Road Less Traveled

“So you’re just going to bring my sister home night one and knock her?”
“You know, I was really hoping you’d have more respect for me, especially after last night when you kicked her out.”
“I didn’t- Jesus.”
James and Mike’s voices echoed through the house. Turning and twisting in the sheets. I tried to force myself back to sleep. However, the slamming of the front door and heavy footsteps coming towards my room would prove to be difficult.
I sat up and stretched as James knocked before entering the door to the guest room. He gave me a light smile and came closer to the bed.
“Hey, Em. Did I wake you?” My eyes traveled across his bare, toned chest and heavily tattooed arm. He sat at the foot of the bed, crossing one leg over the other and angling himself so he faced me.
“Um, no. I mean, I was up. Uh-” I paused and looked down at my hands. “What did Mike want? Is he still mad at me?”
“I don’t think he’s necessarily mad at you, more just confused. From how he described you, you sound like a really smart girl. He doesn’t want you to throw it all away. I think it just struck him, ya know?”
“Yeah, I mean that makes sense. Do you know if he told my mom or not?”
James shrugged, lifting his hand to run it through his beard that had grown in more during the night.
“Here, how about this-” James started and reached for my hands. “Let’s go and get dressed. We can pick up Mike, go get breakfast and use that as a chance to get some explaining done. Sound good?”
I kept my focus on James’s hands, avoiding making an agreement to anything. I chewed nervously on my bottom lip.
“Emily, I need an answer.” James said, giving my hands a light squeeze.
I broke down, tears flooding my vision. As if it was second nature, James pulled me flush against his chest.
“Emily, Emily.” He said, attempting to soothe me. He rubbed light circles across my back as I rested my palms on his chest. I let my arms wrap around him, embracing him and burying my face into his neck.
“I don’t know what to do, James. Mike hates me.” I sobbed out.
“I doubt he’s even capable of hate. However, you need to talk to him before it gets dragged out any longer. If he won’t support you and your decisions, I will and I would be willing to let you stay here for as long as you need to.” James promised. I pulled away and wiped away tears and snot.
“That’s so unattractive, I’m sorry.” I laughed as I calmed myself down. James laughed along with me and gave me a quick hug.
“C’mon kid, let’s go get ready.”

Notes

Sorry that the last two chapters have been pretty short. I pre-write them in Google Drive so I try to have a few written to post as frequently as possible. Trust me, I have a few twists and turns to make it super interesting!