When you were gone (complete)
Hi all-
Another fic from me. (It's been awhile!)
It's done a little differently so I hope it's not too confusing!
Enjoy!
Emma knows it’s time to finally let go.
“We just never had the timimg…”
Will watches her leave, head in hands, feet planted firmly on the ground.
“Do you think we could have been happy?”
“Yes.”
The door shuts behind her and they both choke out a sob when they hear the sickening sound of the crunch of door meeting wall, ending any chance for another beginning.
She finds Virginia, her home, comforting with her parents sheltering more than ever. She lives with them until she finds an apartment and while she searches for herself, she finds herself back to the person she was before, one she doesn’t exactly like but one she knows.
“Honey, I don’t know what you saw in that place.”
“Mom, I needed to find who I could be without your help.”
“And??”
“I think I’ll be ok right here.”
Will helps the new counselor into her old office and the first thing he notices is that everything is bare. No pretty posters, encouraging signs and no flowers.
She’s an old woman who wears oversized thick black frames and wears too much perfume. He can tell right away that Figgins didn’t even try to find anyone who was born after 1960.
“William, the children, well behaved?”
“Yes, good kids.”
“Good, I don’t want riff-raff but if I have a problem, I’ll be coming to you.”
The first thing she puts on her desk is a clock, one that ticks loud when it’s quiet and he knows already he won’t be tapping on the door to say hello.
Her desk isn’t the same color as her old one and the walls are solid and painted an ugly yellow. The posters and vases of flowers can’t shake the sick feeling she has when she sits in her chair.
“Miss P, the kids they hate me. I have no one.”
“It’s hard to be the new kid, I know.”
“I just need someone.”
“Join a club, the school has some great offerings.”
“Is that what you did?”
“Sort of.”
Her first free moment of the day she walks to the small cafeteria and already has four sets of eyes glued to her. They don’t know her and she suspects they never will. She dumps her tea bag into the trash and walks back to her office, wanting to call someone from Ohio just to see if they are doing ok without her.
“Emma you don’t have to leave.”
“Yes I do.”
“We’ll miss you. Some more than others.”
“You know I blended in, didn’t make waves. I’m easy to miss all together.”
“Don’t shortchange yourself. The kids, teachers, staff, all care about you. Will especially.”
“He cares for a lot of people.”
“Yes but he also loves you.”
The apartment is cold and he turns up the heat a bit. He puts his bag down, listens to his answering machine with one call from his mom, the other from a guy to come clean his rugs. He heats up his dinner and walks to the bedroom to change into his mesh shorts and t-shirt finding he also needs to do laundry.
“Sorry my place isn’t as clean as yours…”
“It smells good.”
“ ‘Comon, sit down and I’ll sing you the first original Glee song.”
“Original huh?”
“Yup! And first time ever in front of anyone.”
“I feel so honored.”
“Well you are second in command.”
“Wait, when was this decided?”
“Oh we took a vote yesterday, I broke the tie.”
“Really?”
“Um, no but I’m the director so what I say goes.”
She sits down at the dinner table for the first time in forever with her parents. They try to make her feel at ease, talking about their own work while she tries to listen intently while she tries to put the vegetables and potato in her mouth since her mother worked so hard. She feels like she’s fifteen again and she’s not sure how she feels about it.
“How was school honey?”
“Good.”
“You know my friend, Rita has a young man she wants you to meet.”
“Mom…”
“I know. You’re an adult but I thought I would help the process along.”
“I’ll think about it.”
When Glee takes the stage for their first invitational two weeks later he feels happy and excited to get going again. The kids are ready as he stands in the shadows of the stage making sure they are all on their marks. When he sees the spotlight shine and Rachel begin, he looks out to the audience of proud parents and teachers and sees an empty seat in the front, next to aisle and he knows it’s empty because it only belonged to her.
“Will, I would like you to meet Casey Williams, the middle school choir teacher.”
“Hello Mrs. Williams.”
“It’s Miss Williams and you’re kids are terrific. I would love to bring that enthusiasm to the middle school.”
“That would be great.”
“Ok then, here’s my number, call me and we’ll talk.”
“All right. I’ll call you soon.”
“I hope so.”
Emma takes her seat in the auditorium finding the chairs uncomfortable with the foam coming out of them. It’s not exactly where she would like to be but everyone was required to attend the seminar on school bullying.
She sits next to the Accounting teacher and she wishes for the aisle seat as she can smell the mustard on his breath and the heavy cologne on his clothes. It unsettles her as she hears the introduction of the guest speaker as she tries to focus on that but finds it difficult to concentrate.
“Will, hi there.”
“Em, hey! Mind if I sit?”
“No not at all….so Figgins summoned you too?”
“Yes and it’s not like I didn’t have better things to do, like you know, grade papers and help some kids.”
“I know the feeling.”
“So tell me something funny.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean if we are going to be stuck here we might as well laugh, tell me something funny.”
“I…don’t…I really don’t know…”
“Oh ‘comon you must have stories about kids falling into toilets or someone coming to you about some kind of strange problem.”
“Will, that’s confidential, I can’t tell you.”
“Leave out the names, or grades or ages or whatever.”
“….Allright. Let me think…there was a student who came into my office who told me he thought monsters lived under his bed.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Serious. I guess he kept hearing this weird growl noise and screeching.”
“And what was the result?”
“Well…um, his parents in the next room…”
“…Oh God! That’s utterly horrible and hilarious!”
“Hey! You two quiet down up there.”
“Busted.”
The restaurant is dimly lit and he wonders why she chose such a place. He’s coming from a long day at school and he feels a headache coming on. He puts on his jacket and walks in, finding her at the bar dressing a little more provocative then the last time he saw her. She smiles and he sits down next to her, ordering a Coke and wishing he could pop an Advil without her noticing.
She crosses her legs on the barstool and leans forward slightly and he notices she has a lot of makeup on and wears dangly earrings that seem to be heart shaped. A folder is on the table but she doesn’t move to pick it up as he reaches into his bag pulling out his own.
“So I thought that we could start off by discussing maybe some song choices for the kids…I know getting kids interested in music is getting them interested in what’s playing on the radio.”
“Hmmm, you think so?”
“Sure, our kids do all types of music but I think it’s important to stay relevant.”
“I think you’re right. You know, Mr. Schuester… I would love to have your kids come and perform.”
