Chapter 22: Emerson

The next morning, when we say goodbye to her parents, Quinn’s much more tearful than I expected. She and her mother hug for a long time, and I can see Aunt Angel whispering in Quinn’s ear, something I can't hear. Whatever it was, Quinn nods and then she hugs her father as I hug Aunt Angel.

“Take care of yourself, Emerson, and take care of my daughter,” she says, kissing my cheek. My parents come out to say goodbye to them as well and when they're gone, I look at Quinn.

“Are you alright?” I ask.

She nods, wiping the tears from her face. I think about what Uncle Liam said and I step up, cupping her face in my hands and wiping her tears with my thumbs.

“I don’t like seeing you cry,” I say, honestly.

Her hands come to mine, holding them against her face. “I don’t do it very often.”

“No, you don’t. I hope you know that I’m always here for you, Quinn. If ever, whenever, you need me.”

She smiles, but it doesn’t spread to her eyes. “I know,” she says pulling away from me and walking inside. I