Hidden in Plain View: Normily 2

Chapter 26: A Transfer

Chapter 26:

They went to the orchestra covert to cheer on Emily's friends, Lilly, Sue, and Marcus. The whole evening, Norman sat with a hand by Emily's stomach. He never left it, always keeping a hand or a finger close by and gently stroking it every so often. It's hard for Emily to focus when he does this, but finds it soothing and worth feeling awkward in public. As the first act closes, Norman turns to her and places both hands on her stomach and rubs them around on her nice dress.

"Norman, yer gonna wrinkle my dress. He or she isn't going anywhere for a while." She laughs, but soon becomes saddened by the thought of their twins they lost.

"Emmy...."

"I'm fine." She says falsely with a smile.

"Baby, I love you." He kisses her cheek and then pulls back. Taking his hands off of her stomach the second act begins and Emily just feels crushed. not from her feelings of heart ache, but for Norman. She knows he still beats himself up about not being there. Grabbing his hand, she places it on her stomach. He looks down at it and then up at her.

"It belongs there...." She whispers and they go back to watching the concert, both with smiles on their faces.

After the concert ends, they head back stage and meet Emily's friends. To make the encounter less suspicious, Norman wraps an arm around Emily and has his fingers on her stomach.

"Em! Norman! Thanks for coming!" Lily comes running up first and hugs them both. Her black hair is back in a tight bun.

"We wouldn't miss it.Where's Sue an Marcus?"

"Oh they're just putting their instruments back in the cases before heading over to meet us."

"Okay, we can wait. So, I loved the Hungarian Dances. Sounded amazing. I know that one was hard to learn on your Cello." Emily says.

"Yeah, but I got it down."

"Cool fact. Did you know the Hungarian Dances aren't really Hungarian based...It's Gypsy based." A guy with dark brown hair and rich green eyes steps forward and Emily sorta cringes into Norman.

"I did know that actually." Norman said, being cautious of the man.

"Oh, Emily, Norman, this is my conductor. Erik DiZosa."

"Emily." He kisses her free hand and Emily just shyly smiles. "Norman. Nice ta meet cha."

"Pleasure." Norman says before putting his hand back on Emily.

"Lil, you sounded fabulous up there. I knew putting you in first seat was going to pay off." Erik smiles widely and soon Sue and Marcus join them. "Ah, you two did an outstanding job. Perfect."

"Thanks Erik. We try."

"Well you succeed. Every time."

"Em, Norman! It's so good to see you both." They hug them both in a smashed hug and pull back.

"So who's going to party?" Marcus asks, after brushing his red hair back with his fingers.

"Oh I don't know guys, I have to pack for tomorrow." Emily says quietly. Norman just looks at her. They weren't leaving until late tomorrow, so she'd have time.

"Oh Em, you have too. It's tradition you know!" They all cry to her and she gives in. "Yes!"

"Good. We'll see ya there." Norman says as they head off towards the ext for the parking lot. "You okay?"

"Yeah...I'm fine." She says quickly as Norman hails a cab.

"You didn't seem fine when that Erik guy came over." He states rather bluntly.