“Um, sure, if we can make it work. I would need permission from the school and the kid’s teachers…”
“Oh don’t even worry about that. I’ll make a call and it will be done.”
“Well thank you, now here is some music I have for what we have done, thought you would like to have it.”
“You are too kind.”
“All right, well if you don’t mind, I have a long day tomorrow so I need to get going…”
“Wait before you go, one question, Lennon or McCartney?”
“Excuse me?”
“Better songwriter, John Lennon or Paul McCartney?”
“Um…Lennon.”
“My feelings exactly. Thank you Will for meeting with me.”
“Sure, yeah. Have a good night Miss Williams.”
Emma finds the kids are well behaved and there are only a few troublemakers. She clings to the good students who come in to talk about college applications and the college process and finds she asks a lot of questions about what their hopes and goals are in maybe hoping to discover what she wants too.
“I want to be respected.”
“I want to make a million dollars.”
“I want a good job that brings me good money and happiness.”
“I hope to be married with two kids before thirty. My husband a major league baseball player and I am his manager.”
“Be on TV. Maybe come up with my own reality show. Life of Clint Bowler.”
“I want to come home every day and say, ‘I made a difference.’
He jogs on the wet pavement after the rains, his iPod blasting Michael Jackson as he sprints down the hill and pushes back up another. It’s a bit sticky but with the colors changing he finds the cool air at his back and it makes him want to go faster. He passes a woman pushing a stroller and even in his quickness he is able to glance at the little baby nestled inside and he sees her sleeping. His makes his heart ache and he finds himself struggling to breath for a moment afterwards but he fights it off and continues running his path, not thinking about it anymore.
“My sister in law just had a son, Jonathan.”
“That’s great Em. So when are you going to see him?”
“Oh, um, I don’t think I’ll be seeing him soon.”
“What, why?”
“I…don’t do well with babies. My niece, Lilly, when I held her she cried and cried.”
“Hate to break it you but that’s what babies do.”
“I know. It was just so...unsettling you know?”
“Sure but I think Jonathan will be missing out on seeing a great aunt.”
“I’ll see him, just you know, not now.”
“Now is when he will know you the most. Em, I may not know a lot about babies but I know the first few months are the most important in his bonding with family.”
“What makes you think he’ll remember seeing me?”
“Because you’re impossible to forget.”
Her car breaks down in the parking lot. She reaches for her phone and calls AAA which arrives in prompt time, towing it away. She rides in the truck next to the greasy man who tries to make small talk about the weather, sports and his job. She stays close to the window, far away from him as she keeps her hands in her lap, her skirt covers the whole seat so her legs don’t touch and she keeps her shoes squarely on the mat, away from dirty carpeting.
When she arrives at the repair shop she goes over to customer service to pick up a rental and finds a nice man behind the counter in a button down shirt and tie with a suit coat thrown over the back of the chair. He smiles, has nice white teeth and she can even smell the mint on his breath from behind the glass.
“I don’t want to work there forever you know?”
“So what do you really want to do?”
“Music. I’m actually in a band. I’m not lead singer or anything but I can play a pretty mean guitar.”
“Wow, that’s great.”
“You should come see us play…we do a lot of Oldies and Seventies.”
“I do enjoy the Classics.”
“Awesome. Well, if you have time we play at the local bar, nothing fancy but there’s a good crowd and don’t worry, there’s no weird people. Plenty of clean seats and good food.”
“Thanks Gary, I think I’ll stop by.”
“Friday night, right at seven…oh and let me know if you have any problems with the rental, ok?”
“I will. Thank you for being so understanding of my need for a clean car.”
“Of course, see you soon Emma.”
“Bye.”
As the kids finish their last song he claps and ushers them off, telling them to get ready to get back to school because they are already behind. Casey finds him backstage and he quickly tells her he has to go. She shoves some music sheets in his hand as they go out the door. When he sits back on the bus after telling the driver to hurry back to school, he finds a crumbled sheet of an arrangement to “If You Leave” by OMD and on the back her number and schedule of availability for the week.
When he gets back to school he puts the paper on his desk (phone number face up) and tells himself he will think about calling her at the end of the day. When the end of the day comes he picks up the paper, dials her number and leaves a message telling her he has some more music for her. He’s still not sure if he wants to make it business or pleasure.
“I brought you a present.”
“Em, you didn’t have to do that.”
“Well you know since you have been so wonderful in making me feel welcome I thought I would get you a little something.”
“You are too good to me.”
“Open it.”
“Ok, ok, I can see you are ready to burst with excitement….oh Em…”
“You like it?”
“I love it! This is perfect. How did you know I needed blank music sheets?”
“Well, I know you’re just starting Glee and everything and it’s not cheap so I thought I would contribute to the cause.”
“I will be using these for sure, for all our original pieces we will be doing down the road.”
“I hope I get the first listen.”
“Of course. Thank you Emma and not just for this but for believing in me and Glee.”
“Always.”
At the end of a long week she finds herself cuddled on the couch watching 80’s movies and wondering when she got so old. Her mother is in the next room while her father went out with her brother to see the newest action movie. She wonders why she’s so tired and when she sees her mother entering, with her forehead crinkled, Emma knows it means she should be somewhere else. She knows she has an invite to see Gary play but she’s not just ready yet to make a step, to what she’s not sure but she knows if she goes it will be like a date.
“Emma, you can’t just sit here and expect a man to come to you. What about that nice boy you met?”
“He was nice yes but I didn’t promise him anything.”
“Well maybe you should have. Emma, dear you are just hurting yourself.”
“I can’t be single?”
“Listen, if that’s what I thought you wanted, then fine, be single. But you want someone in your life, to share things, do things…and I know you have OCD and germophopia has made it hard but it’s not impossible you know.”
“Well maybe it’s because you and dad sheltered me till I left for Ohio and now, I’m back here and nothing has changed.”
“Don’t blame me or your father for that. We want you to be happy.”
“I want that too and I have it, sometimes. But I just can’t let someone in.”
“You are going to have to try.”
Will knows Cassidy is coming on strong but maybe that’s what he needs to get over what he can’t. She leans over and he can tell she’s not wearing a bra which both disgusts and fascinates him. She winks at him a few times over the menu and when he pays the bill and escorts her out, with a hand on her back; ever so gently she reaches for his hand when they reach the sidewalk to walk to her car. Her hand his warm and he takes it because it’s polite and it does feel good to be close to someone.
