For Emma

Chapter12

As time goes by guest began to leave, but not without passing a sympathetic look in Jeff's and my direction.  I tensed as the glances continued throughout what felt like hours. I kept my eyes on my hands as people past. Jeff would turn and look right at them with a cold glare, and they move on quickly to their cars. I hear Armando's voice talking casually to Elinore, and my hands clam up. Jeff looks at me with serious eyes; I start shaking my head wildly. He nods and takes us up a few stairs to a small hallway.

The hallway is dark except for a small window at the end of the hall. You can see the moon perfectly. Clouds heavy with snow are surrounding it in a spooky swirl. It's a big white spot light waiting for the lead actress to arrive at any moment. Just like me-my spotlight will be searching forever. Jeff pulls me towards a door the same pale blue color as the rest of the hallway. He opens it and feels around for a switch and then we are surrounded by light. His walls are a grey-blue along with his sheets covered by an old looking grey comforter. He has a small dresser and a desk. His desk has his camera from school on it and his portfolio. Under his portfolio are papers scattered across the desk.

When he lets go of my hand I walk up to the old wooden desk. The papers are drawings. One is of a large tree with three small birds on ragged branches. Another is of me. My hair is wavy-the way it has been lately-my head is turned to the side and I'm looking down at something. My eyes look so dark and sad; I already know that's how I must look twenty four-seven.

"Do you like it?" Jeff comes behind me.

I keep my eyes on the drawing trying to capture all of what must be me as if I'm fading away, and this is all that's left of poor Emily Fosters. "This is me." I say almost to myself, but Jeff hears anyway.

"Yes-" He begins but Armando's loud voice echoes throughout the narrow halls cascading off the walls; an army of noise coming at me.

My hands come to my ears as the memories of Sam, Evan, and old Emma flutter through my mind like butterfly wings tickling the darkest and emptiest corners of my mind with a taunting hum. I close my eyes trying to remember old Emma. The Emma that knew how to socialize, the Emma that laughed at anything, the Emma that knew boundaries, the Emma that had friends, and most importantly the Emma that had a sister.

Jeff pulls me in a hug, "Emma, it's all right. I'm here." I try to focus on Jeff because he's right. Someone I love isn't here and never will be, but someone else I love is right here. Holding me; telling me it's all right. Maybe it is. Maybe it will be-just maybe all right.

When I hear the door shut signaling Armando's departure I pull away from Jeff slowly. I grab his camera and turn back to him with the camera up to my eyes. He puts his hands on my shoulders gently. I zoom in so the camera's focused on him. His eyes are on me-dark eyes full of passion and concern. There's a small crease between his brows like he's worried I might fall to pieces right this second. He's probably right; I could. Click. I have him captured in a frozen moment of just his love for me in his eyes. Jeff takes the camera and silently sets it on his desk and when he does I lean in my head on his chest letting him drape his arms around me tightly. I listen in the quiet with only his heart beat as a peaceful drum in my ear. I take it as a melody slowly drifting me to peace, and I hold onto him afraid of losing this peace he's formed between us.

Hey fans! Sorry it's been awhile ): I'm also sorry for the short chapter, but I really like it. Please vote and leave nice comments! I love all of you! This chapter is dedicated to two of my great friends @Paige2 and @AriannaConley thanks for being great friends and supporting me as I write this book! <3