Emma glanced at Sarah again, this time really looking at her. Her long blonde hair was recently trimmed just at her shoulders and parted over to the right. She had always been there—supportive, caring—but now he wondered if there was more to her visits than just friendship. He wasn't sure how he felt about that yet, but seeing the way Alex smiled when she was around made it hard to be anything but okay with it.
"So, what's for dinner?" Emma asked, breaking the silence with a grin, trying to shift his thoughts away from the small, strange feeling in his chest. Sarah beamed, standing up and smoothing out her shirt.
"I'm making my famous lasagna. It's been a while since I've cooked for you two, and I figured you deserved a treat after your first week back at school… especially after your stress attack not too long ago…" Alex clapped his hands together, clearly excited.
"Best lasagna in town, Emma. You're in for a real treat." Emma laughed, rolling his eyes but unable to hide his smile.
"Alright, alright, I'm in. But I'm holding you to that 'best in town' thing." The three of them spent the evening together, cooking, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. As they sat down at the table later, Emma looked around and realized how far they had all come. His heart was lighter now, the weight of the past not gone, but finally bearable.
There was a new chapter unfolding here, one that wasn't filled with fear or uncertainty. For the first time in a long while, things felt… right.
The Autumn wind whipped against the windows, and Emma sat at the dining room table, working on homework. Alex was in the kitchen, making dinner, while Sarah lounged on the couch, flipping through a magazine. The house felt warm and alive in a way it hadn't for a long time, especially now that Sarah was such a frequent visitor. Emma had grown to like having her around. She made his dad laugh—really laugh—and that made everything feel more… complete. Emma walked into the kitchen.
"Hey Dad, what's for-" Suddenly, the doorbell rang. The sound echoed through the house, and everyone froze for a moment. Alex wiped his hands on a towel, exchanging a glance with Sarah.
"I'll get it," Alex said, heading toward the door. When he opened it, he was greeted by a familiar, uncomfortable face—Julia. Her eyes were wide, her hands clenched into fists at her sides, and her face was drawn with anxiety.
"Alex," she breathed, her voice shaky,
"I need to talk to Emma." Alex hesitated, glancing back into the house where Emma was sitting, oblivious for the moment. He frowned, stepping outside to meet her, not wanting to cause a scene.
"Julia, I don't think that's a good idea right now. He's doing well, he's—"
"I know I've messed up," she interrupted, her voice rising in desperation.
"I know I left him when he needed me, but I can't keep pretending like I don't want a second chance. I've changed, Alex. Please, let me talk to him." Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of the past few years crashing back in. Before he could respond, Sarah stepped outside, sensing the tension and wanting to support Alex. She looked at Julia with a mixture of compassion and protectiveness, standing close to Alex's side.
"I don't think it's fair to put that kind of pressure on Emma right now," Sarah said softly but firmly.
"He's finally healing—emotionally and physically. He doesn't need to be torn apart again." Julia's eyes flicked to Sarah, her expression hardening.
"You think you know what's best for him? You're not his mother. I am."
Sarah squared her shoulders, her calm demeanor unwavering.
"No, I'm not. But I've been here for him. Alex has been here for him. You had your chance, Julia." The tension crackled in the air. Julia's face twisted with frustration, and she took a step back, realizing she was outnumbered, not just by words, but by the undeniable bond Alex and Sarah had built—one she was no longer part of.
"I just…" Julia's voice faltered. "I just wanted a chance." Alex stepped forward, his voice gentle but resolute.
"You made your choice, Julia… Emma's been through so much, and I won't let anything disrupt his peace now… I know you're trying, but this isn't the right time for him—or for us." Julia stood there for a moment, staring at Alex and Sarah together. She swallowed hard, nodding stiffly.
"I understand," she whispered. With one last glance at the house, she turned and walked down the front steps, disappearing into the cold. When Alex shut the door, he leaned against it for a moment, letting out a long breath. Sarah touched his arm, giving him a comforting smile.
"Are you okay?" she asked. Alex met her eyes, his heart feeling lighter despite the encounter. He looked past her into the living room, where Emma was still sitting, and then back at Sarah. For the first time in a long time, he felt like everything was falling into place.
"I am," he said softly. "And I know what I want." Before Sarah could respond, Alex reached for her hand, his heart racing. He took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Sarah…" he began, his voice steady but full of emotion,
"you've been here for me and Emma in ways I didn't even know I needed. I don't want to waste any more time wondering what could be." Sarah's eyes widened, and a soft smile tugged at her lips as she realized where this was going.
"I want to be with you. Officially. No more tiptoeing around it. Will you be my girlfriend?" Sarah's smile brightened, and without hesitation, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Alex.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice full of warmth and certainty. "I'd love to." Emma, noticing the exchange from the dining room, grinned. It wasn't a surprise—he'd seen this coming—but it felt good to know his dad was finally finding happiness.
The house was filled with a different kind of warmth now, the kind that signaled a new beginning. As the leaves fell softly outside, blanketing the world in a fresh start, Alex, Sarah, and Emma sat down to dinner together. The past was behind them, and for the first time in a long time, the future looked bright.
Chatter filled the dining table as the living room sits empty, the only light coming from the kitchen and the window curtains. The floor was swept and cleaned. The TV was off and reflected in the room. The couch sat peacefully against the wall. The couch where Alex first placed Emma in the basket, the couch they sat on before the car crash, and the couch Emma used to walk for the first time.
The cushion was fluffed and freshly cleaned. Sitting alone on the small couch was a tiny stuffed teddy bear. It was dirty, falling apart, and old, but it's the same stuffed animal Emma's had ever since he was a baby.