“So are you going to tell me who this Emma is?”
“Wait, what?”
“You were whispering her name last night, against my neck I believe.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, you can call me whatever name you want…so who is she?”
“Oh…she’s um, just a woman I used to work with.”
“All right, fine. I can see I’m not treading on dark territory so I’m just going to shower and get going.”
“Cassidy, hold on…”
“Please don’t try to be a gentleman now. We all have pasts and you just needed to forget yours for a little while. I may come across as a little bit desperate but I am smart…thank you for a wonderful evening though.”
If Emma thought about taking off the minute she got there, she couldn’t. Gary finds her right away and pulls her towards the front, his hand not sweaty but his hair damp and his clothes a little wet. She can smell the beer on his breath but it doesn’t really annoy her since they are in a bar setting and he does need to drink. He’s yelling a little bit and she knows that he’s probably gone deaf from the playing.
He calls her his “special guest” and introduces her to all his band mates, all of who look over fifty but still attractive. Gary himself is on the older side as she notices the small patches of grey on the sides, but she finds it makes him look distinguished and worn in. It excites her for just a moment.
“Thank you for saving the vegetable platter for me.”
“No problem. I didn’t think you would want the wings or mini burgers.”
“Your band is very good.”
“We have our moments…thanks for coming tonight. It’s cool to see someone else cheering for me besides my parents.”
“I’m glad I came too.”
“So I’ll see you at the next show...or maybe before?”
“Um, sure. Call me.”
“Ok, I will. Safe travels home.”
“Good show Gary. Thanks for inviting me.”
He travels to Columbus over a long weekend because he needs to get out of Lima for a bit, taking in the sights and sounds by himself. His mother offered to come with him but he finds her a little bit overbearing so he goes himself, popping into music stores and walk around. He feels like a tourist without really being one and when he passes a JCrew, he can’t help but think of her and when he seems a piece of jewelry in the window, he wants to buy it for her because she always loved wearing blue.
“Oh Emma, it will be ok.”
“No it won’t Will! It’s ruined! My favorite skirt is completely trashed.”
“Ok, first of all, breathe ok? I don’t want you passing out on me.”
“I’m…not going to…pass…”
“Here, come sit down in the choir room. I have some paper towels in there.”
“I don’t want…please don’t help.”
“It’s fine Em, really. Remember when I got that Slushie all over me? You spent the whole afternoon scrubbing my shirt till it was clean again.”
“Yeah, you looked like a blueberry.”
“See? Now ‘comon and sit, I’m going to get some soap and paper towels and we are going to work together ok?”
“Ok…yeah.”
“Ok.”
“Will?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for you know, being you.”
Emma receives a card from the McKinley staff three months late but it still warms her heart. She refused a goodbye party so she left without more than a few goodbyes. She opens it and searches for his name right away. She doesn’t find it and her heart drops, but she also knows that she left so abruptly (to him) and it hurt.
“So why did you leave Ohio?”
“Um, it wasn’t everything I hoped it would be.”
“You mean it wasn’t what you wanted?”
“Yes and no. The kids were great, the school good. It just didn’t work out.”
“What part?”
“Gary please, it’s in the past. I just want to focus on work here.”
“Emma, I like you but until we are honest with each other, I can’t build anything with you.”
“Since when do I have to tell you my secrets?”
“I’m trying to get to know you, and I’m sorry if me asking about Ohio offends you. Maybe we should get together when you are ready to tell me more about you then just your favorite food and movie.”
“Gary-”
“No it’s ok Emma, really. I don’t know you and maybe that’s ok but I was hoping we could mean more to each other than just a casual conversation.”
The Glee kids don’t want to work and with winter break coming up he can’t blame them. They all are talking about their plans for the long week and he can’t them to focus for more than 5 minutes at a time. When he dismisses them he stays back and plays Christmas songs on the piano because it’s like second nature to him.
“Mr. Schue?”
“Oh hey Finn, you scared me.”
“Oh sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you, I just you know wanted to talk.”
“Um, ok. What’s up?”
“Well Rachel and I were talking and we were wondering if you were ok.”
“Oh, well I’m fine Finn. Thanks for asking.”
“All right because Rachel seems to think you are depressed or something, she showed me all this stuff she printed from the Internet and I told her you were fine but she just kept going on and on-”
“I got it Finn. And thank you for your concern but you can tell her and the club that I’m fine.”
“It’s ok to miss Miss P, I miss her too.”
“Finn-”
“Look, I’m not the smart kid but I know what it’s like to miss someone. And you miss her and I know some days suck and some days are awesome but mostly they suck. I just wanted to tell you that we are here for you, you know when you feel like you wanna kill yourself.”
“Um, thank you Finn, for the uh, support.”
“Ok Mr. Schue, see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, tomorrow.”
Emma decorates the tree and hums Christmas music. She finally found an apartment she likes so she’s packing her things and getting ready to move after the holidays. She feels like she will be fully independent again and when her mother drags out the old balls and big lights, Emma can’t help but smile.
When her father brings out the cookies and drags her mother to dance to “White Christmas” Emma sits by the fire munching at a cookie wondering if that will ever be her.
“So Em, big plans for the break?”
“Actually no, I think I’m going to stay in and watch Christmas movies all day and Christmas Eve I will be going to church for midnight mass. You?”
“Same, my parents are going on a cruise; first time ever so I’m left all home alone…you know you should come over and we can be alone together.”
“You don’t want to watch Home Alone and Miracle on 34th Street.”
“Who says?”
“I don’t know, I know you love your action films and I can say that there are no Christmas action movies.”
“Ahh, you’re wrong. Die Hard is a Christmas film.”
“Seriously.”
“Seriously.”
“Will Schuester you surprise me every day.”
“Glad to keep you on your toes.”
Will walks up to his apartment cold and tired. Another long week and finally he can relax a bit. He enters to find the small tree lit up and for a second he smiles, forgetting how much he hurts. The casserole in his fridge is still good so he heats up a piece and moves to turn on the TV, finding the news. He stops on it for a moment to hear about a story a woman finding her long lost love after ten years.
He sits back, lets the piece of casserole sit in the microwave and pulls the blanket over him because he feels very cold. He leans into the pillows he’s propped up for himself and closes his eyes wanting to feel normal again.
“Oh mom, you didn’t have to get me this.”
