Tangled Love

CHAPTER 60

There's no point beating around the bush so I tell them about Emily moving in because she needed a place to stay. I explain her situation vaguely, leaving our Trevor's role in her running away. From the look on both of their faces, I know they've pretty much worked it out anyway. They both turn to look at each other again as I wait for their response. My leg begins to bounce up and down nervously under the table. Finally, Mum is the first to break the silence —

"She sounds . . . Nice. Is Emily a good friend of yours?" She asks, suggestion lining her voice. I nod, scratching the back of my neck as I know what I'm about to be asked next. Both of them are way too predictable.

"Are you dating her?" Auntie Myra asks me, confirming my suspicions. What is it about parents being way too involved in their kids relationships? I shake my head at her answer, biting down onto my bottom lip.

Why am I not dating Emily yet?

Because I'm scared of that kind of commitment.

"But you want to?" Auntie Myra adds and I glance up to find her watching me, waiting for an answer. I clear my throat, feeling uncomfortable with the conversation subject.

"Jake, you know you're allowed to have friends stay over and if it's a girl you're interested in, I'm happy for you, really." Mum says placing her hand over my arm. I turn my head, giving her a grateful smile.

"How long will she be staying?" Mum asks and Auntie Myra nods, wanting to know the answer too.

"I'm not sure yet. She's having a rough time at home with her Mum and stepfather and she needs somewhere safe to stay, is that cool?" I ask, lifting the mug to my lips and taking a drink. The warm liquid soothe my body and I sigh, leaning back against the chair.

Mum nods, taking a sip of her own tea and I turn towards Auntie Myra for her approval. I live under their roof so it was my responsibility to ask. It's respectful and the right thing to do.

"I don't have a problem with her staying, the house is big enough and I can see she means a lot to you." Auntie Myra finally responds, eyes shining brightly. I groan at her words, knowing exactly what she's thinking. Auntie Myra grin at my uncomfortableness, knowing she's right over her suspicions.

"When can we meet her?"

"She's sleeping at the moment," I lie not wanting to worry them. Technically Emily is asleep.

"In your bedroom?" Auntie Myra asks, her eyebrow raised at me. I clear my throat and nod silently.

"Yeah she wasn't feeling well so I let her stay in my bed. Don't worry Auntie Myra, you're still my favourite lady." I joke, making light of the situation. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

She laughs, shaking her head at me at me in response. We chat for a while about their business trip before they both decide to go up to bed, exhausted from the plane ride. I'm left alone in the kitchen, giving me time to think through everything on my mind.

I hear someone walk down the stairs and the kitchen door opened to reveal Emily, her skin pale and her eyes brimmed with redness. I sit up straighter, giving her a small smile. She doesn't smile at me back and I sigh quietly, knowing I have some explaining to do.

"Mum and Auntie Myra are back," I say quietly letting her know. I watch as her eyes widened and she swallows nervously. I tilt my head, low key finding her nervousness a little adorable. "Does she know about me?" she mumbles, staring at her feet.

"Yeah, she's cool with it, don't worry." I add quietly, sensing the obvious tension between us. Emily nods and walks over to the sink, pouring herself a glass of water. I reach out and grab her wrist, forcing

her to look at me. Her entire body stills and she turned slowly, gestures flashing with pain.

Pain that I caused.

My heart deflates as I search her eyes. I want to wrap my arms around her and let her know how I feel about her but I physically can't get my words out. Why is this so difficult?

There's firm wall built around my feelings and no matter what I couldn't break it down to let her in. I drop her wrist sadly, knowing she doesn't deserve the heartache I'm causing her. She deserves better. She remains still for a minute, giving me another chance to explain.

"Jake?" she whispers, urging me to explain. I drop my gaze to the floor, my heart thumping against my chest as I tried to form the words correctly before I speak them. I couldn't do it, my mind becomes a blank canvas. Moments of awkward silence pass between us before I hear Emily clear her throat.

Without saying another word, she turns and leaves the kitchen, leaving me alone with only her scent lingering around me.