It's Never Too Late

Chapter 8

            Emily couldn’t talk to David, why would he listen to me? Happy or not she wasn’t one to break a relationship, so either way she couldn’t. Why did I fall for the wrong guy? She saw David, through her rear view mirror, well it’s now or never.

            Emily got down from her car, because obviously he’d keep standing behind her car if she didn’t. “David, I’ll listen to what you have to say, don’t ask me to tell you, all I can say is you are not the one I have problems with, if you want to know, ask Terry.”

             “I noticed the little discussion, I wanted to apologize. I don’t know what’s gotten into her,” David scratched his head nervously.

            “Ask her, while you’re at it, tell her to leave me alone. I haven’t caused problems for her to fight. I know how to respect, does she? What did you want to say? You wouldn’t have followed if it wasn’t important,” Emily said.

            “I told you, I wanted to talk to you, I know there’s more to what you tell me about whatever it is you’re hiding. Is there something else you’re not telling me?” David asked.

            “I can’t.” Emily was getting nervous. David was the cause, I love him, but I hate that he knows me, maybe better than I know myself.

            David sighed, “I can’t understand why you’re doing this, I want to tell you, that—”

            “Hon, are you picking me up tonight? I was wondering at what time I should be-what are you doing? Stay away from him!” Terry glared at Emily.

            “David, talk to me later. I have to go, I haven’t even delivered this envelope and I can’t stand here and waste time with you,” Emily drove off.

            David turned angrily to Terry, “you know how I feel about you, I've told you how I feel about her, you and I just—”

            “I don’t care, I can’t lose you. I don’t care if you use me, I want to be with you.”

            “I’ll never love you, don’t you understand? I’ll be with you but my mind will always be with her. I’m sorry Terry, we can’t keep seeing each other.” David said.

            “I know, you’re bored, you just need time off,” Terry explained.

            “I’m not- do you think this is a job that you can simply take vacations when you’re tired. Don’t you have any dignity in yourself?” David asked bothered.

            “She doesn’t love you. I love you, you can’t ask me to leave you, unless you want to see yourself alone while she-” Terry stopped herself thinking carefully.

            “She what?” David asked angrily.

            “She marries another man. She doesn’t love you, she sees you as a brother.”

            “Terry, I can’t be with someone I don’t love.” David explained.

            “I’m telling you, you can use me to make her jealous,” Terry insisted.

            “Is that what you want?! I know she sees me as a brother, but I don’t care, I’m happy to see her happy,” David said with disbelief.

            “I can’t share you, besides, you‘re lying to yourself Emily has someone,” Terry thought fast.

            “No,” David looked pensive. Does she? He remembered her date from that night.

            “Haven’t you noticed?” Terry feigned being shocked.

            David looked surprised, “they’re friends.”

            “Think about it, she’ll never see you as anything else, you weren’t meant to be, she will get married and you’ll end up all alone,” Terry said noticing David’s surprise.

            “But, this isn’t fair to you,” David said.

            “Why don’t we try it? Things can change. You’ll love me, it’s a matter of time.” Terry said with a smile.

            David looked at her and he thought for a moment, “what if it never happens?”

            “I’ll understand, and move on, no hard feelings.” Terry looked saddened.

            “No hard feelings? Terry this isn’t fair, not for you or for me, why can’t you see it?” David sighed.

            Emily came back. David and Terry were talking, she walked past them with a simple “hello,” and got into the elevator.

            This is strange, never have I loved and hated someone at the same time. I feel as if I betray him, if I look at another man, yet he was with Terry and without knowing, he breaks her heart. I won’t cry, no matter how much it hurts, I’ll stay strong.

            As the elevator door was closing she saw Terry giving him a gentle kiss, she couldn’t help but wish she were her at that moment. Every time she saw them together, or heard him talk about her, it broke her heart. That was something that she would have to keep a secret! It’s only a matter of time! It’s only a matter of time!

            David, arrived before the elevator closed, she saw his hand blocking the door. She pushed the button to open it for him, he went in. It was silent except for the music.

            How feelings could change people, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. It’d depend on the circumstances. Sometimes it was the circumstances that brought people together.

            Everyone in the company was talking about the excursion Saturday, they were excited about the trip, every year they would go to different places. They were getting ready to leave Friday evening after David’s and Emily’s report. After the show everyone got into the bus and they were happy to finally be out of work.