“I had to. It was on sale at Renyold’s. I got a great deal.”
“Your mom really did want to do this for you son. She knows how much you wanted a new guitar.”
“Well thank you both. I’ll be using it often.”
“You’re welcome Will. You deserve it after all that work you do with the kids.”
“Now honey, tell us about this girl.”
“What girl?”
“The one from the middle school. I heard from Sandra that you have been seeing some music person from the middle school. When can we meet her?”
“Oh, um, you won’t be. We just went out a few times, nothing serious.”
“Oh ok. You’re father and I, we want you to be happy. We were hoping maybe she…”
“No. But that’s ok.”
“It’s that counselor isn’t it?”
“Dad, no. She left like months ago... Can we please not talk about this?”
“We just want you to-”
“Be happy. I know. And I love you but please my life is my life.”
Emma sits on the porch, blanket wrapped around her. The car is packed with boxes and she’s ready to leave her parents house for the second time in her life.
She sees the old car pull up and she stands to greet him. He comes out, bearing a small package and she wishes he hadn’t. He meets her on the front step, kisses her cheek and hands it to her. She accepts and he goes into the house, offering to help her mother with a pie immediately.
“I like Gary.”
“I do too.”
“That necklace is very pretty.”
“He got it after we met. He told me my hair reminded him of the sun.”
“How romantic.”
“Mom, I can’t do this.”
“Do what? Move? Sorry but the car is packed and ready to go and the rent is already paid for-”
“No. That I can be with Gary.”
“You just said you like him.”
“I know I did and I do.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“A friend mom, a friend. I can’t do more than that.”
“You know the best romantic relationships evolve from friendships. Give it time and maybe it will be something you never imagined-”
“I’m already in love with someone.”
As Will walks into the bar he finds a woman already eying him. He ignores her and joins his buddy from high school at the bar, asking for a beer.
They talk about their Christmas and his family who seem to be driving him insane. Will laughs and drinks a few more beers before sliding off the stool, paying for his drinks and then walking to his car, finding the cold air sobering him up.
His phone is bright as he opens it up to see a few texts from friends and another from Cassidy asking if he’s around. He hasn’t spoken to her weeks so he’s surprised to see something from her, but selfishly he’s happy because she makes him forget what he needs to forget.
“So it’s true.”
“What?”
“You leaving?”
“Will, please.”
“No, say it. I want to hear you say it.”
“I’m leaving.”
“So that’s it, I don’t get a say.”
“Excuse me? A say? Since when do you influence my choices?”
“We’re best friends. I thought that mattered enough.”
“Yes, best friends, not boyfriend.”
“Emma…”
“No, it’s fine Will. You rejected me before and I accepted it and now you must accept me moving on and living my life.”
“I was stupid before.”
“No, maybe you were right.”
“Don’t leave.”
“Goodbye Will.”
Gary helps her to new apartment while she wears his necklace. He helps her unpack and they have pizza on the floor. He leaves and she spends the whole night unpacking her things, making sure everything is in their proper place.
When she finally settles into her bed, she looks up to the ceiling and follows the crack path from the front of the room to the back and knows that it’s just a matter of time before she insists that it’s fixed and covered up.
“Thanks for coming Gary.”
“Sure, when you said it was important.”
“Yes, please come sit down.”
“Why do I have a feeling this isn’t going to be good…”
“You asked me why I left Ohio.”
“Yeah…”
“Well the truth is there was something, or someone. We worked together and I fell in love with him pretty hard and quickly. I um, put myself out there and it didn’t exactly go well…”
“He rejected you.”
“Yeah. We decided to be friends and that was ok but I still loved him completely and I just couldn’t pretend anymore. So I left because it just got too hard.”
“Oh Emma…-”
“I’m fine. Well not really because I think even after all these months I’m not over it. I’m trying but I can’t seem to shake him from my mind.”
“It’s natural to still carry something for him and-”
“But Gary, I can’t, I can’t be with you or anyone until I finally say goodbye.”
“What does that mean exactly?”
“I don’t know but I can’t guarantee you I will be here.”
“Got it. Well for what it’s worth you are a wonderful woman and may you find what you are looking for.”
“Thank you and please take the necklace…”
“No, keep it.”
“All right.”
The Glee kids all gather around him as they put their hands in. He screams victory at the top of his lungs and they all follow as their hands raise up and touch the beams above them. He smiles, does a few high fives and follows the kids out of the room, ready to take the stage.
He looks out to see a crowd and tries to calm his breathing as he struggles to keep his legs from shaking. This isn’t the biggest performance to date but it ranks up there. Rachel leads the group out when their name is called.
He stands on the edge, mouthing the words and at times, mimicking the moves. When the crowd jumps up in heavy applause he lets out a breath and hugs a few of the kids when they joyfully come off the stage. Everyone is pumped and can feel a victory as he stands with his head down trying to catch his breath again.
The trophy is heavy but the kids don’t mind carrying it, three at a time as they made their way back to the bus. He’s laughing when he sees her standing by the bench, a few yards away from the bus wearing her bright red coat and blue heels.
“The kids were just amazing...that last number with the 80’s montage was genius and the costumes were spectacular and oh god, I’m rambling because I don’t know what I’m doing here and I think I’ve lost my mind…”
“Emma…”
“…I mean we haven’t spoken in months and you must hate me and we just ended so badly and I hate myself for what I did-”
“I love you.”
She awakes to the smell of eggs and toast. When she looks around she notices she’s not where she thought she would be. It’s a little bit confusing as she looks around, not her room but on the night stand is a note.
When she realizes it isn’t a dream she sits up, pulls the covers off and walks down the hall to the kitchen to find him stirring eggs and shaking his hips to The Temptations, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”
When he turns and faces her, he starts to sing and extends his arm. She takes it, giggles and they dance together on the kitchen floor.
“So did you get my note?”
“I did.”
“So yes?”
“Wait, what?”
“Oh honey, hold on…”
Will walks back into the room and swipes it off the night stand and brings it back to the kitchen where Emma is sitting on a stool, finding a piece of toast.
“This one.”
“Oh Will…”
“I’m sorry, you must have seen my wonderful drawing of my toast and eggs and missed this one.”
“Will…really?”
“So yes?”
“A thousand times yes!”
“Oh Emma, I love you.”
“Love you, love you.”
The END!
Hope you liked! Thank you for all your comments!
