Emma's Deliverance (13 page)

Chapter Seventeen

Snow had been falling all day and by the time they arrived at the cabin they couldn’t see the path leading up to the cabin door. Emma was in a hurry to get inside. Jason made sure she had plenty of ginger ale for the ride up the mountain and Emma was getting pretty uncomfortable.

“
Emma, stay in the car where it’s warm. I’ll be right back,” he said leaving her alone to watch him.

“
Wait, Jason, I’ve got to–”

Jason grabbed a snow shovel and tried to scoop as much snow off the path as possible. He went back
to the car and turned it off. He took Emma’s hand and led her to the front door.

“
I’ve walked on snow and ice before,” she said with a laugh.

Jason was trying to treat her as if nothing had happened and so far he was doing a great job at it.

“I think the hot tub will feel great in a while,” she said. “Remember how hot it was the last time we were here? I loved that night. I swear it was my best time ever. You are too good to be true. Don’t let me wake up if this is a dream. Promise me?”

Emma was smiling, but there was something deeper to what she was saying. It had been months since they had made love.
She was anxious and excited. As they brought their supplies in Emma looked out back to see if the hot tub was even turned on.

Jason saw her looking.
“I’m sure it’s good and hot. I had Frank, my neighbor, turn the heater on a couple of days ago. It’s nice to have him just down the road to do things like that for me. I’ll race you there,” he said balancing bags and tugging at his clothes. Emma was undressed and in the hot tub before Jason could put the bags down.

“
Hey, that’s not fair. I had stuff in my hands,” he said undressing and running up the steps. Plunging in, he splashed water in Emma’s face. He stood up to grab a towel to wipe off her face.

She could see that he was already excited.
“Oh my,” she sighed as she reached for him.

*
* *

Later they enjoyed spaghetti and salad. Jason said he would make garlic bread as long as they both ate it. “You can’t smell it if you eat it,” he said laughing robustly.

This made Emma laugh
, too. “Don’t quit your day job, Mister.” 

They sat by the fire and talked about Christmas. Jason wanted her to spend some time with his mother and he want
ed Emma to meet his sister. It was a happy time for both of them. They were making memories.

* * *

Emma hadn’t returned to the flower shop. Not even to check things out. She would be missing the holiday rush this year, but she was fine with that. Her health was more important and this had to be part of her treatment. No stress and no pressures for deadlines. She was to relax, see the doctor, and enjoy her family and Jason.

Between her mother, the former owner, Carol,
her two employees and her sisters, the shop was well taken care of. Emma had agreed to the terms and remained at her parent’s house. She was planning on returning to her apartment after the first of the year. She went to the apartment daily, but always with a family member or Jason. Eventually she and Jason spent the night.

Her treatment
was working and by the end of the year she was ready to return home. The first few nights Jason stayed with her and her younger sister, Teri spent the night a few times. Emma was looking forward to being by herself. Her watch dogs were very loving, but she needed some space. She longed for it. In the time between Thanksgiving and January the first, she hadn’t seen the stranger. She looked around for him. He wasn’t in any of the parking lots nor was he ever at the park. Never once did she see him across the street from Dr. Williams’ office. In her mind she pretended that he had died. She attended his funeral and no one was there but her. She watched as they lowered him in to his grave and she saw the dirt being piled up on top of his coffin. She played these scenes over and over until there was no doubt he was dead. She never told anyone that she had killed him in her mind, but in a way it felt like closure to her. Unless imaginary people have imaginary ghosts, she felt sure she was done with him.

Chapter Eighteen

January was cold and wet. It rained and snowed for days and the streets were a mess. The slush was unbearable. Between the mud and the melted snow, it was getting dangerous to drive. Emma pulled up in front of the flower shop and parked her car. She made a mad dash for the door. Becky and Marie were both there and Emma was surprised to see Becky out of school.

“Hey, Becky, why aren’t you in school?”

“
We don’t go back until the fifth. Plus, I thought you could use my help.”

“
You’re so right. I do need you. Come on, let’s get to work.”

Emma knew there would be no talk about what had happened, but Becky had this look on her face like she had something important to say. Emma smiled and gave her an encouraging nod.

“Emma, we really missed you. Carol was okay, but it just wasn’t the same without you here. I’m happy you’re back. Are you okay now?”

“
Becky,” Marie scolded.

“
It’s okay, Marie. Thanks, Becky. I missed you too. I’m okay now. I just had to get a few things straight in my head. It’s a long story, maybe I’ll share it with both of you someday. Right now, let’s get to work. The place looks great, by the way. I knew I could count on the two of you to keep things in shape.”

