A Handsome Trap

Family Forever

 Emmy woke up crying again. Or maybe they were the left over tears from when she cried herself to sleep the night before. Either way she wouldn't let her weakness show. She is quick to wipe the tears off of her face and flip her pillow determined to keep it so all evidence of her suffering is hidden. Most people look forward to a new day, new opportunities and believe things will always get better. Not Emmy, she used to believe things couldn't get worse, all evidence pointed to the contrary. Now, Emmy just wishes the world would go on while she never wakes up again. She pulls the sheets and comforter up and smooths out the creases. Emmy reaches for her robe intending to relax under the warm water. However, her plans are thwarted as she is interrupted by a loud, unforgiving knock on the door, causing her to jump slightly. Emmy sighs but turns to answer the door but before she can manage to make it there, it swings open revealing her mother, and she looks mad. 

 "When is she not...in relation to me?" Emmy's subconscious mentions. 

"Why have you been up here so long?" She pauses to look over Emmy, "Come for breakfast, and look presentable, we have company." 

     Her mother snarls, contempt dripping like venom from every word. With that her mother turned on her heel, probably glad to be out of Emmy's company, and walks out of the room slamming the door behind her. Muffled footsteps can be heard as her mother's heels trek down the carpet hallway. Emmy walks into her bathroom and stares at her reflection with disgust. Her blonde curls ratted from the previous night's nightmare. The vivid blue of her eyes seemed dull, and her pale skin was red and puffy, streaked with last nights tears. Emmy tries to contain it but a choked sob still escapes her lips. Her mother was right she did look terrible.

**********

     After spending time with a hairbrush and some make up Emmy decided she looked presentable enough for whoever her mother's guests are this time. She changes into a pale blue cocktail dress, because she figures it's that kind of guest it is.

"Who are you kidding, it's always that kind of guest." Her subconscious declares snidely. 

Low and behold she was right. Upon walking down stairs she discovered a man sitting next to her father and seated next to Emmy's usual seat was a boy around her age. Her mother notices her first and beckons her with a wave.

"Oh, how nice of you to join us Emmaline" Emmy didn't move from her spot, because around the same time the man gave the boy, who Emmy can only assume is his son, a pointed look. He must have understood, because he stood and approached Emmy. Once he was standing in front of Emmy he bowed to take her hand as he kissed the back of it gingerly.

"I'm James." He pronounced standing to his full height.

"And so it begins." Her subconscious mutters with disapproval.