            Everybody had to partner up, so Emily decided to partner up with Helen, Jimmy with David. Mr. Emerson led the way, first they went to the river to do some fishing, then they went horseback riding.

            The next morning, Mr. Emerson gave a test, he partnered them up and they went hiking in the mountains, rock climbing and fishing. They'd meet up again in the evening.

            Helen smiled when she saw her partner was Jimmy, and obviously he put David and Emily together. “It’s a race to test your skills and work ethics, you don’t have to be the best physically. Trust and rely on your partner, work together. If you come first you’ll get a prize.” Mr. Emerson said. Everyone was ready, he gave each of them a map and a walkie talkie, “follow the instructions, and you’ll be fine.”

            Helen and Jimmy went one way and Emily and David went another, they had fun rock climbing and fishing for the day. Emily and David worked together, Emily really missed the way it used to be with David.

            Suddenly, Emily took a wrong step, where the curb was too steep, she fell over and was holding on with the tip of a root sticking out. “Emily, hold on, I’m coming.” David looked worried.

            Emily felt her fingers slipping and she tried to hold on, “David, I won’t hold on much longer.” Emily kept on slipping and it was a long way down.

            “Emily, don’t let go!” David looked scared for her.

            David took the rope and let it fall towards her, while he held on to the other end. “Grab the rope, I’ll pull you in.”

            Emily couldn’t reach it was too high, he saw as she was slipping away, “Emily, for the love of god! Hold on, I’m coming down.”

            David tied the rope to a tree, hard and carefully climbed down towards her. “Hurry!” Emily started slipping and she was nervous, her hand was caught on time.

            When they got up the steep curb, David hugged her, “what were you doing? You almost got yourself killed, we should get going, come on.”

            Emily tried walking but she had twisted her ankle on the fall, “it’s ok, David, I’ll be right behind you.”

            David turned to check her ankle, “you can lean on me, we’re close, rest.”

            She had no choice but to trust him, so she leaned on him putting her arm over his shoulder and felt his firm steady shoulder. She felt safe. They arrived last, “what happened?” Mr. Emerson asked watching them closely.

            Emily explained, she had a sprained ankle and how David’s daring moves saved her, everyone noticed something changed. Emily was looking into David’s eyes and David was smiling back at her.

            Helen went to check Emily’s sprained ankle, “I have some bandages in my back pack, let me put them on.”

            Mr. Emerson announced, “Emily and David, you know what this test was about and let me tell you that both of you succeeded. I wanted you working as a team. You trusted each other, David you trusted Emily to hold on until you got there. Emily you trusted David to get you out of trouble. I want you to think about this trip, work together, keep doing what you did.”

            Emily was proud of herself and David she saw another side of him that she never thought she’d see. He used to be overprotective, he would’ve carried me in and out instead of letting me walk on my own. Then without knowing, a heartbreaker and now he was someone she can lean on.

            David was surprised, he took his father aside and asked, “dad, did you try to help me and Emily to get closer?”

            “Obviously, you didn’t tell her anything the day you were supposed to, don’t waste time you know better than to use a woman like that!” Mr. Emerson reprimanded him.

            “I’ve tried, whenever Emily’s around I’m speechless. How can I tell her how I feel when I can’t control my emotions? I wish there was a way, she drives me crazy when she wants to tell me something, yet she won’t! How can I make sure she feels the same?”

            “Women are a mystery, they know how to hide their feelings, better than some men. You’ll never know unless you tell her. Come on, you don’t lose anything, you gain respect, and become a better man.” Mr. Emerson said.

            “Dad, I’m afraid she might reject me, at least now I have hope, I feel that I can wish.” David looked at Emily and Helen from afar.

            “I know you, you’ll end up telling her anyways, I just hope you aren’t too late,” Mr. Emerson sighed.

            Jimmy walked towards them, “Emily’s alright, Helen’s great! You should’ve seen her, but that’s her, she’s got beauty, brains.” David looked surprised.

            They would leave the next day and didn’t want to forget anything before going back to their hotel.

            “I wanted to say we are not working the rest of the week, Emily you don’t have to go on air Friday, we hired a temp and as for the newspaper, we are doing stories on best places to buy Christmas presents for the holidays,” then he turned to Helen.

