Everlasting Love (Now & Forever)

by Johns, Melissa

  End of another message as Emily started to cry. She would never take Emma away from him. He knew better than that but he was hurting right now and lashing out. She hit the next button and continued to listen.

  Message Four:

  “You are either avoiding me or your phone is off. I’m about to head over to Radio City. I’m sorry, Emily. I know that doesn’t mean anything to you right now, but I’m truly sorry.”

  The message ended as Emily continued to cry in her bedroom. She quickly sent him a text. I got your voicemails. We will talk soon and good luck. – Emily.

  She headed downstairs and sat next to Paul on the couch. Her phone buzzed.

  I love you. – Eric.

  She smiled but it still hurt too much to respond to him. As the draft started, she got more nervous. They kept showing pictures of Eric and running stats from his career. As the clock hit the screen, the draft had officially started.

  “I can’t watch, I’m too nervous,” Emily said as she sunk into the couch. The announcers claimed that the first pick was in. She watched as the commissioner came onto the stage with his announcement.

  “With the first pick of the 2012 draft, Indianapolis has selected Aaron Rush from Alabama.”

  Emily’s heart sank into her chest. All that buildup was over nothing. He let the pressure get to him and now their lives hung in the balance. Emily turned to Paul for reassurance.

  “Don’t worry, Emily. I guarantee you that he goes next.” Paul explained.

  Emily turned back to the screen as the commissioner made his next announcement. “With the second pick of the 2012 draft, Denver has selected Eric Mason, Syracuse.”

  Emily jumped off the couch and cheered. She watched as he walked across the stage and slipped on a Denver jersey. He was smiling from ear to ear as they took pictures and then disappeared off camera.

  Panic suddenly set in and Emily felt queasy and turned pale white. She looked at her parents. “If we work this out, I’m moving to Denver!”

  CHAPTER NINE

  Emily didn’t call Eric that night because she was exhausted from how the day played out for them. She had a lot on her mind and she thought the best place for her to be was in her art room. She spent hours that night trying to find some sort of peace.

  When she woke up the following morning, she checked her cell phone and realized that Eric never called her. She rolled over and dialed his number. “Emily?”

  “I’m sorry about last night. It’s a shame that you didn’t go first in the draft.”

  “You know what, I’m fine with it. I went second overall, how crazy is that?” Eric paused, “Emily, we need to talk.”

  “I know.”

  “I’m heading to Denver soon and I need you by my side.”

  “Eric, I’m so mad at you right now. You cheated on me while I was home taking care of our daughter. How can I forgive you for that let alone think about moving half way across the country with you?”

  She heard the pain in his voice when he started to respond. “I have to live with that Emily but I think I have the right to explain my side of the story.”

  “You had your chance, every time I asked you what was wrong. I knew something wasn’t right with you.”

  Eric seemed to choose his next words carefully. “I’m coming back to Buffalo on Sunday. Can I see you and Emma?”

  “You know that I would never take her away from you, Eric. You can see her whenever you want but I don’t know about me yet.”

  “When can I come by?”

  “We will figure something out, can I ask you question?”

  “Anything,” Eric said.

  “How long has this been going on or was it only the one night?”

  Eric sighed. “Remember when you came to visit me and I told you about one of the parties? We met there and realized that we have some classes together. So, we talked and hung out a few times, but nothing major happened until that really crazy party.”

  Emily started to cry. “How many times, Eric?”

  “Twice,” he responded calmly.

  “I can’t breathe, I need to go.” Emily said sitting up in her bed feeling like she was having a heart attack.

  “Emily, please don’t go yet. Let’s talk about this.”

  “I can’t, not right now. I need to go.”

  Emily hung up and wiped her face of the fresh tears. She headed over to Emma and picked her up.

  “Good Morning, Emma,” Emily said smiling.

  “You crying, Mommy?”

  “Just a little bit, Sweetie. But, I’m ok now.” She knew she needed to be strong for her daughter.

  She changed Emma’s outfit and headed downstairs to feed her breakfast.

  “Good Morning, everyone,” Emily announced a little too cheerfully as she entered the room.

  “Morning,” her mother responded quizzically. “Why don’t you give me Emma and I will get her situated in her chair while you get her breakfast together.”

  Emily smiled as she handed her daughter to her mom and walked into the kitchen. Clearly digging for information, she heard her mother ask from the dining room. “Have you talked with Eric?”

  “Yes, this morning. He says he’s ok with going second. He sounds positive about that.”

  “I’m happy to hear that. Did you talk about anything else?”

  “Yes, he’s coming home on Sunday but I haven’t decided if I will see him yet. But, he will come over to visit with Emma.”

  “Emily, you need to sit down with him and sort this out. You can’t avoid him forever.”

  “I will, but right now, I can’t think about it. I need to get to class this morning and I don’t have my car. Damn, I didn’t think of that!” Emily said as she fed Emma. “I wasn’t planning on being here.”

  “I can take you and drop you off but you will need to find a way home.”

  “That’s fine. I will figure something out.”

