A/N: Hey, just wanted to thank everyone who took the time to review, really appreciate it!
Disclaimer - see part 1.
Part 2
Not wanting to cause Emily further distress by immediately questioning her, even though she desperately wanted to know what had happened, Gillian pulled Emily into her arms and tried to offer her the comfort she so obviously needed. Emily immediately complied and the tears that had previously been held at bay now broke free with a ferocity that slightly scared Gillian. Reminding herself that at sixteen years old, events that could feel like the end of the world were not uncommon, Gillian forced herself to calm down and focus on the task of trying to do the same with Emily.
Emily was clinging to her, her small frame shaking from the intensity of her sobbing. Squeezing tightly and rubbing a gentle hand up and down her back, Gillian whispered reassuring words, "it's alright Em, I've got you sweetie, your safe, sshhh, it's ok."
Emily continued to sob and Gillian held her, not trying to stop her tears, just offering the comfort of her presence.
After a few minutes, Emily's sobs became quieter sniffs, the worst was over and her vice like grip loosened enough for Gillian to be able to guide her to the sofa and pull her down next to her. Emily's arms still circled Gillian's waist, her face buried against her chest. Gillian was both saddened and warmed to feel a strong wave of motherly protectiveness sweep through her. She loved Emily unconditionally, always had; she was an easy kid to love, especially given the bond Gillian shared with Emily's father. A bond she never allowed herself to examine in too much detail, or at least that's what she tried to tell herself.
Gillian would wait until Emily was ready to talk, until then she was happy to just sit and enjoy the privilege of being the person Emily had chosen to come to for comfort and reassurance; at the same time hoping that the story she was waiting to be told wasn't too awful. Gillian then thought about Cal, where was he? Did he know Emily was here? Did he know what was wrong? He must be frantic, Gillian thought, I'll need to call him soon.
Sniffing loudly Emily finally looked up at Gillian, her huge eyes swollen and blood shot, "sorry about your shirt," she managed to croak with a guilty look.
"Hey, what's a little snot between friends?" Gillian replied, hoping to lighten the mood.
It worked and Emily chuckled quietly as she sat up and reached for the tissues. Handing several to Gillian who then mopped at her sodden shirt, Emily proceeded to blow her nose loudly as they then both dissolved into a fit of the giggles.
"That's better," Gillian said as she reached for Emily and wrapped her arm around her shoulders, pulling her back into a loose cuddle.
"Now kiddo, are you ready to tell me what happened?" she asked quietly, all the while conscious of the fact that Cal would be going crazy somewhere worrying about his daughter.
Emily's voice became a whisper, "I had a fight with dad and he told me he doesn't want me anymore," she said, her voice hitching as she tried to hold back another sob.
Gillian held back a gasp as a sharp pain of shock and disbelief twisted her stomach.
"Oh Em, you know he didn't mean it sweetie, your dad loves you more than anything in this world," she replied, furious with Cal for saying such a thing but also knowing that he must have been pushed to his limit to say those words, even in anger.
"Then why did he say it?" Emily asked, her eyes now searching Gillian's for an explanation and reassurance.
Trying not to fall into 'psychologist mode' and remember that she was talking to her best friend's daughter, a kid she couldn't imagine loving more if she were her own, Gillian was saved from answering immediately by a knock on the door.
Apologies if you were expecting something earth shattering from Emily, but I couldn't let anything really horrible happen to her! Anyway this story isn't really about her!
Sorry this chapter's so short, the next one's longer - and nearly finished!
Please review, it's food for the muse ;-)