            “Helen, I spoke to your school. They said they were going to start classes tomorrow, you can make it up. I’ll have the jet take you Tuesday morning, you can start that afternoon, what do you say? Want to spend another day? We could go out, I was thinking of having Emily go with you as long as it would take the pilot to have the jet ready to come back with her.”

            It was like a dream come true! Helen would spend another day, Emily got a chance to go with Helen to Nashville, maybe she would get to talk a little more before saying goodbye, wait! I’m planning, but Helen should probably spend time with Jimmy. I’ll spend time with her when she dropped her off.

            “That sounds great! I want all of us to spend more time together there’s something I have to tell you. Emily knows, I’m starting school locally next year, after I graduate.”

            Mr. Emerson looked glad, “that’s wonderful! When are you graduating?”

            “June. I’m starting on my Bachelor’s on the last week of August,” Helen had seven months left for her associates she was excited, “I have a job as a doctor’s assistant on July I need that job to help me get credits faster, and I’ll learn more. The doctor I’m working with used to teach, and agreed to help me.”

            Mr. Emerson couldn’t be more proud. He couldn’t believe a year had gone by since her high school graduation. Helen was achieving her life dream, Emily and David, were working together as news anchors, it was only the beginning. Thinking about it, made him happy like he hadn’t been in so long.

            Helen decided to spend her time having fun with everyone to start the day with Emily going out. It was sunny so they went to the beach, where they met with David and Mr. Emerson and had a family picnic, that evening she went out on a date with Jimmy.

            The next day, they were sad to see Helen go, they went to drop her off at the airport. Jimmy would meet them there. Helen was sad because she hadn’t seen or heard from him. “Don’t worry, he’ll be here,” Emily assured.

            They called Helen through the speakers, the jet was ready Emily was going. Suddenly, Jimmy came running through the doors and Helen ran towards him. “I barely made it, too much traffic that’s why I couldn’t answer.”

            “You saw my call?” Helen’s eyes filled with tears.

            “I wanted to see you before you left, I love you Helen. Keep in touch, can I call you tomorrow?” Jimmy asked.

            Helen’s eyes filled with tears of joy, “I thought you had forgotten.”

            “Me? Forget? No, how could I? I wanted to arrive earlier,” Jimmy said.

            Helen hugged him and they kissed, for the last time before she left for Nashville. Emily wanted to go, but seeing them made her want to let Jimmy go in her place.

            Emily said goodbye to Jimmy and told her sister to go with him, because Jimmy arrived late they were not going to spend time together, unless she let him take her place by her sister’s side. A few hours, is better than nothing.

            “We can spend time together some other time, I’d rather you spend it with each other,” she looked at David and Mr. Emerson, “I hope you guys don’t mind.”

            She knew David and Jimmy had a busy schedule, her sister wanted to spend time with Jimmy, it was love after all. “I can help you guys out, just tell me what to do, it’s only for a little while anyway. Helen and Jimmy want to spend more time together.”

            Mr. Emerson was glad to hear Jimmy was going with Helen, and David looked thoughtfully at her. I know I would like to spend more time with the one I love. Jimmy and Helen were surprised, they wanted to kiss Emily for doing this for them. Emily hugged them, “goodbye.”

            Mr. Emerson, David and Emily waited to see the jet leave, Helen and Jimmy turned to wave as they went inside. Emily went with David and Mr. Emerson to the office, they needed to get ready to start work, next week they were going to focus on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

            This excited Emily, she’d be able to see Helen again, for Christmas until New Year’s Eve her graduation was coming on June, which meant after that she wouldn’t say goodbye to her again.

            Everyone would work hard to keep the paper going, there were many changes to be made. Not only were they starting to be recognized, but people loved their show, since they were always first with the news.

*******************

            Helen and Jimmy arrived, and they explored the huge city. Jimmy was excited. They went to Vanderbilt, she showed him where she was studying, told him where she spent her time. Then they relaxed and went to a coffee shop.

            Jimmy’s phone rang it was to tell him it was time to leave since the jet was ready for him, he kissed Helen goodbye and hugged her. Helen whispered in his ear, “I’ll see you on Christmas, I love you.”

            “I love you too,” Jimmy said, with a voice that said I’ll miss you.

            “I promised myself, I wouldn’t cry,” Helen couldn’t help it, this was the first time as a couple that they had to say goodbye.

