Blain sat at his desk trying to figure out a way to help Emily with whatever issue she was facing. He decided he needed to speak with Sheila, Emily's lifelong friend. He knew she would have more information to give him than the scattered words Emily had fed him the night before. Blain couldn't comprehend what her poetry was supposed to mean. He wasn't sure if it was a nightmare she was having or if any of this was truly real. How could another man have been in her condo? How could another man have been in her room, let alone touched her with him laying right beside her? Was the love of his life going crazy? Blain shook the thoughts, heading for the door to see Sheila at the bakery. He knew Emily wouldn't be there because today she had a psychiatry appointment with Lucas who suffered from A.D.H.D.
Blain arrived at the bakery at about 9:45 A.M. to speak with Sheila. He sat in his car for a couple of minutes trying to decide how to word the questions spinning in his mind. He didn't want to come off as offensive but this was information he desperately needed to help Emily. Finally, at 10:00 A.M. after pondering an entire 15 minutes he got up enough courage to walk inside. Sheila was standing behind the counter filling salt and pepper shakers that just came from the dishwasher. One of her usual daily chores. She didn't notice Blain come in due to the music playing in the background on her downtime. Startled, she looked up with a half-smile. "Oh hi Blain" she called out loudly. Blain started to speak but immediately Sheila took over letting him know she had no intentions of breaking her best friend's trust. "That is not why I'm here," Blain said smoothly. He dismissed her allegation very quickly. It's just last night I was with Emily and she, well she woke up screaming about some boogie man. She swore he was there with us although I found no-one in the house and I was next to her the entire night.
Sheila didn't seem surprised, she already knew of Emily's nightmares although she hasn't heard the name boogie man in quite some years. Sheila was quiet for what seemed like hours to Blain and then she started to speak. "Blain the boogie man is the father of her children," Sheila said in a whisper. She didn't mention to me that her intruder called himself the boogie man. That is what the father of Dakota, Lucas, and Damian called himself to them. In all fairness Emily's boogie man is real. Blain was taken back and seemed to be in shock. Emily mentioned to me that he was abusive Blain stuttered out but she never offered any detail and I never pressed her for any either. Is she having nightmares about this man or is he coming to her in the night? Is any of this real Sheila or is all of it in her head? Honestly Blain I'm not sure what this is, Sheila started. I think a visit to the doctor definitely couldn't hurt but she has moved 22 times to escape him although he always does seem to find her. I really couldn't say if he's back or she's just afraid. He vowed to never give up on her and the kids and so far he hasn't.
Blain left the bakery in a huff, he headed straight for Emily's condo. How could she not tell me any of this he thought to himself? Why would she keep so many things hidden from me? "Call Detective Ramos", Blain barked into his speaker. Suri repeated back "calling Detective Ramos." "Ramos speaking" A harsh voice came through the speakers of Blain's 2019 Ford F250. Blain went on to tell his friend he needed him to investigate Emily Hart. "Give me everything you can find on her", Blain barked and a gang banger that goes by the name of Shy. " I need everything Ramos, no matter how big or small," Blain shouted before ending the call.
Blain finally reached Emily's condo, he ran up the stairs in a panic banging on Emily's door frantically. Blain called out to her, "Emily open this door!" Emily ran to the door screaming back, "hold on Blain I'll be there in a second." Blain continued to bang until the moment the door slung open. "Are you alright Blain, what's going on?", Emily began to panic. " Why Emily, why are you hiding so many things from me?" Blain I uh. What do you mean? Don't play stupid with me Emily! I just came from a conversation with Sheila who told me all about your ex tormenting you. She told me all the times you've moved to get away from him! With everything going on you didn't find it important to mention any of that? Well, I just didn't want to, I uh, didn't want to scare you away Blain. I'm so sorry Blain, Emily cried out. I haven't seen him around in a couple of years. I was afraid you would leave me. I didn't want him to ruin anything else for Dakota, Lucas, Damian, and me. Please don't be angry Blain, I am so sorry for keeping that from you. I promise from now on no more secrets. I promise to tell you everything from this day forward. There won't be any more secrets if you just give me a chance! Please Blain!, Emily said through her sobs. Please don't leave us! Being a family means the world to me. I have never seen Dakota warm up to anyone the way she has you. If you give me another chance I promise to tell you everything.
Blain reached out his hand to Emily wiping her tear-stained cheeks. Emily, please don't cry, we'll work everything out as long as there aren't any more secrets. We can work through anything as long as you are honest with me my love. I'm not going anywhere as long as I can trust you. I've told you a thousand times I do not care about your past. I do not care about your boogie man. Nobody will ever hurt you again Emily. Not as long as I'm around. No one will ever lay a finger on you, Dakota, Lucas, or Damian. The four of you will always be safe with me. Emily collapsed inside Blain's strong arms, tears drenching his sleeve. I love you, Blain, she said without hesitation. Please sit down, there is so much more you need to know.