The day was busy and Emma had a ton of papers to go over. Carol had done a wonderful job and Emma was lucky she was able to take over. It hadn
’t been that long ago since Carol owned the shop. Emma thought about all that had happened and she felt lucky it wasn’t worse than it was. She had read a book that Dr. Williams recommended about a man that had to completely ignore the
others
that he saw before it destroyed his life. He was able to triumph over his illness, but it took years and many heartaches. In her case, ignoring wasn’t enough. She had to kill him off. She was grateful that Jason loved her. He was a special man and although he had no idea what he might be getting himself into, he still wanted her. She was a fortunate woman.

* * *

This was to be Emma’s first night alone at her apartment. She wasn’t worried, but the family was.

“
Emma, maybe you should stay with us another week or two,” her mother had said sounding over concerned. “Or, Teri can go stay with you, again. I worry you aren’t ready.”

Howard reluctantly agreed with Emma. He felt she was ready.

It was nearly noon when Jason came by with pizza and the girls commented on how they had missed being spoiled by him. By the end of the day Emma was tired and was happy to be on her way home. Jason was coming over with dinner and then they planned on watching a movie.

Emma felt free to look in her rear view mirror now. Quite often before, she would see him driving behind her and so it was easier not to look, but now she was free of him. She pulled into the parking lot of her apartment. She hated that it was already dark, but it was winter. She noticed someone on the sidewalk and for a brief second it worried her, but she got brave and stepped out of her car. She knew he was gone, but she still had her moments. Her eyes glanced up and she saw it was one of her neighbors walking her dog.

Emma waved. “Hi, Sandy. Looks like it is going to clear up, don’t you think?”

“
Hi, Emma. How are you? I wish it would stop raining, but I heard on the news that it’s going to pour again all night. It makes walking Molly so difficult. She hates the rain and I have to drag her out. Where in the world have you been? I thought maybe you moved or something.”

“I decided to spend some time at my parents house.”

Thankfully Sandy didn’t ask why. “Hey, where’s that handsome hunk of a boyfriend of yours?”

“He’s on his way over with dinner right now,” Emma said as she walked away. She was anxious about going into her apartment by herself and wasn’t in the mood to make small talk with someone she barely knew.
Sandy lived on the first floor and Emma really didn’t see much of her. She worked nights and Emma figured she slept most of the day. Emma waved again looking like she was in a hurry and headed up the stairs. She unlocked the door and went in. Sam was waiting to eat and it seemed like all was back to normal. She took off her clothes and jumped in the shower.

Jason arrived and used the key Emma had given him. He put the food in the kitchen and turned on the TV. He heard the water turn off and called out t
o Emma so as not to startle her, “Hi, Honey, it’s me.”

He was sitting on the couch
changing channels and getting comfy when Emma came out wearing only a towel. She caught his attention, then let the towel fall to the floor.

Jason looked up at her then quickly scrambled to his feet.
“Oh my God, you’re so bad. Just when I was getting comfortable watching some sports,” he teased.

“
Well, if you aren’t interested, I guess I could get dressed.” She giggled and bent over to pick up her towel.

Jason hit the remote control button and
shut the TV off. He walked over to his beauty and took her in his arms. Her legs were still wet from the shower and she was dripping on the floor. Jason kissed her neck and lifted her up in his arms and carried her to the bed leaving a trail of water on the floor. Emma was feeling more confident in the bedroom and at times she became the aggressor. He loved that about her. She was no longer shy when it came to sex. Jason brought out the woman in her and she loved him for that. She could arouse him out of a dead sleep. They were a perfect fit.

“
Jason, let me do it all. I want to make you beg for me to stop.”

“
Impossible. I don’t want you to ever stop. I love being with you. You turn me on more than any woman could ever do. You are a very special lady, Emma. I love you. Okay, you win. Have your way with me if you insist,” he said looking as though he were about to enter heaven.

* * *

After dinner they watched a little TV then Emma urged him to go home. “Don’t worry so much. I’ll be fine. My goodness, I’ve been living on my own for several years now. I think I can handle one night. Really, I’ll be fine. Call me when you get home and I’ll bet I’ll be half asleep already.”

“But–”

“Jason,” she snapped. “I have to do this sometime so it might as well be tonight. Really, I’m okay. What I imagine can’t possibly hurt me as long as I know the difference. I’ll be fine. I have to do this. I have to try.”

Jason seemed reluctant to leave her alone, but he kissed her and told her to lock the door behind him. He promised to call her as soon as he got home. Emma locked the door and turned the dead bolt. She went to the window
and opened the blinds. Jason looked up and waved to her as he got into his car. He glance up one more time, then drove away. Emma closed the blinds and turned off the TV. She sat on the floor and played with Sam for a few minutes then put the dishes in the dishwasher and turned off the kitchen light. She was tired. She took off her bathrobe and got into her pajamas. Before brushing her teeth she decided to get a glass of milk. She had some cookies her mother baked the day before and she was in the mood for a quick snack. She grabbed a paper towel and a couple of cookies. She took her glass of milk and went into the living room. The phone rang. As she reached for it she knocked her glass over spilling her milk on the carpet.
She yelled out, startling Sam. Emma threw her paper towel over the puddle and ran into the kitchen to get a dishtowel. The phone continued ringing a few more times and then there was silence. Emma figured it was Jason and as soon as she cleaned up the milk she dialed his number. The phone rang many times then his machine came on.
How odd,
she thought.
He just called me. Oh no, I’ll bet he thinks something is wrong because I didn’t answer the phone. He’s probably on his way back here right now.
She dialed his cell phone and this time he answered.