            Jimmy looked deep into her eyes, “it’s not goodbye, until next time” and Helen dropped him off at the airport.

            Emily was glad to see Jimmy, she was not as good with the camera equipment and felt irritated. Terry was there! When Terry was there, nothing went right. Not only did they not get along, it was hard to work with David with Terry there.

            Everyone went quiet. “Hi sweetie, why haven’t you called? I left many messages, you never called back.” Terry said to David while glaring at Emily.

            “I’ll call you, actually I’ll see you tonight, I’m free at seven. How’s that for you?” David said.

            “I’ll be ready, see you later,” she stepped in near him making sure Emily saw, she could see what she was about to do no matter how much you expected it, it didn’t make it any easier, she leaned over and kissed him.

            Emily was tired of seeing Terry and David together, what can you do? If he truly loves her, than that means there’s nothing left for me. The problem wasn’t that she knew, she didn’t admit it, but she had hopes that he would look at her, she was hopeless.

            Emily wasn’t the type to beg for love, she could still hope. Now was when she’d wish, to be anywhere but work. It was tiring to argue with Terry all the time, she had to get over him no matter what, she would start going out with Stanley. Or she wouldn’t stop wishing for something that wouldn’t happen.

             She called Stanley, after all we are still friends and I can date whomever I want. Who am I kidding? I have to, for my sake. I have to!

            Emily was nervous, she didn’t know what to do, if this would help her get over David, so be it! Well, I need a friend to talk to probably talking to another guy will help me, understand.

            Stanley answered he told her he’d meet her at six, she knew it was wrong to go out with a guy whom she didn’t like, but she didn’t lie or trick him into going with her.

            She called Helen afterwards, when Emily told her, Helen sounded upset. But if David was going out with Terry, then I can go out with Stanley. He’s the friend she could talk to. I can’t talk to Jacob as a friend, especially about this.

            Jacob hadn’t changed, he was too conceited, a big know it all! Stanley is a nice guy, and deserved to be happy, we have a lot in common. If David doesn’t love me, I hope Stanley will.

            “I thought David would have dumped her by now,” Helen was upset.

            “Why would he? They were just kissing and-” Terry appeared out of nowhere, how long had she been there? “Hold on, Terry is it? Can I help you?” Emily glared.

            “I wanted to apologize for the way I treated you before. I wanted to tell you, it won’t happen again,” Terry said looking at Emily.

            Emily saw her in disbelief, but she didn’t want to talk about it she just wanted to get rid of her, “I forgive you, what made you change your mind?”

            “I spoke to David and he explained you were his sister, I wish I would have known sooner, I would have never acted that way.” Terry said mockingly.

            Somehow, those words were like a sword going through her heart, it took over her and it showed on her face. Terry saw her bad intentions had worked, she fell for it.

                “It is forgotten,” she tried to sound happy. “I have a date, I’m going out with him tonight. I have to get back to my call.”

            “Well, why don’t we do a double date? That way there’s no hard feelings between us. After all, we are sisters right?” Terry said feigning happiness.

            Emily wanted to throw a book at her face! “I would like to be alone on my date, I already have plans.” Sisters? I don’t think so.

            “We’ll meet at seven, David we’re having a double date tonight,” Terry said enthusiastically.

            David’s smile faded as he found out Emily had a date, “be ready at seven, we’re going to the new club they just opened, last week.”

            Emily didn’t know what to do, how could this get any worse? “I had other plans, I was trying to explain it to Terry. Why don’t you guys go? We’ll probably catch you guys later-yes-later.”

            “It’s better if we go together, I have priority and so does anyone who comes with us.” Terry said.

            “Well, we had something planed-” Emily noticed David’s scrutinizing gaze at her and she didn’t understand why he’d look at her that way, didn’t he have Terry?

            “David explain, I think that it’d be good, the more the merrier,” Terry said.

            “I don’t think that’s a good idea, we had plans to spend alone-” Emily explained.

            “Aw, that’s sweet, but your brother should know him,” Terry insisted.

            “I understand Terry, maybe some other time,” Emily sounded stern now.

            “What? Don’t you have a date?” David was jealous, why doesn’t she want me to meet him?

            “We’ll meet you guys at seven!” I’ll show him alright, “I need to get back to my call.” Emily said angrily because David wouldn’t back her up. Emily left from ear shot, “Helen? Are you still there?”

