Chapter 10
Emily’s POV
After Zane left for a week with his grandparents, I felt an uncomfortable emptiness settle in. This was the longest time we’d ever been apart, and I wasn’t used to the quiet that filled the house.
It was eerie, almost suffocating, without the sound of his laughter or his little feet running around. I missed him more than I ever thought possible, and the days seemed to stretch on endlessly. without him.
Since that day at the airport, when Keith and I had our final exchange, I haven’t heard from him. There was a time when I would’ve been checking my phone every few minutes, hoping for a message or a call, but now? Now I’m just trying to let go. A part of me still longs for him, though.
It’s ridiculous, I know, but there’s that tiny flicker of hope that refuses to die out completely. But I’m also painfully aware that it’s no longer possible for us. That door is closed, and I need to accept. it.
Fortunately, life had settled into a routine that offered some semblance of peace. Each day, I immersed myself in teaching, using it as an escape from the emptiness I felt. The classroom
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became my refuge, a place where I could focus on guiding young minds rather than dwelling on my own troubles.
Every morning, I greeted my students with a smile, finding solace in their energy and curiosity. “Morning, Lucy! How’s your project coming along?” I’d ask, genuinely interested. Their enthusiasm. was infectious, and for a while, I could forget everything else.
During a lively biology lesson one day, the students were particularly engaged, their hands shooting up with questions. “Miss, do plants really move on their own?” Sarah asked, her eyes wide with wonder.
“Yes, some do,” I explained, drawing a quick diagram on the board. “Like the Venus flytrap, which snaps shut to catch its prey.” Their amazement reminded me why I loved teaching. It was moments like these that made the weight I carried a little lighter.
After class, a few students lingered to ask for advice. “Do you think my experiment will work?” one asked hesitantly.
“I’m sure it will,” I replied with a smile. “Science is about exploring and learning from everything, even mistakes.” Their confidence. grew, and so did mine.
When the last student left, I walked out of the school, the setting sun casting a warm glow. Lost in thought, I took the long way home, enjoying the cool evening air. Suddenly, I bumped into someone, scattering papers and books. As I bent down to gather them, I looked up and was surprised to find Frank, in his officer’s
uniform, standing there with a smile.
“Emily!” he exclaimed, a smile lighting up his face. “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
“It’s okay,” I replied, flustered. “I wasn’t paying attention either.”
As we both reached for the same book, our hands brushed, and he glanced at the cover. “Biology, huh? I didn’t know you were a teacher.”
“Yeah, I am,” I said, feeling a bit self–conscious. “It’s not as impressive as being a lawyer or an entrepreneur, but it’s what I love.”
Frank’s eyes met mine, and there was a warmth in them that I wasn’t used to. “Don’t sell yourself short, Emily. It’s a noble profession, and from what I can tell, you’re good at it. Smart and beautiful–quite the combination.”
His compliment caught me off guard. I wasn’t used to hearing such words directed at me. My parents had always focused on Lily and Tyler–Lily, the brilliant lawyer, and Tyler, the successful
entrepreneur. I was just… the teacher. The one who didn’t quite live. up to their expectations.
“Thank you,” I mumbled, feeling my cheeks heat up. “I’m just doing what I love.”
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Frank smiled again, that same easy charm radiating from him. “Sorry I haven’t called. Police work has kept me on my toes.”
I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, though a small part of me was disappointed. “It’s okay. I figured you were busy.”
“Still, I should’ve made time,” he said sincerely. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
Before I could respond, his radio crackled, and he glanced down at it with a sigh. “Duty calls,” he said apologetically. “But hey, it was really good running into you, Emily.”
“You too,” I replied, forcing a smile.
To my surprise, before he turned to leave, Frank gave me a quick, friendly hug. It was unexpected, but not unwelcome. I stood there, momentarily stunned as I watched him walk away. There was something different about Frank, something I hadn’t felt in a long time. He made me feel… attractive. It was a foreign feeling, one I hadn’t experienced in years.
But as soon as the thought crossed my mind, I scoffed at myself. Frank was just being polite. There was no way someone like him could genuinely be interested in me. If Keith didn’t find me attractive, why would anyone else?
Shaking off the thoughts, I continued on my way, stopping by the store to pick up a few things. As I left the store, I froze. There,
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across the street, were Keith and Lily, walking hand in hand.
My heart clenched painfully in my chest. Keith was smiling, a genuine, relaxed smile that I hadn’t seen in years–certainly not when he was with me. I quickly looked away, the sight too painful to bear.
Before I could turn and leave, Keith noticed me.
