Emily

I switched on the lamp as we sat on the floor, our back was against the wall.

"What happened?" He asked sounded worry.

"You asked me that question right? Was I ready to meet my biological parents?"

He give me a confused look and nodded his head.

"And I said, I would but not yet.."I took a sharp breath and looked at him. "I met my biological dad for the first time."

"Em." He didn't know what to say. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm shock, Everett. I'm upset and angry."

"You are suppose to feel these, Em. It's okay to be mad and upset about things. We're human after all, but you have to let it out and let it go after that."

"He's my dad's boss." I said and his eyes widened.

"What?" He said stupefied.

"My parents didn't even tell me they were inviting him. At least, give me some time to prepare myself."

He held my hand tightly.

"They expect me to get close to him. My dad." I choked. "He said the more faster I get to know that stranger, who's suppose to be my real dad. It'll be better because they are planning to make me live with him." And I sobbed.

Everett pulled me in for a hug. "I don't want to say it'll be alright because I don't really know the answer to that, but what I can say is things will be tough, and it will make you look at things in a different way and it's up to you how you want to see it. A good way or a bad way, that's up for you to decide."

Everett played with my hair as we sat quietly in that dark room.

"What's your dream about?" He asked me.

And I was hesitant to answer.

"Maybe it's not a good idea to talk about this, today. I want you to know I'm here to listen and if you feel like talking about it."

I nodded my help.

"Em, it's okay to ask for help. You don't have to be ashamed or embarrassed about problems. We all have problems of our own. For some people, your problem may not seem big enough to fuss about, but if it bothers you and your health. It's a big problem. No one should tell you that your problems are small or not worth listening to because at that time."

"I don't want to burden people with my problems." I said to him.

"It's better you speak out about your problems, than to let your problems swallow you because I would rather take your burden than to lose you because of that burden."

Everett held me in his arms while I tried to sleep that night.

The next day, when I woke up. He had left already. My eyes was red and puffy and I looked much more miserable and exhausted.

I got ready for school and went downstairs. Dad was reading newspaper and avoided my gaze. I didn't say anything and walked out of the house.

I was in the bus stop waiting for Bloom and Aaliyah. Everett called me saying he was almost to my place and I told him I left my house already.

"Where are you?" He asked.

"I'm waiting for Bloom and Aaliyah. They are almost here. I'll see you in school?"

"No, I'm coming to the bus stop. Don't get on the bus. We all can go together."

Before I could have objected, he ended the call. Aaliyah and Bloom walked towards me quickly.

"Are you okay?" Bloom asked.

"Yes, why?" I asked trying to look confused.

"You seem pale and exhausted." Aaliyah said.

I brushed them off and told them Everett was coming to pick us up and at that time, his car pulled up in the bus stop and we hurriedly got on his car before the bus would be here.

Everett glanced at me worriedly, but tried not to bring attention to me.

Bloom was talking about her dinner last night and sounded much more better than mine.

When we reached school, Everett didn't allow me to leave his car and told our friends to go ahead.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Much better than last night." That was somewhat a truth.

"I'm here, Em." He reminded and I nodded my head and leaned in to kiss his cheeks.

"Thank you." I said and remembered he must have spoke to his family last night. "How was the talk with your family last night?"

"My Dad's girlfriend is planning to throw a birthday party for him. He wants us to attend." He scrunched his nose in a disgusted way. "Come with me."

My eyes widened at his sudden invitation.

"It's family event, I shouldn't." I said.

"No, it's a formal event. They are inviting people and I don't want to sit there for hours all by myself. I'll feel much better if you'll be there."

"When is it?" I asked.

"This Sunday." He said and I give him an apologetically look.

"I have classes." I said. I was going back to my regular schedule and mom is more than thrill about it.

"We can go after your violin class. It doesn't start until seven."

"But I have to get ready.. I mean I'll be meeting your family for the first time." I said awkwardly.

"Don't worry, you will have enough time to get ready." He promised. "Please come with me?"

I hesitantly said a yes and he smiled and I returned one.

"Thank you, Em." He kissed my lip.

"Thank you for inviting me." I said.

It was not difficult to forget about my own problems when assignments and tests announcement thrown to us. Everett walked with me to all of my classes, it was sweet of him but I was worried he'll be late for his classes.

We had three classes together, and he made sure he sat close to me.

Everett didn't join us for lunch as he have a meeting with the coach and jocks.

My phone rang and it was an unknown number. It was Grayson Lynne.

"Emily?" He said. "This is Grayson."

"Oh.. Hi." I said.

"I was wondering if you're free to spend sometime with me this Saturday?" His voice was hopeful.

And I give him a hesitant okay as my answer. I don't know if I will regret, later.