Back to Aspen's Pov. . .
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I was fitting in pretty with the other kids at school, I wasn't popular or anything, But I had a group of friends now, Not just one. . .No one was bullying me either, So that was shocking but nice.
One of my new friends, Violet, Had invited our whole friend group over to her house to have a sleep over.
Emory seemed happy that I had managed to make friends, Perfectly okay with driving me there, Before he dropped me off at my friend's house though, He had given me a phone so I could contact him if anything goes wrong.
My friends and I were having a great time, We made cookies together. . .All of us getting sick thanks to how much of the cookie dough we ate, We played video games and had snacks and soda, Her foster mom even found some funny movies for us to watch.
I was having a good time. . .Until I got a call from Emory.
Apparently, Something bad had happened to Channing, Emory had called to make sure it was okay with me to bring him over to our house.
I didn't really want him in our home, He's been mean to me for years now, He's made my time spent at school almost as bad as it was at what used to be my home.
But. . .Despite the fact that my stomach turned at the thought of him staying in a place I feel comfortable and safe in, I said okay, Said I was fine with him staying over.
He needed help. . .It'd be cruel of me to say I wasn't okay with that. . .Besides, It's not my place to deny him somewhere safe. . .
My mood afterwards had been a bit lowered, Something my friends caught onto pretty quickly.
After a while, My friends managed to cheer me back up, So much so that I even managed to forget that Channing was staying at the place I considered home.
At least. . .Until it was time to head back home.
The original plan was for Violet's mom to drop us all off at school so our respective guardians and or significant others -Two of my friends are dating and tend to spend all their free time with their soulmates- could pick us up and take us home.
That plan changed when another school a few towns over was a victim of an arson attack.
No one was hurt, But schools in our area decided to cancel school for the day just to be safe, Incase this wasn't a one off thing.
So. . .Violet convinced her foster mom to extend our sleepover until it would normally be time for us to leave school.
I had sent a message to Emory, Asking if I could stay over for longer.
He was happy to know I was okay and more than willing to let me stay and hang out with my friends.
Charlie and Kelly, The most upbeat people In the entire school, Managed to convince us all to play a game of truth or dare.
By the end of the game, I had been dared to: Race to and back from the end of the driveway in under one hundred seconds, Catch six spiders from the back garden, Do the ice bucket challenge and finally, Show the group a random photo on my phone.
At the end of the day, When the sun was starting to make it's descent from the sky, Emory's now very familiar car pulled to a stop outside Violet's house.
My heart skipped a beat as soon as I saw him, My stomach fluttering with happy butterflies.
I hadn't seen him in a while, A small part. . .A large part of me missed him.
''Ooooh, Is that your Boooyfriend?'' Violet sang out happily, Grinning as my face flushed instantly.
''That's him? Good job Aspen! That guy's looks are like a nine, Maybe a ten'' Charlie added on from where he was sitting on the porch, His comment making my face flush even further.
''I- I'm just. . .Gonna go, Bye guys!'' I called back, Waving to my friends before hurriedly walking out to where Emory was patiently waiting for me.
''HAVE A FUN TIME!'' One of my friends shouted out the window right as I was about to speak, Making me choke on my words.
What the heck!
''Are you alright?'' Emory checked, Gently patting me on my back as I got my brief choking fit under control.
I nodded quickly, Trying to catch my breath.
''Yup! Yup. . .Let's just. . .Can we go home?'' I managed to ask between gasps for air.
He smiled fondly at me before holding open the passenger door for me, Like a gentleman.
''Did you have a good time with your friends?'' He questioned once he took his place in the driver's seat, Both of us buckling in before pulling out onto the road.
''Yeah!'' I responded happily before explaining all the different things we did, He listened all the while, An amused and fond smile on his face.
Before long, We were slowing to a stop outside of our home.
''I am glad you have had a good time, I will have to speak with your friend's guardians about having a sleep over at our home sometime'' Emory chuckled out as he unlocked the front door.
''Really? That'd be awesome!'' I laughed out, My heart soaring.
''Of course, If you enjoy their company and spending time with them then I see no reason not to have them over sometime'' He murmured, Stepping aside so I could head inside first.
''I can't wait! It'll be so much fun!'' I stated, Starting to head towards the couch.
''What'll be so much fun?'' A familiar voice questioned, Instantly making my heart plummet, The smile on my face starting to fall.
I had completely forgotten about Channing.
Why is he still here? Shouldn't he have gone home by now!
Swallowing nervously, I slowly took a step away from him as he stepped into the hallway.
''Hello Aspen'' He greeted, His eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he spoke.
I could feel the familiar cold tight feeling of dread I always feel around him anymore starting to squeeze at my throat and lungs.
''H-Hi Channing.'' I squeaked out, My voice shaking, My hands starting to follow the suite of my voice.
Is he going to berate me? Insult me? . . .Hurt me?
The happy feelings that had been following me all day were completely gone now.
''W-W-What are you doing here?'' I questioned, My voice still trembling as I slowly continued to back up a bit more, Getting closer to the front door.
An escape route. . .
I hadn't really expected to see him. . .Nor did I expect to feel this way when seeing him. . .To put it simply, All of these negative and fearful feelings were catching me off guard after such a good day. . .Hell, A good few days.
I had grown used to not feeling this way. . .I had grown used to feeling safe and content in this house. . .With Emory always close by.
''What do you mean? I was invited here'' He responded, A look I couldn't quite figure out briefly crossed his face.
''W-Why are you still here though, I's been a day. . .Y-You should be gone'' I squeaked out, Bumping slightly into Emory.
''Oh. . .I'm sorry, I didn't realize I wasn't welcome here. . .I'll get my shoes on and leave then'' Channing sighed out, His voice sounding sad and remorseful, Like he didn't want to leave.
''I will drive you home'' Emory murmured gently, Moving away from me to gently pat Channing on his head. . .Like he would typically do for me.
''Thanks Emory'' Channing sighed out, Hurriedly tugging on his shoes as heading outside as I just watched on, Confused, Scared and a bit hurt.
Emory started to head towards the door before pausing and turning towards me.
''Go unpack from your sleep over'' He muttered, His voice curt. . .Angry sounding.
He's. . .Angry with me?
''A-Are you mad at me?'' I questioned, My voice wobbling as my heart felt like it was stopping completely.
Emory paused slightly before sighing and shaking his head.
''I am not at you, I understand you do not wish to be near him, You have the right to choose as such. . .I am just. . .Disappointed.'' He stated simply before turning and leaving the house.
My heart. . .
Felt so cold.
My vision started to blur a bit as warmth started to drip down my face.
He's never been upset with me before. . .
My throat felt tight, Like I was choking on something.
This time not from words spoken with teasing care. . .But from words that ripped my healing heart right out of my chest.
Leaving an aching hole in it's place.
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Aspen's in a fragile state. . .And Emory may or may not be being blinded by his own trauma from his past. . . :)
Anyways! Like always, Have a good day/night and find a better book! - fallen