Nick's birthday was the next to come along. Emmie was unsure whether there would be a celebration or not, considering the three brothers had their ups and downs within their relationship. So when she got the invite from Danielle and Kevin, suggesting she spend time with the rest of their family, she was more than intrigued.
Of course she knew the others would be there, which excited her a little. She had seen Joe many times since he had surprised her, and then admitted his feelings, and each time she would get butterflies, knowing how he felt about her, so it was no doubt that she would feel the same, this time around.
She smiled at her reflection, as she got herself ready in front of the bathroom mirror. She combed through the large curls that fell through her blonde hair, trying not to look too put together, but not wanting to look messy either. For some reason, she wanted to look for Joe, although any other time she wouldn't have cared, But there was something about knowing that he liked her, that made her want to make more of an effort.
For the past few weeks, she had been living in a completely blissful state. Saying goodbye to Caleb, had really lifted a weight off her shoulders that she never knew was there. The atmosphere had felt more peaceful, lighter than normal. She could finally spend each day, without the constant guilt in the back of her mind.
And as for Joe, she couldn't take her mind off him. Since knowing how he felt, it was as if he was always there, in the back of her mind. And she couldn't help but smile every time she thought about him.
•.•.•.•.•
Danielle greeted her at the door, pulling her into a warm hug before they both walked inside. The lights had been dimmed, only the spotlights on in the kitchen, creating a warm glow across the room. Some unknown playlist in the background of the chatter. Emmie smiled as she noticed Nick and Priyanka seated at the island, but no sign of the other boys.
"They're grabbing drinks." Dani muttered to Emmie with a smile. She nodded, wandering over to Nick where she gave him a small hug.
"Happy birthday." She whispered, smiling at him as she pulled away. Nick thanked her with a smile, tapping her shoulder in appreciation.
She seats herself between Priyanka and Dani, whilst Priyanka explains how happy she is to see everyone together again. She gives Emmie a hug, complimenting her on her outfit.
In the background, Joe and Kevin quietly make their way back into the room, a smile forming on Joe's face once he noticed the familiar blonde. He slowly creeps up behind her, careful with the drinks he held in his hands. As he stands behind her, he places the glasses down on the side, quickly wrapping his arms over her, leaning on her shoulder with a grin.
"Hi." He sang, his voice laced with excitement.
"Hey." Emmie smiled back, trying to ignore the very little space between them. Joe stood up, but kept an arm wrapped around her shoulder, leaning forward again to reach for his drink. As he began to step back, ready to take a sip, Emmie reach her arm out holding on him as she quickly too her own sip from his glass. She quickly cringed when she felt the strong burn of alcohol slide down her throat.
Joe raised his eyebrows, before shaking his head with a laugh.
"Not a fan, huh?" He chuckled, nodding at his drink, in which she quickly shook her head.
"Too strong." She mumbled, pulling a face at him.
As the night progressed, Emmie watched as Joe and Kevin continued to throw back drink after drink, in a very hyper manner. They were cracking jokes every few minutes, in a fit of giggles over nothing in particular, occasionally wrestling each other. The girls had a glass of wine in their hands, but were nowhere near as drunk as their boys.
Emmie couldn't help but notice Nick watching them too, his eyes wandering to where his older brothers were seriously enjoying themselves. She watched him toy with the glass in his hand, taking rather large mouthfuls of his own drink, as he spoke to Priyanka. She could sense that something was up with him, although he would never mention it. He wasn't upset, but maybe slightly bothered that he wasn't spending time with the other two.
"Kev." Joe grinned, holding up his glass once more. "Shot contest, ready?"
Kevin nodded happily, smiling just as widely as Joe. He stumbled forward, reaching for his own glass, when Dani quickly stopped him.
"No, I think that's enough." She laughed, holding onto his arm.
Kevin muttered something under his breath but it was inaudible.
"No fun." Joe whined, pouting as he looked over at Emmie, who couldn't help but laugh.
"Maybe later?" She suggested, removing the glass from his hand, setting it back down on the counter.
"I'll hold you to that." He grinned, tapping the end of her nose.
"Hey.." Nick mumbles, with an awkward smile, appearing beside them. He stood between his two brothers, placing each hand on their shoulders. Joe raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Kevin.
"Can we talk?" He continued, this time his smile was genuine. Emmie looked at Joe, to see him shuffling awkwardly from each foot. He looked at Nick, before nodding silently.
Nick shuffled down the hall, explaining that they would be back shortly, his brothers following behind. The silence was loud, hearing the footsteps get quieter as the girls looked at each other.
Emmie wondered whether they were finally going to get over their differences. She hoped that Joe and Nick would finally have the chance to explain to each other how they really felt. Or maybe Nick just felt like he wanted to spend time with them, on his special day. Either way, she hoped they would come to a solution.
"What do you think they're talking about in there?" Priyanka giggled, taking a sip of the drink in her hand. Emmie smiled, glancing down the hallway with a shrug.
"I've not no idea." She admitted, "It must be important, if it includes all three of them."
"I'll get Kev to spill once he gets back." Dani winks, causing the girls to laugh amongst themselves.