  Emily and her mom headed out the door with Emma after they finished breakfast. They needed to drop her off at Eric’s mom’s house and Emily was dreading this conversation. She wasn’t sure how much Mrs. Mason knew about everything that had happened.

  She walked Emma up to the front door and rang the bell. The door opened with Mrs. Mason standing behind it.

  “Oh, Emily!” She said as she reached out and hugged her. It was obvious that she knew enough. “What has my son done? I’m so disappointed in him and upset by everything. He called me after you left New York City and told me what happened. I didn’t raise him like this, Emily. Please talk to him.”

  Emily nodded. “I’m sure I will but right now, I can’t. I need time to figure out what is best for our family. I’m so proud of him though, being selected second in the entire draft is pretty incredible.”

  “Oh Emily, who cares about football,” she paused. “Don’t tell my husband I said that. What I really care about is you and this beautiful little girl,” she bent down to her grandchild. “Hello, Emma.”

  “Hi Grandma, can I play?”

  “Of course you can, go inside and take off your jacket.”

  Emily hugged Emma goodbye and looked at Mrs. Mason. “I know Eric is worried about losing Emma. He won’t, I promise you that. Your family is her family and I would never deny him that. I just need time to digest this.”

  She nodded. “Of course you do and I would be doing the same thing. If you need me, I know it’s awkward, but you can talk to me.”

  Emily smiled. “I appreciate that but I’m going to be late for class so Paul should be by later to pick her up.”

  Emily’s mom dropped her off on campus and she ran into class. She tried to pay attention to the lecture, but her thoughts were of Eric. She didn’t know if she wanted to give him another chance. She had sacrificed everything for their family while he was off having a great time.

  Half way through class she realized that she needed a ride home so she reached down quietly and grabbed her cell phone. She sent Alex a quick text. Hey, are you busy? �
� Emily.

  She left her phone on the desk as she copied down the notes from the board. She watched as her phone lit up. I’m at the museum right now, why? Is everything ok? – Alex.

  She smiled at the quick response, but felt silly for bothering him. Never mind, I’m fine. – Emily.

  Emily, just tell me, do you need something? – Alex.

  I decided to attend class today and my car is still at the airport, so I don’t have a ride home but I will see if my best friend is on campus. – Emily.

  Emily realized that she hadn’t touched base with Sam in weeks. She’s been so wrapped up in her own world that she didn’t even know if Sam’s boyfriend, Rob was drafted last night.

  She grabbed her phone again. Sam, please forgive me, I’m a horrible friend. I have so much to tell you. Are you on campus today? – Emily.

  Emily went back to concentrating on class until her phone buzzed again. What time does your class end? – Alex.

  20 minutes. – Emily.

  Alex typed back that he would pick her up and Emily sent him the directions. She smiled automatically at the thought of seeing Alex again so soon.

  OMG, Emily! Where the hell are you and what’s going on with you? – Sam.

  We need to talk but I’m getting a ride home in 20 minutes, can you meet me outside of my class in 20? – Emily

  I’m in the library right now, see you in 20. – Sam.

  As class ended, Emily slowly gathered her books when she saw Sam walk in towards her. “Emily, seriously, you are supposed to be my best friend. What’s going on?”

  Emily took a deep breath and explained everything that had happened in the past week. Recounting the details brought on more tears and Sam embraced her.

  “That lying, cheating, bastard! You are home with his child and he’s out getting his? I swear to God, if I knew anything about this I would have intervened, Emily.”

  “I know,” Emily reassured her.

  “Well, first you have to talk with him. You have to clear the air and figure out where you go from here. You guys have the cutest little daughter together and you have to think of how these mixed signals are going to mess with her head if you don’t figure things out soon. Either you guys are on the same page or you aren’t.”

  Emily nodded. “I know but I fear that I will literally want to beat him if I have to be in the same room with him for very long.”

  Sam laughed. “He probably needs it, Emily.”

  Emily felt her phone buzz. I’m here – Alex

  Emily smiled. “Walk with me.”

  “Ok, what’s going on? I feel like I still don’t know everything.”

  “Sam, my paintings will be going on display.”

  “Oh my God! That’s incredible, Emily. How did that happen?”

  “Our old art teacher from high school introduced me to someone named Alex recently. Not only is he’s the curator at the art museum downtown, but he loves my work and has shared it with some of his friends in the art world,” Emily gushed.

  “Emily, that’s so awesome, and well deserved!”

  “Well, there’s more, Alex and I have been talking a lot over the past few days and texting each other while everything was going down with Eric in New York City.”

  “Emily, please tell me you haven’t slept with him!”

  “No! I promise it’s not like that!” Emily said as she opened the door and saw Alex’s car in the parking lot.

  “Nice car!” Sam said not knowing it was there for Emily.

  Emily smirked. “That’s Alex.”

  “What?” Sam said staring at her in disbelief.

  “After I left the hotel in New York City, I called him and he ended up meeting me at the airport in Buffalo to give me a ride home, so my car is still there. Today, I realized I needed a ride to go get it.”

  They both watched as Alex got out of his car and opened the door for Emily and smiled at her. “Good afternoon, Emily.”

