Author's Note: My second Wemma Fan Fiction. Please read and review; I really appreciate your comments and suggestions. Hope you enjoy!
The summer was almost over. In its own hot, humid way, the sun had beat down on the small town of Lima, Ohio, for what felt like forever. Never ceasing, with the exception of a couple of light thunderstorms, the yellow god in the bright blue sky managed to lap up every single rogue drop of water. Or so it felt like to the residents. The local pools, lakes and play fountains were overcrowded with children and adults trying to keep cool. Air-conditioners worked overtime and assorted ice creams became the food of choice. At least by late afternoon, it began to cool slightly, providing a welcome relief. Regardless of the temperature, summer offered the perfect opportunity to spend time with family and friends.
Now, late August, the sun thought he'd done enough damage, his intensity decreasing as small signs of autumn crept through. In only a couple of weeks, school would reopen. The students at McKinley High would be another year older, their maturity level improving or regressing, depending on the clique. The school's Glee Club would be back in force, determined this time around to win Nationals after their 12th placing in May. And Will Schuester and Emma Pillsbury would see each other for the first time since the summer began.
It wasn't like they were avoiding each other. There were phone calls every second week, mostly 'Hi, how are you' type ones, not digging any further. Emma was still taking her medication, seeing her therapist, and making slow yet steady progress. She was so proud of herself; Will could hear her voice perk up each time Emma had made a breakthrough. The glove wearing was finally over, and now it was only 10 seconds under the tap for unwashed fruit. What seemed so trivial was a huge accomplishment. Emma was fortunate to have Will to share this with, if only it wasn't solely over the phone. Neither party were willing to ask for a catch up. Emma always chickened out at the last minute. And Will? The thought always crossed his mind; instead he kept telling himself that she needed more time. Or maybe he was the one that needed the space.
Emma spent her summer mostly in her apartment, keeping cool with her brand new air conditioner, cleaning and sorting through her belongings. Just like she did with Will, she made three boxes, one with items to keep, one with items to throw out and one for charity. Most items in her throw away box were memories of Carl. She couldn't face them anymore. That part of her life was over. Gladly so; Emma never wanted to revisit it again. It was too heartbreaking. Her eyes skimmed over to the keep box; Will's vest was neatly folded on top. His vest would never be thrown out. That vest was the only precious memory that made last year at McKinley bearable.
Will, on the other hand, gave his full attention to preparing for the new school year, developing a rigorous schedule for the Glee Club. His Spanish lesson plan for the next 4 months was complete, and to immerse himself further in the language, in early August, took off down to Mexico for a mini-holiday. He watched the stunning orange and crimson sunsets on the beach, drink in hand, relaxing, never wanting to leave. He reflected on the past year. And Emma. A day never went by when he didn't think of her. Will considered asking her to come along, choosing not to in the end. Too soon. He knew she was cooped up in her apartment, shying away from the public, only venturing out to attend therapy sessions or purchase groceries.
Upon his return, he called Emma straight away, telling her all about his getaway south of the border. It was life-affirming, and taught him so much more about living in the moment, capturing every instant and turning it into something wonderful. His eyes were open to the bigger picture, and although Emma was improving each day, she needed to live a little, too.
"You've been holed up in your apartment all summer, Em. You need to get outside, get some fresh air, some sun, anything."
His words bounced around her head. He was right. And to be honest, seeing the same four walls everyday was making Emma a teensy bit stir crazy.
"Well, did you want to go for a walk or something?" She couldn't let the rest of the summer go by without seeing Will.
Absence was making Emma's heart grow fonder. The reassuring arm around her shoulder at the end of school year held a promise for a fresh start. For both of them. Free of the troubles and relationships that plagued and toyed with their friendship. Emma wanted to feel Will's arm around her again. Sometimes, if she closed her eyes and allowed her mind to go blank, Will was always near her. At times, that just wasn't enough. Even the vest was losing the faint scent of Will's cologne.
Will smiled to himself. "Sound great. This afternoon? I'll pick you up at about 4. We can do the Ottawa River Walk."
"Terrific!" Emma replied enthusiastically, before softening her voice. "See you then."