Another fic from me. (It's been awhile!)
It's done a little differently so I hope it's not too confusing!
Enjoy!
Emma knows it’s time to finally let go.
“We just never had the timimg…”
Will watches her leave, head in hands, feet planted firmly on the ground.
“Do you think we could have been happy?”
“Yes.”
The door shuts behind her and they both choke out a sob when they hear the sickening sound of the crunch of door meeting wall, ending any chance for another beginning.
She finds Virginia, her home, comforting with her parents sheltering more than ever. She lives with them until she finds an apartment and while she searches for herself, she finds herself back to the person she was before, one she doesn’t exactly like but one she knows.
“Honey, I don’t know what you saw in that place.”
“Mom, I needed to find who I could be without your help.”
“And??”
“I think I’ll be ok right here.”
Will helps the new counselor into her old office and the first thing he notices is that everything is bare. No pretty posters, encouraging signs and no flowers.
She’s an old woman who wears oversized thick black frames and wears too much perfume. He can tell right away that Figgins didn’t even try to find anyone who was born after 1960.
“William, the children, well behaved?”
“Yes, good kids.”
“Good, I don’t want riff-raff but if I have a problem, I’ll be coming to you.”
The first thing she puts on her desk is a clock, one that ticks loud when it’s quiet and he knows already he won’t be tapping on the door to say hello.
Her desk isn’t the same color as her old one and the walls are solid and painted an ugly yellow. The posters and vases of flowers can’t shake the sick feeling she has when she sits in her chair.
“Miss P, the kids they hate me. I have no one.”
“It’s hard to be the new kid, I know.”
“I just need someone.”
“Join a club, the school has some great offerings.”
“Is that what you did?”
“Sort of.”
Her first free moment of the day she walks to the small cafeteria and already has four sets of eyes glued to her. They don’t know her and she suspects they never will. She dumps her tea bag into the trash and walks back to her office, wanting to call someone from Ohio just to see if they are doing ok without her.
“Emma you don’t have to leave.”
“Yes I do.”
“We’ll miss you. Some more than others.”
“You know I blended in, didn’t make waves. I’m easy to miss all together.”
“Don’t shortchange yourself. The kids, teachers, staff, all care about you. Will especially.”
“He cares for a lot of people.”
“Yes but he also loves you.”
The apartment is cold and he turns up the heat a bit. He puts his bag down, listens to his answering machine with one call from his mom, the other from a guy to come clean his rugs. He heats up his dinner and walks to the bedroom to change into his mesh shorts and t-shirt finding he also needs to do laundry.
“Sorry my place isn’t as clean as yours…”
“It smells good.”
“ ‘Comon, sit down and I’ll sing you the first original Glee song.”
“Original huh?”
“Yup! And first time ever in front of anyone.”
“I feel so honored.”
“Well you are second in command.”
“Wait, when was this decided?”
“Oh we took a vote yesterday, I broke the tie.”
“Really?”
“Um, no but I’m the director so what I say goes.”
She sits down at the dinner table for the first time in forever with her parents. They try to make her feel at ease, talking about their own work while she tries to listen intently while she tries to put the vegetables and potato in her mouth since her mother worked so hard. She feels like she’s fifteen again and she’s not sure how she feels about it.
“How was school honey?”
“Good.”
“You know my friend, Rita has a young man she wants you to meet.”
“Mom…”
“I know. You’re an adult but I thought I would help the process along.”
“I’ll think about it.”
When Glee takes the stage for their first invitational two weeks later he feels happy and excited to get going again. The kids are ready as he stands in the shadows of the stage making sure they are all on their marks. When he sees the spotlight shine and Rachel begin, he looks out to the audience of proud parents and teachers and sees an empty seat in the front, next to aisle and he knows it’s empty because it only belonged to her.
“Will, I would like you to meet Casey Williams, the middle school choir teacher.”
“Hello Mrs. Williams.”
“It’s Miss Williams and you’re kids are terrific. I would love to bring that enthusiasm to the middle school.”
“That would be great.”
“Ok then, here’s my number, call me and we’ll talk.”
“All right. I’ll call you soon.”
“I hope so.”
Emma takes her seat in the auditorium finding the chairs uncomfortable with the foam coming out of them. It’s not exactly where she would like to be but everyone was required to attend the seminar on school bullying.
She sits next to the Accounting teacher and she wishes for the aisle seat as she can smell the mustard on his breath and the heavy cologne on his clothes. It unsettles her as she hears the introduction of the guest speaker as she tries to focus on that but finds it difficult to concentrate.
“Will, hi there.”
“Em, hey! Mind if I sit?”
“No not at all….so Figgins summoned you too?”
“Yes and it’s not like I didn’t have better things to do, like you know, grade papers and help some kids.”
“I know the feeling.”
“So tell me something funny.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean if we are going to be stuck here we might as well laugh, tell me something funny.”
“I…don’t…I really don’t know…”
“Oh ‘comon you must have stories about kids falling into toilets or someone coming to you about some kind of strange problem.”
“Will, that’s confidential, I can’t tell you.”
“Leave out the names, or grades or ages or whatever.”
“….Allright. Let me think…there was a student who came into my office who told me he thought monsters lived under his bed.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Serious. I guess he kept hearing this weird growl noise and screeching.”
“And what was the result?”
“Well…um, his parents in the next room…”
“…Oh God! That’s utterly horrible and hilarious!”
“Hey! You two quiet down up there.”
“Busted.”
The restaurant is dimly lit and he wonders why she chose such a place. He’s coming from a long day at school and he feels a headache coming on. He puts on his jacket and walks in, finding her at the bar dressing a little more provocative then the last time he saw her. She smiles and he sits down next to her, ordering a Coke and wishing he could pop an Advil without her noticing.
She crosses her legs on the barstool and leans forward slightly and he notices she has a lot of makeup on and wears dangly earrings that seem to be heart shaped. A folder is on the table but she doesn’t move to pick it up as he reaches into his bag pulling out his own.
“So I thought that we could start off by discussing maybe some song choices for the kids…I know getting kids interested in music is getting them interested in what’s playing on the radio.”
“Hmmm, you think so?”
“Sure, our kids do all types of music but I think it’s important to stay relevant.”
“I think you’re right. You know, Mr. Schuester… I would love to have your kids come and perform.”