  “Hi Alex, I would like to introduce you to my best friend, Sam. Sam, this is Alex.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sam,” Alex said as he shook her hand and smiled at Emily.

  “Same here,” Sam said looking back at Emily. “I think we need to talk more. Call me?”

  Emily nodded as she turned towards Alex and got in the car. He crossed in front of the Audi and got in. “I assume you want to head back to the airport?”

  “Yes, that would be great. Then I won’t have to bug you again.” Emily laughed.

  “You are never bugging me. I wanted to talk to you about something anyway.”

  “Oh, about what?” Emily asked nervously.

  “Your work. I met with my colleagues again and they really want to talk with you. Seeing that you are home now, can we arrange for a dinner meeting?”

  “Yes, I would love that,” Emily said smiling.

  “I’m sorry. I should have asked you about Eric. Have you talked to him since the draft? I saw that he went second overall.”

  Emily nodded. “Yes, we spoke this morning. He will be here on Sunday to see Emma. Everyone is pushing me to talk to him and sort this out right now but I can’t. I need time.”

  Alex smirked. “Well, I agree with them. Don’t hate me for saying this, but you really do need to sit down with him sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the worse it will be on everyone."

  Emily looked at him as the light turned red, his eyes moved from the road to hers. Her heart started to race as the light turned green and he went back to driving. She suddenly felt like his car had become a small space and there was not enough air to breathe.

  “About dinner, do you think tonight or tomorrow night would work?” Emily asked trying to regain her composure. “I really don’t want to delay it. It’s time for me to start thinking about my life.”

  Alex smiled. “I will call and see if we can get together tomorrow night and let you know.”

  Emily smiled. “I’m so nervous. This is what I’ve always wanted but now that it’s happening, I can’t believe how nervous I am. Or maybe it’s excitement?”

  “Don’t be, they will love you and your work.”

  They arrived at the airport and Alex pulled in behind her car. “Thank you for the ride. You are a wonderful person,” Emily said as she looked at him.

  He smiled at her as she felt that tension building between them again. Then his hand rose and traced the side of her face as he softly whispered, “I keep telling myself that I have to leave you alone, that I need to keep my relationship with you professional but when I see you, it all goes out the window. Emily, you are beautiful and I know I have no right to say that but you should hear it every day.”

  Emily blushed as she closed her eyes for a moment, feeling his fingers against her skin. “I’m so confused right now and I need to sort out my life. I can’t be like him, I’m better than that.”

  Alex removed his hand and she realized that she missed it already. “Emily, you really do surprise and amaze me.”

  Emily laughed softly. “You have no idea how hard this is on me, too.”

  Alex smiled and leaned towards her. Her heart stopped as his lips brushed softly against her cheek. Even though she had closed her eyes, she could tell that he was still very close by the intoxicating smell of his cologne and the warmth of his presence. When she finally forced her eyes open, she found his lips were achingly close to hers. It took every ounce of her being not to kiss him but instead whisper, “I should be going. Call me later?”

  Alex nodded but didn’t speak as Emily got out of the car and headed towards hers. As soon as she got inside she started to breathe again.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Emily’s bedroom was filled with sunshine on Saturday morning. She slowly woke up to hear Emma softly crying. Emily got out of bed and walked over to see her. “Good Morning, Emma. What’s wrong?”

  Emma wrapped her arms around her mother and hung on tightly. “Don’t feel good.”

  “Where does it hurt?” Emily asked as he
r daughter pointed to her head.

  “Ok, let’s go downstairs and see Grandma. She will make you feel all better, ok?” Emily said as she hugged Emma tight against her.

  She walked into the kitchen and placed Emma in her chair then she turned to make her breakfast.

  “Good Morning,” her mother said as she entered the kitchen. “What’s wrong, Emma? Why are you crying?”

  “I think she has a headache, maybe she slept wrong last night. Do you know where we have that bottle of children’s pain reliever?”

  “Yes, let me go grab it,” she said as she left the room.

  Emily tried to feed Emma but she wasn’t having it. “You must be in pain, Sweetheart. Grandma is coming and we will make it all better.”

  Emma started to cry again as Emily’s mom came back with the medicine.

  “Let’s see if this helps,” her mother said as she kissed Emma’s forehead.

  “Thanks Mom, I don’t know what I’m going to go without you if I move to Denver.”

  “You are a wonderful mother, Emily. You have grown into a beautiful young lady and I don’t have a doubt in my mind that you will be fine on your own.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I’m just nervous about not having your support.”

  Her mother smiled at her and patted her shoulder. “I’m just going to miss having you guys here with us. I have gotten used to the way things are around here.”

  Emily laughed. “I’m sure Paul is looking forward to having an empty house for once in your marriage.”

  “So, does this mean you are ready to forgive Eric and move to Denver?” Her mother asked skeptically.

  Emily shook her head. “I still don’t know. He definitely hurt me by what he did but we have Emma to consider now. If we didn’t have a child, I would be gone without a second thought.”

  “Emily, you can’t base your decision on that. I know you want what is best for Emma, and you have always put her first, but if you aren’t going to be happy with Eric then you need to decide that now before you hurt each other more.”