            “Did I hear right? Are you going on a double date with David and Terry?” Helen was surprised.

            “I couldn’t say no, I didn’t want him to know. Terry told him, ‘did you hear we’re going on a double date?’ I know it’s a bad idea, I didn’t know what to do.”

            “You have to go, don’t let him know it’s fake, I’ll tell Stanley he’ll help you.” Helen said and wondered what David was planning.

            “You’re right, I do want him to know before we do anything, I won’t make him, he’ll decide whether he wants to or not.” Emily said, I know it’s not fair.

            “I’m sure he will, all he has to do is put his arm around you and look into your eyes and say ‘I love you,’ or ‘I think of you,’ and he will believe it. I thought he’d break up with her though, he looked like he loves you, at the excursion.”

            “Yeah well, he loves me as a sister like we thought in the first place,” Emily said.

            “No, that can’t be!” Helen insisted.

            “Why?” Emily shook her head. She keeps insisting.

            “I don’t think that’s his kind of girl.” Helen said as if explaining.

            “Well, it is although it disappoints me, I’ll have to accept it! No matter.” Emily said giving up.

            “Don’t worry sis, if anyone can do it, you can! I know you and I got to see how strong you really are,” Helen said.

            “‘But, even the strongest can fall’ that’s what mother said to David, when she told him to protect us.” Emily remembered.

            “Really?” Helen said thoughtfully.

            “Yes I’m afraid of it, I don’t want to fall. I promised her I don’t want to let her down.” Emily said.

            “I know you won’t. Talk to me later, I want to know how it goes, maybe he’s the one for you, who knows it could happen?” Helen thought.

            “Helen!” Emily said, why would Helen say that?

            “What? I’m serious! He is a good guy—”

            “I’ll talk to you soon.” they hung up, I have to get ready, I still have to call Stanley before the ‘date.’ What if he says no? Suck it up, he’s the only one who can do it. Well, here goes nothing.

            She checked around to see that no one was there, picked up the phone and dialed. Stanley answered, and after the explanation he agreed to help her. “We can meet at seven instead, right?”

            “Right,” Stanley sounded happy.

            David kept coming to her thoughts I have to stop thinking about him or I’ll go crazy! She checked her watch, it was lunch time she wasn’t hungry. She turned to the computer, but couldn’t concentrate with work.

            She wanted to clear her mind and went out, on the way she saw David laughing with Terry. I can’t take this! Emily walked to the restaurant.

            David went into the office to start working, he wanted to stop thinking of her he looked across from his desk. Emily wasn’t there, where could she be? He was with Terry but he couldn’t stop thinking of her. She was breaking him inside and she didn’t know. She couldn’t know.

            He saw Jimmy coming into the office, looks like they had their lunch. She came in, she was happy for some reason, she sat and started typing, she was concentrated on her story. “Did you have lunch?”

            “Yes,” Emily lied.

            David, was giving her that look again like he wanted to know something, how? Why did he churn her like this? She thought he was jealous, get real Emily, why would he be jealous? He is in love with Terry. She felt like a lab rat and he was the scientist studying her.

            “David?” Emily asked bothered.

            “Yes, what is it?” David said, still staring.

            “Is there something wrong?” Emily stopped typing and looked at him.

            “No!” although he wanted to say. I don’t want you going out with Stanley, how can I? I can’t decide for her. He wanted to tell her, he loved her, but she didn’t love him. “Why?” David sounded stern.

            “Did I do something wrong?” Emily asked confused.

            “Aren’t you and Stanley friends?” David was hoping he wouldn’t sound bitter but somehow he found that hard to believe.

            “Yes, he’s really a great guy, you know. You’re going out with Terry,” why did she have to bring her up?

            Her words were like a slap to his face, reality hit him when someone from a flower shop came and asked for Emily. He handed her a bouquet of red roses, she was surprised she read the card and smiled, “Stanley. He says he can’t wait.”

            David looked at her, her smile isn’t genuine, “you ok?”

            “Of course, why do you ask?” Emily asked him.

            “I think you seem a little distant.” David said.

            “I can’t believe this! It’s what I want, I have to get over—” Emily stopped herself and shook her head realizing who she was talking to, “I’ll have a great time, I know it.”

            David didn’t believe her, “is that what you want? Because if—”

            “I could fall in love with him.” She turned away from him and put the note away.