The dazzling sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. Emily sat at the counter, feeling a strange sense of normalcy for the first time in what seemed like ages. She is not feeling the rush to go for work. Feeling an unknown sense of safety.
The scent of freshly cooked eggs and toast wafted through the air, accompanied by the soft sound of Alex Harrison moving around the kitchen. She was thinking in her mind he is much older than me. "Is this the difference between a man and a boy?" She knew many boys in her class and also because of many jobs she had to do! They were not like this. They cannot provide a sense of security, even though she knew them. While this man, she barely knows, but she can feel a strange sense of security.
"Here's your breakfast!"
"Thank you"
Awkward silence again. She hated this, but don't know what to do...
She picked up her fork, tasting the meal he had prepared.
"This is really good," Emily said, smiling softly as she took another bite.
"I didn't expect a doctor to know how to cook like this."
"Why doctors cannot cook? Aren't they human?"
"No, I didn't mean that way!" Clearly embarrassed. "But this is really good!"
Alex, taking a bite, was stunned by the compliment. A faint blush crept up his cheeks, a rare sight for the usually composed personality. He ran a hand through his hair, glancing down as if trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Uh… thanks. It's not that good."
"No, it is!"
"You're actually the first person to try my cooking," he admitted with a shy grin.
Emily chuckled, surprised. "Really? Well, you should cook more often. You've got talent."
Alex's blush deepened. The truth was, he was forced to learn cooking, thanks to his parents busy schedule. He doesn't like cooking that much, it's like a life saving tool for him.
The moment felt strangely… right! And that was the biggest problem!
As the comfortable silence stretched, Alex found himself glancing at Emily. She seemed so young, so fragile in this moment, despite the strength she always tried to project.
He cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "So, you ah…You are a student?"
Emily nodded, "Yes, I am in High school!"
"Still in high school? You don't seem like one!"
"Are you telling me I look old?" She pouted, that attracted him in a different way, he could not explain!
"No, not at all!"
"Actually, I am 16 and I still have 2 years to complete my high school!"
Sixteen! The number hit Alex like a punch in the gut. He froze for a moment, his hands resting on the edge of the counter. She is a kid. The guilt that had been gnawing at him since the night before suddenly intensified.
How could he have let himself feel anything inappropriate for someone so young? The weight of it pressed down on him, and he forced himself to keep his expression neutral.
"I see," he said quietly. "That's… really young!"
She nodded.
"Well, then what were you doing in that strip…" clearing his throat "Club? You should not go there, you know?"
She felt embarrassed and avoided his gaze. Clearly not wanting to answer.
"I..."
"Actually, I think you should report those guys! They clearly drugged you! If you want I can testify."
"No" She said in a hurry! "Please don't! That will be a huge problem."
He knew a minor should not be there in the first place. And if he complained to the police that will also involve Emily. He was also not clear about the situation going on.
Feeling he should not muddle in her personal life, he changed the topic! "Should I inform your parents that you are with me? So, they don't worry about you."
Hearing the mention of her parents she couldn't keep herself from crying. Tears rolling down from her eyes.
Feeling shocked at the sudden change in behavior "Sorry, I won't tell them anything. Don't cry!"
"I…I don't have parents! My mother died when I was 14 and my father remarried. He is out of the picture now. I only have a younger brother."
Her expression softening as she thought about her brother.
He wanted to bring her to a hug to comfort. But he couldn't. Only could watch her cry.
"Its being so tough on you. You shouldn't have gone through so much in such a young age!"
She tried to force a smile.
"So, you have to look after your brother?"
"My brother is in class five now. It's just the two of us and we are happy. I do some part time jobs to bear our expenses." Remembering about the club, she avoided his eyes, not wanting to reveal too much. The strip club job was a secret she wasn't ready to share. She didn't want him to feel dirty.
Alex felt a deep pang in his chest as she spoke. Sixteen. Hearing her age made him feel even worse about the conflicted thoughts that had been swirling in his mind since last night. She was practically still a child, carrying burdens no one her age should have to.
"That's a lot for someone to bear," Alex said softly, his voice laced with concern. "I can't imagine how hard that must be."
Emily shrugged, trying to downplay it. "You get used to it. I just do what I have to do."
Her resilience impressed him a lot.
Emily finished her breakfast and set the fork down, glancing at him. "I should go. Feeling good now. Don't want to bother you anymore. You've already done so much."
Alex's face tightened with concern. "You're not bothering me, Emily. You're not completely healed yet. You need to rest, and I'll go get you some medicines. After that, you can go, alright?"
Emily shook her head. "No, really, I'll be fine. My brother is waiting for me. I can manage from here. Besides…" She hesitated, her eyes drifting around the room before they landed on the corner where her uniform lay. Torn, dirty, and unusable.
Following her gaze, Alex sighed. He knew this is the uniform for the workers at that strip club. But couldn't think why Emily was wearing one. She is clearly a minor, and cannot be haired. Maybe the guys she was with offered her that uniform. As it has become a fantasy to me girls wear such dresses.
He stood up and walked over to the crumpled uniform. He picked it up and turned back to her, holding it out as if to show her the extent of the damage.
"It's ripped. You can't wear this anymore. Let me buy you something to wear. Or…" He gestured toward his bedroom. "You can take something from my closet if you're comfortable with that."
Emily bit her lip, looking between the torn uniform and the door to his closet. She didn't want to take anything from him, but she also didn't have any choice. She shook her head. "I don't want to bother you anymore. I'll just take something from your closet."
With a sigh, she stood and walked to the bedroom, following close behind him. He handed her an oversized T-shirt and a pair of shorts. They were simple, but they would do and looked comfortable. She took the clothes and thanked him.
As she changed and stepped out, she felt awkward—"Thank you," she murmured as she made her way back to the kitchen.
Alex watched her, his emotions conflicting. He could sense her discomfort, but he didn't want her to leave just yet.
"I'll drive you back," he offered.
Emily shook her head immediately. "No, I don't want to trouble you. I can take care of myself."
He frowned, refusing to take no for an answer. "It's the least I can do. After everything, just let me help. I'll feel better knowing you got home safely."
Her resistance softened at his sincerity, and she nodded. "Alright, but I don't want to impose more than I already have."
They left the apartment together, the air between them filled with an odd mix of tension and gratitude. As they drove, Alex stopped at a pharmacy, stepping out to buy her some medicine, and without asking, he grabbed some extra food supplies for her and her brother. Emily watched in silence, a lump forming in her throat. She wasn't used to people looking out for her like this.
When they neared her neighborhood, Emily hesitated. She didn't want him knowing exactly where she lived—it was a level of vulnerability she wasn't ready to expose.
"You can drop me off here," she said as they reached the head of the road leading to her house.
Alex frowned, "Are you sure?"
She nodded firmly. "Yes, this is fine. Thank you, Dr. Harrison."
This is the first time she called her by his name!
He watched her as she stepped out of the car, a strange, unspoken feeling growing in his chest. He didn't want to admit it, but something about this girl tugged at him, something he couldn't quite explain. He watched as she walked down the street, her figure growing smaller with each step.
Before she disappeared entirely, Emily glanced back, locking eyes with him one last time. She gave a small wave and mouthed the words, "Thank you," before continuing on her way.
Alex stayed parked there for a long moment, watching the spot where she had been until it felt empty. That familiar ache returned to him, an inexplicable pull toward the girl who had been thrust into his life so unexpectedly.