“Um, sure, if we can make it work. I would need permission from the school and the kid’s teachers…”
“Oh don’t even worry about that. I’ll make a call and it will be done.”
“Well thank you, now here is some music I have for what we have done, thought you would like to have it.”
“You are too kind.”
“All right, well if you don’t mind, I have a long day tomorrow so I need to get going…”
“Wait before you go, one question, Lennon or McCartney?”
“Excuse me?”
“Better songwriter, John Lennon or Paul McCartney?”
“Um…Lennon.”
“My feelings exactly. Thank you Will for meeting with me.”
“Sure, yeah. Have a good night Miss Williams.”
Emma finds the kids are well behaved and there are only a few troublemakers. She clings to the good students who come in to talk about college applications and the college process and finds she asks a lot of questions about what their hopes and goals are in maybe hoping to discover what she wants too.
“I want to be respected.”
“I want to make a million dollars.”
“I want a good job that brings me good money and happiness.”
“I hope to be married with two kids before thirty. My husband a major league baseball player and I am his manager.”
“Be on TV. Maybe come up with my own reality show. Life of Clint Bowler.”
“I want to come home every day and say, ‘I made a difference.’
He jogs on the wet pavement after the rains, his iPod blasting Michael Jackson as he sprints down the hill and pushes back up another. It’s a bit sticky but with the colors changing he finds the cool air at his back and it makes him want to go faster. He passes a woman pushing a stroller and even in his quickness he is able to glance at the little baby nestled inside and he sees her sleeping. His makes his heart ache and he finds himself struggling to breath for a moment afterwards but he fights it off and continues running his path, not thinking about it anymore.
“My sister in law just had a son, Jonathan.”
“That’s great Em. So when are you going to see him?”
“Oh, um, I don’t think I’ll be seeing him soon.”
“What, why?”
“I…don’t do well with babies. My niece, Lilly, when I held her she cried and cried.”
“Hate to break it you but that’s what babies do.”
“I know. It was just so...unsettling you know?”
“Sure but I think Jonathan will be missing out on seeing a great aunt.”
“I’ll see him, just you know, not now.”
“Now is when he will know you the most. Em, I may not know a lot about babies but I know the first few months are the most important in his bonding with family.”
“What makes you think he’ll remember seeing me?”
“Because you’re impossible to forget.”
Her car breaks down in the parking lot. She reaches for her phone and calls AAA which arrives in prompt time, towing it away. She rides in the truck next to the greasy man who tries to make small talk about the weather, sports and his job. She stays close to the window, far away from him as she keeps her hands in her lap, her skirt covers the whole seat so her legs don’t touch and she keeps her shoes squarely on the mat, away from dirty carpeting.
When she arrives at the repair shop she goes over to customer service to pick up a rental and finds a nice man behind the counter in a button down shirt and tie with a suit coat thrown over the back of the chair. He smiles, has nice white teeth and she can even smell the mint on his breath from behind the glass.
“I don’t want to work there forever you know?”
“So what do you really want to do?”
“Music. I’m actually in a band. I’m not lead singer or anything but I can play a pretty mean guitar.”
“Wow, that’s great.”
“You should come see us play…we do a lot of Oldies and Seventies.”
“I do enjoy the Classics.”
“Awesome. Well, if you have time we play at the local bar, nothing fancy but there’s a good crowd and don’t worry, there’s no weird people. Plenty of clean seats and good food.”
“Thanks Gary, I think I’ll stop by.”
“Friday night, right at seven…oh and let me know if you have any problems with the rental, ok?”
“I will. Thank you for being so understanding of my need for a clean car.”
“Of course, see you soon Emma.”
“Bye.”
As the kids finish their last song he claps and ushers them off, telling them to get ready to get back to school because they are already behind. Casey finds him backstage and he quickly tells her he has to go. She shoves some music sheets in his hand as they go out the door. When he sits back on the bus after telling the driver to hurry back to school, he finds a crumbled sheet of an arrangement to “If You Leave” by OMD and on the back her number and schedule of availability for the week.
When he gets back to school he puts the paper on his desk (phone number face up) and tells himself he will think about calling her at the end of the day. When the end of the day comes he picks up the paper, dials her number and leaves a message telling her he has some more music for her. He’s still not sure if he wants to make it business or pleasure.
“I brought you a present.”
“Em, you didn’t have to do that.”
“Well you know since you have been so wonderful in making me feel welcome I thought I would get you a little something.”
“You are too good to me.”
“Open it.”
“Ok, ok, I can see you are ready to burst with excitement….oh Em…”
“You like it?”
“I love it! This is perfect. How did you know I needed blank music sheets?”
“Well, I know you’re just starting Glee and everything and it’s not cheap so I thought I would contribute to the cause.”
“I will be using these for sure, for all our original pieces we will be doing down the road.”
“I hope I get the first listen.”
“Of course. Thank you Emma and not just for this but for believing in me and Glee.”
“Always.”
At the end of a long week she finds herself cuddled on the couch watching 80’s movies and wondering when she got so old. Her mother is in the next room while her father went out with her brother to see the newest action movie. She wonders why she’s so tired and when she sees her mother entering, with her forehead crinkled, Emma knows it means she should be somewhere else. She knows she has an invite to see Gary play but she’s not just ready yet to make a step, to what she’s not sure but she knows if she goes it will be like a date.
“Emma, you can’t just sit here and expect a man to come to you. What about that nice boy you met?”
“He was nice yes but I didn’t promise him anything.”
“Well maybe you should have. Emma, dear you are just hurting yourself.”
“I can’t be single?”
“Listen, if that’s what I thought you wanted, then fine, be single. But you want someone in your life, to share things, do things…and I know you have OCD and germophopia has made it hard but it’s not impossible you know.”
“Well maybe it’s because you and dad sheltered me till I left for Ohio and now, I’m back here and nothing has changed.”
“Don’t blame me or your father for that. We want you to be happy.”
“I want that too and I have it, sometimes. But I just can’t let someone in.”
“You are going to have to try.”
Will knows Cassidy is coming on strong but maybe that’s what he needs to get over what he can’t. She leans over and he can tell she’s not wearing a bra which both disgusts and fascinates him. She winks at him a few times over the menu and when he pays the bill and escorts her out, with a hand on her back; ever so gently she reaches for his hand when they reach the sidewalk to walk to her car. Her hand his warm and he takes it because it’s polite and it does feel good to be close to someone.
