. Instead, we're saying goodbye to him on Tuesday. We have children leaving our neighborhoods just to stay alive. Y'all ain't tired? This endless cycle of violence. Whose name am I gonna read in here next? Yours? Yours? How about yours? Am I gonna read your name in here next?" Pastor's voice broke through the heavy silence, the words laced with anger and sorrow.

Emberly glanced at Spencer, her heart aching for him as she reached for his hand, intertwining their fingers. Spencer squeezed her hand in return, giving her a faint but genuine smile before they both refocused on Pastor's words. The weight of the moment settled over them like a heavy fog.

After the service, Emberly and Spencer approached Coop to check on her. They could see the pain etched into her face, and they both knew how hard the day had been for her. Coop assured them that she was fine, though it was clear she was still struggling. After a few more words of comfort, Coop and Patience took their leave.

Once they made sure Coop was okay, Emberly and Spencer strolled away from the church, heading toward where she had parked her car.

"How do you think everybody's doing? You think they're gonna be alright?" Emberly asked, her voice quiet but filled with concern.

Spencer let out a heavy sigh. "Coop's hurting real bad. Shawn's mom... she's a strong woman. But damn, it ain't fair. I can't even imagine burying two sons."

Emberly nodded somberly. "Me neither. But like you said, she's strong. She's gonna be alright, it's just gonna take time."

Spencer gave her a small, appreciative look. "Thank you for being here today," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Emberly smiled at him, the warmth of his words making her heart swell. "You're welcome. I came to pay my respects, but I also really wanted to be here for you. We also haven't really defined this... um..." Emberly paused, searching for the right word, feeling the awkwardness of the moment creep in.

"What, our relationship?" Spencer asked, finishing the thought she couldn't quite put into words.

Emberly's smile widened. "So it is a relationship. Good to know." Spencer's laughter was light, and Emberly joined in, feeling a little more at ease.

"Well, I wasn't sure either. I mean, I obviously want to be in a relationship with you, but we haven't had the whole 'hey, do you wanna be my boyfriend, girlfriend?' talk, so I—"

"Yeah, I know," Spencer cut in gently, stepping closer to her. Before Emberly could say another word, he leaned in and kissed her, soft and slow, his lips warm against hers.

Emberly's heart fluttered, and she couldn't help but smile as she kissed him back. She was still getting used to it, but it felt right. For the first time, she felt comfortable, completely at ease in a way she had never felt with Jordan.

When they pulled away, Emberly grinned. "Good talk." Spencer chuckled softly, his eyes never leaving hers. 

And in that moment, everything felt clear between them. No more confusion, no more doubt.

✩♬ ₊˚.🎧⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