Drifting Grace [An Alastor Fanfiction] [PROOFREADING]

Chapter 9 [PR]

Emma Lovett

I dragged Alastor by his hand towards our picnic spot and placed Alvin down on the grass. Hastily, cleaning up the food and drinks on the mat, I shoved them in the basket and stood up.

Har took a toll on me. What man condones another child's bleeding nose? That was undoubtedly the most stupid rhetorical question I've ever asked myself and I was quite a predictable lady.

I tried not to get riled up after what happened with Alvin's mother. Although I had no regrets, I still felt a pang of worry about the consequences of my actions. I punched a woman in the face, threatened a man twice my size, and shoved him. What else am I going to do?

I'm a teacher for Christ's sake! I'm not supposed to be threatening other children's parents. Heck, I'm not even supposed to shove an important-looking man as a citizen of the state!

Oh, what am I going to do..., I asked myself. I rubbed my temples with my free hand.

"Emma!" Alastor called out, his voice sounded so far away.

I turned around and finally took in my surroundings. I was on the sidewalk, far from the park, and far from everyone else. Few people were passing by, minding their own business as I just realized I practically speed-walked my way out of the stressful and raging environment.

I keep forgetting my habits.

I shook my head and rid myself of reminders, now wasn't the time. Alvin ran up to me, clutching my handkerchief to his nose and finally clinging onto my skirt.

"Mommy, you walk pretty fast," Alvin finally spoke, panting due to his sprint. I sighed in relief, my little boy was fine. Somewhat.

"I'm sorry, hon. I just needed to calm down," I whispered and hugged him, placing the basket down on the ground.

Alastor finally caught up to us without panting or even breaking a sweat. It made me wonder how such a skinny, boney-looking man became so fit.

"Emma, are you alright?" He asked. I nodded slowly, pulling away from Alvin.

"Yes, I'm alright," I spoke. "I apologize, I guess I went too far with Mister Har-Har, just now," I blushed, rubbing the back of my neck in shame.

Back then in my childhood house, I was shot down for being wild -- is what he called me. Pent up anger can do so much to a child like I was. Pent up anger can cause a ruckus and an undeniable amount of bad decisions with a history filled with regret.

I wasn't sure if it was true, maybe it was. I didn't see myself as wild. Maybe others perceived me as different, is all. But, whatever I experienced in that house was long gone, passed and I've moved on.

Alvin's and Alastor's eyes light up. My little boy hugs my leg while Alastor took my hand in his.

"That was so cool!" Alvin cheered.

"You were outstanding, Emma!" Alastor grins. "I've never seen a man like that topple on his own two feet for a decade!"

I blinked. Once, twice, I lost count.

"P-Pardon?"

"You heard us! You were magnificent, Emma!" Alastor raises our hands in the air, his smile reaching his eyes. He picked me up by the waist and twirled me around. "It might sound rude, but beautiful women such as yourself usually isn't the type to scare goblins like Mister Har!"

I touched his arm and blinked down at him. He was lifting me in the air like I was as light as a feather. His strong hands held my waist in the gentlest way possible as he placed me down on the concrete. Alastor laughs and hugs me. Alvin follows suit.