“So are you going to tell me who this Emma is?”
“Wait, what?”
“You were whispering her name last night, against my neck I believe.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, you can call me whatever name you want…so who is she?”
“Oh…she’s um, just a woman I used to work with.”
“All right, fine. I can see I’m not treading on dark territory so I’m just going to shower and get going.”
“Cassidy, hold on…”
“Please don’t try to be a gentleman now. We all have pasts and you just needed to forget yours for a little while. I may come across as a little bit desperate but I am smart…thank you for a wonderful evening though.”
If Emma thought about taking off the minute she got there, she couldn’t. Gary finds her right away and pulls her towards the front, his hand not sweaty but his hair damp and his clothes a little wet. She can smell the beer on his breath but it doesn’t really annoy her since they are in a bar setting and he does need to drink. He’s yelling a little bit and she knows that he’s probably gone deaf from the playing.
He calls her his “special guest” and introduces her to all his band mates, all of who look over fifty but still attractive. Gary himself is on the older side as she notices the small patches of grey on the sides, but she finds it makes him look distinguished and worn in. It excites her for just a moment.
“Thank you for saving the vegetable platter for me.”
“No problem. I didn’t think you would want the wings or mini burgers.”
“Your band is very good.”
“We have our moments…thanks for coming tonight. It’s cool to see someone else cheering for me besides my parents.”
“I’m glad I came too.”
“So I’ll see you at the next show...or maybe before?”
“Um, sure. Call me.”
“Ok, I will. Safe travels home.”
“Good show Gary. Thanks for inviting me.”
He travels to Columbus over a long weekend because he needs to get out of Lima for a bit, taking in the sights and sounds by himself. His mother offered to come with him but he finds her a little bit overbearing so he goes himself, popping into music stores and walk around. He feels like a tourist without really being one and when he passes a JCrew, he can’t help but think of her and when he seems a piece of jewelry in the window, he wants to buy it for her because she always loved wearing blue.
“Oh Emma, it will be ok.”
“No it won’t Will! It’s ruined! My favorite skirt is completely trashed.”
“Ok, first of all, breathe ok? I don’t want you passing out on me.”
“I’m…not going to…pass…”
“Here, come sit down in the choir room. I have some paper towels in there.”
“I don’t want…please don’t help.”
“It’s fine Em, really. Remember when I got that Slushie all over me? You spent the whole afternoon scrubbing my shirt till it was clean again.”
“Yeah, you looked like a blueberry.”
“See? Now ‘comon and sit, I’m going to get some soap and paper towels and we are going to work together ok?”
“Ok…yeah.”
“Ok.”
“Will?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for you know, being you.”
Emma receives a card from the McKinley staff three months late but it still warms her heart. She refused a goodbye party so she left without more than a few goodbyes. She opens it and searches for his name right away. She doesn’t find it and her heart drops, but she also knows that she left so abruptly (to him) and it hurt.
“So why did you leave Ohio?”
“Um, it wasn’t everything I hoped it would be.”
“You mean it wasn’t what you wanted?”
“Yes and no. The kids were great, the school good. It just didn’t work out.”
“What part?”
“Gary please, it’s in the past. I just want to focus on work here.”
“Emma, I like you but until we are honest with each other, I can’t build anything with you.”
“Since when do I have to tell you my secrets?”
“I’m trying to get to know you, and I’m sorry if me asking about Ohio offends you. Maybe we should get together when you are ready to tell me more about you then just your favorite food and movie.”
“Gary-”
“No it’s ok Emma, really. I don’t know you and maybe that’s ok but I was hoping we could mean more to each other than just a casual conversation.”
The Glee kids don’t want to work and with winter break coming up he can’t blame them. They all are talking about their plans for the long week and he can’t them to focus for more than 5 minutes at a time. When he dismisses them he stays back and plays Christmas songs on the piano because it’s like second nature to him.
“Mr. Schue?”
“Oh hey Finn, you scared me.”
“Oh sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you, I just you know wanted to talk.”
“Um, ok. What’s up?”
“Well Rachel and I were talking and we were wondering if you were ok.”
“Oh, well I’m fine Finn. Thanks for asking.”
“All right because Rachel seems to think you are depressed or something, she showed me all this stuff she printed from the Internet and I told her you were fine but she just kept going on and on-”
“I got it Finn. And thank you for your concern but you can tell her and the club that I’m fine.”
“It’s ok to miss Miss P, I miss her too.”
“Finn-”
“Look, I’m not the smart kid but I know what it’s like to miss someone. And you miss her and I know some days suck and some days are awesome but mostly they suck. I just wanted to tell you that we are here for you, you know when you feel like you wanna kill yourself.”
“Um, thank you Finn, for the uh, support.”
“Ok Mr. Schue, see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, tomorrow.”
Emma decorates the tree and hums Christmas music. She finally found an apartment she likes so she’s packing her things and getting ready to move after the holidays. She feels like she will be fully independent again and when her mother drags out the old balls and big lights, Emma can’t help but smile.
When her father brings out the cookies and drags her mother to dance to “White Christmas” Emma sits by the fire munching at a cookie wondering if that will ever be her.
“So Em, big plans for the break?”
“Actually no, I think I’m going to stay in and watch Christmas movies all day and Christmas Eve I will be going to church for midnight mass. You?”
“Same, my parents are going on a cruise; first time ever so I’m left all home alone…you know you should come over and we can be alone together.”
“You don’t want to watch Home Alone and Miracle on 34th Street.”
“Who says?”
“I don’t know, I know you love your action films and I can say that there are no Christmas action movies.”
“Ahh, you’re wrong. Die Hard is a Christmas film.”
“Seriously.”
“Seriously.”
“Will Schuester you surprise me every day.”
“Glad to keep you on your toes.”
Will walks up to his apartment cold and tired. Another long week and finally he can relax a bit. He enters to find the small tree lit up and for a second he smiles, forgetting how much he hurts. The casserole in his fridge is still good so he heats up a piece and moves to turn on the TV, finding the news. He stops on it for a moment to hear about a story a woman finding her long lost love after ten years.
He sits back, lets the piece of casserole sit in the microwave and pulls the blanket over him because he feels very cold. He leans into the pillows he’s propped up for himself and closes his eyes wanting to feel normal again.
“Oh mom, you didn’t have to get me this.”