“
Hi, Jason, I’m sorry about missing your call. I spilled milk all over the place and couldn’t get the phone. I’m okay. Don’t panic and come back here, please.”

“
Huh?” he said, “I didn’t call you. I was just about to though. Did someone call? Check the caller ID to see who it was,” he suggested.

“
Okay, hold on.” She looked at her phone to see who called. “It reads, caller unknown. Oh well, I thought it was you. Aren’t you home yet?” she asked.

“
Almost, I still wish you had let me stay with you tonight,” he whined.

“
Jason, I’m fine. I’m going to bed now. I’m tired and I have an early delivery in the morning. Are you coming over at lunch time?”

“
I’ll call you in the morning and let you know. I’m not sure if I can get away, but I’ll do my best. Should I bring Veggie burgers for you and Marie if I can get away?”

“
You read my mind. Sounds great, but don’t forget about Becky. She’ll be there too. She doesn’t go back to school until next week. We’re costing you plenty in lunches.” She giggled. “Okay, good night. I love you,” she whispered.

“
Sweet dreams,” he said hanging up.

As Emma was getting ready for bed, her phone rang again.
“Jason,” she said sounding a little perturbed. “Hello? Jason, is that you?” No one was there.

Emma figured it was probably just a wrong number, but it pissed her off that they couldn
’t at least have said so. She looked at the caller ID, but again it read, caller unknown, number unknown. Emma hung up the phone and finished her cookies. Half an hour later she climbed into her bed. As she was falling off to sleep she was startled by a noise. She bolted up listening intently towards the living room. She rose and walked softly towards her bedroom door. She felt her heart begin to beat faster as she crept closer. The living room was dark. Sam was still lying on the floor where she had left him thirty minutes earlier. He didn’t seem disturbed and Emma thought perhaps he would have been awakened by the noise had it been in her apartment. She slipped over to the window and looked through the blinds down below. There wasn’t a soul around. She walked over to her front door and listened quietly. There it was again. She could hear something on the other side of the door.
Oh my God, someone’s outside my door.
She wanted to look through the peephole, but was afraid to move. She stood there stiff and frozen. Finally, gaining courage, she put her ear closer to the door and could hear what she thought was someone talking softly. She took a breath and looked through the peephole. “Crap,”
she mumbled.
Can you believe it? My neighbor has a boyfriend. She’s out in the hall kissing her boyfriend. What an idiot I am.
Suddenly, she began to laugh out loud. She laughed her way back to the bedroom and jumped on her bed still laughing. Her door was locked and dead bolted. All her windows were locked. She was on the second floor. She was safe and secure. She drifted off to sleep. Many hours later she was awakened by the sun’s light in her eyes. She thought about last night for a moment, but decided not to tell anyone how she had been so frightened. She knew they would think she was having issues. It had been months since she had seen the man from her nightmares. He was gone and he was never coming back. She would tell them she went right to sleep and slept through the night without incident.

*
* *

Jason wasn’t able to come for lunch, but they had dinner together that evening. He was tired and needed to be at the station early in the morning. Emma thought Jason wasn’t as uptight about leaving her this time. She knew it would only be a matter of time before it all felt normal. Emma knew he still worried about her constantly, but things were going to be okay.

As Jason was driving home he reflected on a conversation he had had with Dr. Williams. It was while Emma was still living with her parents that t
he doctor had tried to explain to him in a private conversation that Emma wasn’t well and that it could take years of therapy before she would be free of her nightmares and perhaps even longer for her mind to accept and or completely ignore the presence of the stranger. He also explained to Jason that Emma may always see this man and there could be others as well. He wanted Jason to be prepared for the worst in case this didn’t have a happy ending.

Jason had argued with the doctor that he felt Emma was doing much better.
“Dr. William, Emma seems fine,” he had said. “She hasn’t had any nightmares that I know of and she hasn’t said anything about seeing that man anymore. I think she’s fine, really I do. We have had long talks about a future together. We have been seeing each other since last summer and we really feel this is a solid relationship. I just want to take care of her,” he had said trying to get Dr. Williams to understand that all Emma needed was some love and understanding and someone to take care of her.

“
Jason, why do you feel Emma needs to be taken care of?”

“
I know where you’re going with this, but I think you’re wrong. She isn’t sick. She just isn’t. She doesn’t act abnormal. My God, she acts like any ordinary person. Not someone who sees people who aren’t there,” he had said sounding defensive.