The hall was silent, with no way for the girls to tell what was happening. As much as they tried their best to eavesdrop, it was impossible. No sound could be heard.
Eventually they gave up and went back to talking about their own selves, giggling away. Emmie had missed spending time with the girls. There was never a dull moment with them. She promised herself that she would make more of an effort to see them in the future.
She had almost completely finished her drink, tapping the glass in her hand, before the door swung open, all three of them turning their heads.
Joe appeared in the doorway, an unreadable expression on his face as his eyes darted around the room. Emmie noticed he almost looked panicked. He made no eye contact, storming out of the room, a hand through his hair as he rushed across the hall, slamming the door behind him.
The girls look at each other eyebrows raised as Nick and Kevin wander into the room. They stood in silence, shuffling awkwardly as they glanced around the room. That's when Emmie could tell something was wrong.
"Sorry-" She cleared her throat, quickly excusing herself as she rushed out of the room, following Joe's footsteps.
The cold air hit her skin as she stepped into the front garden, her eyes trying to find him in the darkness. She let out a heavy breath, unsure where to go first, until she heard him.
A uneasy breath, coming from behind his car.
Emmie quickly stepped towards him, seeing Joe sat against the side of the car door, head in his hands as he let out an broken sob. His legs shook as he gripped the curls of his hair, a tight hold on the strands. She crouched down before him, placing her hand on his, her mind full of worries.
"Joe-" She began, and he quickly looked up, his eyes bloodshot and tearstained. His breathing was heavy paced, his hands shaking as he tried to focus on her.
"Hey.." She spoke, her voice soft. He quickly reached out for her hand, holding a tight grip on her, holding his other hand over his chest. He leant his head back, a tear rolling down his cheek as he screwed his face up.
"I-" He tried, but his voice broke off, as he struggled to breathe, his legs trembling.
Emmie sat beside him, her hand still resting in his. Joe quickly gripped the fabric of her clothing, pulling her into a hug as he tried to calm himself. She held him in her lap, rubbing circles up and down his arm, as he inhaled her familiar scent. He couldn't help the choked cries he let out every now and then, his body still shaking as his head pounded, feeling his heartbeat loud.
The wind was cold, but being held by Emmie, Joe felt all the warmth he needed. His vision blurred as the tears continued to fall. His mind was spinning, the thoughts hurting his head. He continued to hold a tight grip on her hand, his fingers tracing the softness of her palm.
"I've got you." Emmie whispered, running a soft hand through his hair, as Joe closed his eyes, trying to focus on the comfort he felt. He felt safe with her, as she wrapped her arms around him. He held onto her tighter, scared of letting go.
They sat like this until Joe eventually found his breath. He lie in her arms, continuing to trace her hand, Emmie's fingers continuing to stroke through his darks curls. Joe slowly wiped the dry tears from his face, looking up at the girl sat with him, a weak smile on his face.
"You okay?" She asked, already knowing it was a stupid question. But Joe nodded. It was barely there but she was it. Slowly, he sat up, leaning his head on her shoulder, as she wrapped her arm around him once more.
"I couldn't do it." He mumbled, shaking his head. "I- I couldn't be in there any longer."
"You want to talk about it?" Emmie offered, unsure whether it was the right decision.
"He- Nick.. He wants to bring the band back." Joe explained, stumbling over his words.
Emmie sat there in silence, completely shocked. Nick and Joe had barely spoken for as long as she had known them, and now he suddenly wanted to bring the band back?
"I.. I probably overreacted." Joe continued, his voice small. "I just couldn't do it. I couldn't, Em."
He looked up at her, his eyes tearing up again. Emmie have him a sad smile, placing her hand on his cheek, rubbing it softly.
"You don't have to do anything you don't want to." She reassured him, pressing her forehead to his, making him smile softly.
"I just can't-" He told her. "This is too much.. It's all too much."
Joe hid his face in his hands once more, letting out a deep sigh. This has been his biggest worry the entire time. Trying to be a better brother to Kevin and Nick. He had kept his true feelings hidden, scared to show how he really felt about his past.
She knew he had been deeply hurt from the band's breakup. It had ruined him. And now he was expected to run straight back, as if nothing happened? Of course he would panic. Joe had always blamed himself for the ruined relationship with his brothers, so this was a big deal to him. And she could tell, this decision was too much, too soon.
Joe had no idea what think. He hadn't expected Nick to say the things he did. And now he wanted to get the band back together, after all these years? He knew that their relationship would need fixing before anything else progressed, but Joe didn't know if he was ready for it. As much as he wanted his little brother back, he was certain that too much time had passed, to be able to fix anything they used to have.
"Do you need anything?" Emmie asked, after a long silence. Joe thought for a moment, slowly shaking his head.
"Can you stay with me?" He mumbled, letting out a deep breath. "I need you.."
"Of course." She smiled at him, knowing there was no way she would leave him anyway. She didn't care how long it would take- she would stay with him until she knew he was okay.
They stayed put, in their curled up position in the front yard, hidden between the cars and the darkness of the sky. Emmie was worried for him, but she wouldn't let it show. Because he had been there to save her through her dark times, and now she would be there to save him too.
a/n: this made me emotional. but there's more to come ;)