“I had to. It was on sale at Renyold’s. I got a great deal.”
“Your mom really did want to do this for you son. She knows how much you wanted a new guitar.”
“Well thank you both. I’ll be using it often.”
“You’re welcome Will. You deserve it after all that work you do with the kids.”
“Now honey, tell us about this girl.”
“What girl?”
“The one from the middle school. I heard from Sandra that you have been seeing some music person from the middle school. When can we meet her?”
“Oh, um, you won’t be. We just went out a few times, nothing serious.”
“Oh ok. You’re father and I, we want you to be happy. We were hoping maybe she…”
“No. But that’s ok.”
“It’s that counselor isn’t it?”
“Dad, no. She left like months ago... Can we please not talk about this?”
“We just want you to-”
“Be happy. I know. And I love you but please my life is my life.”
Emma sits on the porch, blanket wrapped around her. The car is packed with boxes and she’s ready to leave her parents house for the second time in her life.
She sees the old car pull up and she stands to greet him. He comes out, bearing a small package and she wishes he hadn’t. He meets her on the front step, kisses her cheek and hands it to her. She accepts and he goes into the house, offering to help her mother with a pie immediately.
“I like Gary.”
“I do too.”
“That necklace is very pretty.”
“He got it after we met. He told me my hair reminded him of the sun.”
“How romantic.”
“Mom, I can’t do this.”
“Do what? Move? Sorry but the car is packed and ready to go and the rent is already paid for-”
“No. That I can be with Gary.”
“You just said you like him.”
“I know I did and I do.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“A friend mom, a friend. I can’t do more than that.”
“You know the best romantic relationships evolve from friendships. Give it time and maybe it will be something you never imagined-”
“I’m already in love with someone.”
As Will walks into the bar he finds a woman already eying him. He ignores her and joins his buddy from high school at the bar, asking for a beer.
They talk about their Christmas and his family who seem to be driving him insane. Will laughs and drinks a few more beers before sliding off the stool, paying for his drinks and then walking to his car, finding the cold air sobering him up.
His phone is bright as he opens it up to see a few texts from friends and another from Cassidy asking if he’s around. He hasn’t spoken to her weeks so he’s surprised to see something from her, but selfishly he’s happy because she makes him forget what he needs to forget.
“So it’s true.”
“What?”
“You leaving?”
“Will, please.”
“No, say it. I want to hear you say it.”
“I’m leaving.”
“So that’s it, I don’t get a say.”
“Excuse me? A say? Since when do you influence my choices?”
“We’re best friends. I thought that mattered enough.”
“Yes, best friends, not boyfriend.”
“Emma…”
“No, it’s fine Will. You rejected me before and I accepted it and now you must accept me moving on and living my life.”
“I was stupid before.”
“No, maybe you were right.”
“Don’t leave.”
“Goodbye Will.”
Gary helps her to new apartment while she wears his necklace. He helps her unpack and they have pizza on the floor. He leaves and she spends the whole night unpacking her things, making sure everything is in their proper place.
When she finally settles into her bed, she looks up to the ceiling and follows the crack path from the front of the room to the back and knows that it’s just a matter of time before she insists that it’s fixed and covered up.
“Thanks for coming Gary.”
“Sure, when you said it was important.”
“Yes, please come sit down.”
“Why do I have a feeling this isn’t going to be good…”
“You asked me why I left Ohio.”
“Yeah…”
“Well the truth is there was something, or someone. We worked together and I fell in love with him pretty hard and quickly. I um, put myself out there and it didn’t exactly go well…”
“He rejected you.”
“Yeah. We decided to be friends and that was ok but I still loved him completely and I just couldn’t pretend anymore. So I left because it just got too hard.”
“Oh Emma…-”
“I’m fine. Well not really because I think even after all these months I’m not over it. I’m trying but I can’t seem to shake him from my mind.”
“It’s natural to still carry something for him and-”
“But Gary, I can’t, I can’t be with you or anyone until I finally say goodbye.”
“What does that mean exactly?”
“I don’t know but I can’t guarantee you I will be here.”
“Got it. Well for what it’s worth you are a wonderful woman and may you find what you are looking for.”
“Thank you and please take the necklace…”
“No, keep it.”
“All right.”
The Glee kids all gather around him as they put their hands in. He screams victory at the top of his lungs and they all follow as their hands raise up and touch the beams above them. He smiles, does a few high fives and follows the kids out of the room, ready to take the stage.
He looks out to see a crowd and tries to calm his breathing as he struggles to keep his legs from shaking. This isn’t the biggest performance to date but it ranks up there. Rachel leads the group out when their name is called.
He stands on the edge, mouthing the words and at times, mimicking the moves. When the crowd jumps up in heavy applause he lets out a breath and hugs a few of the kids when they joyfully come off the stage. Everyone is pumped and can feel a victory as he stands with his head down trying to catch his breath again.
The trophy is heavy but the kids don’t mind carrying it, three at a time as they made their way back to the bus. He’s laughing when he sees her standing by the bench, a few yards away from the bus wearing her bright red coat and blue heels.
“The kids were just amazing...that last number with the 80’s montage was genius and the costumes were spectacular and oh god, I’m rambling because I don’t know what I’m doing here and I think I’ve lost my mind…”
“Emma…”
“…I mean we haven’t spoken in months and you must hate me and we just ended so badly and I hate myself for what I did-”
“I love you.”
She awakes to the smell of eggs and toast. When she looks around she notices she’s not where she thought she would be. It’s a little bit confusing as she looks around, not her room but on the night stand is a note.
When she realizes it isn’t a dream she sits up, pulls the covers off and walks down the hall to the kitchen to find him stirring eggs and shaking his hips to The Temptations, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”
When he turns and faces her, he starts to sing and extends his arm. She takes it, giggles and they dance together on the kitchen floor.
“So did you get my note?”
“I did.”
“So yes?”
“Wait, what?”
“Oh honey, hold on…”
Will walks back into the room and swipes it off the night stand and brings it back to the kitchen where Emma is sitting on a stool, finding a piece of toast.
“This one.”
“Oh Will…”
“I’m sorry, you must have seen my wonderful drawing of my toast and eggs and missed this one.”
“Will…really?”
“So yes?”
“A thousand times yes!”
“Oh Emma, I love you.”
“Love you, love you.”
The END!
Hope you liked! Thank you for all your comments!