Ok I know the first chapter was really bad, most of mine are….noting new lol Anyway, if anyone is confused Renée is indeed Emma's stepmom (after reading it again I realized it seemed a bit confusing). This chapter will be interesting; I plan on making the plot complicated so hang in there with me!

I KNOW and I am sorry that my grammar SUCKS! I really am not wanting to do the beta thing, I never proof read nor do I care. Just saying. I am an honors student and yes, the teacher tells me the same thing, but I have been noted to be one of the best story tellers of the class. Just an FYI

But Thanks to all who have reviewed! The more comments the faster I write ~

~I Always Return~

Chapter 2: Television

The ride in the limo for Emma was long, quiet, and torturous. Thou the drive itself was only four hours from the apartment, Renée made sure to make every moment as stressful and awkward as possible for Emma. Of course, Emma was use to getting pick on by Renée. But no matter how old a person is; it still hurts to be treated so badly. Staring out the window, Emma thought back to her father, once more trying to remember him before the time he got ill and was lying in the hospital.

Damn cancer.

Despite getting the haunting stares from her step mother, Emma decided to make use of her time. There would be plenty of months to think about dad, Emma thought. Sighing, the young girl took out of her bag; a thick text book, notebook, and a pencil and began her school work. Emma did very well in school. She made all A's and was placed in high classes for math and English. Surprisingly, Emma struggled in science but managed to make her A- with lots of hours in the book and studying with the teacher before and after school. Emma never wanted to give Renée any reason to call her stupid or lazy (though her stepmom made up new hateful words anyway). Emma took great pride in her studies and subconsciously glowed when she would bring home her report card or win an award for outstanding achievement.

Emma had a naturally calm state of being. She was not hyper child and was able to focus and analyze details carefully. At school she had few friends because of her personality. Other students thought she was difficult to get along with, her being so quiet. It was hard for Emma to get the jokes at school and immature socializing. Her father basically brought her up by himself, and Emma was taught more about handling herself in front of businessmen. Middle school kids were not Emma's type.

All in all Emma's father was shaping her up to be a successful business woman. Her father took notice in his daughter's sharp wits and while fighting his cancer decided it was best if Emma learned some tips about his stocks and companies. Being only ten years old, Emma's dad took his time explaining the means and impotence's of being a leader and having an eye in the work force.

"Now Emma don't ever, and I mean ever let someone walk all over ya. You stand your ground and speak your mind, if that person if willing to hear it. You're a clever girl. I taught you about a person's body talk-"

Emma saw her dad painfully coughing. It hurt was hurting her greatly to see her dad in such bad shape.

"Sorry huh, didn't mean to hack in your face. Any who, remember you're the boss. You're in control. In fact, think of yourself as the poker player at a game in Vegas." Emma raised an eyebrow.

"You mean I'm a gross money loser?"

Her father laughing shook his head, "No sweetheart, and what do you mean gross? You know your daddy was one of the best poker players around. Why that's how I started my businesses was with the jackpot." Emma took that into consideration but still stuck to her gut.

"Yeah, but only weird men go to Vegas because they can't pick up a girl and don't know a better way to spend their money." Her father kept smiling and laughing as his cute daughter tried to be as adult as possible with him. Emma's dad pointed a joking figure at her and with a closed eye continued his lesson.

"You only know that because I told you that when you were just a little kid still wearing overalls. Every father tries to keep their little pumpkin from harm."

Emma smiled. She had been caught.

Her father spoke, "Like I was saying, pretend you're at Vegas playing your hand at the table. You have many options to choose from, but only one way will get you to a bigger pool of money. The money Emma, in this case is the goal. The target you want to reach. Sure, you can go around upping the chips all day long until you have none and then show your cards to realize you have nothing! Poof! There went the target like a magic trick. But a clever person would know if their hand was worth the gamble. Clues are written all over everyone and it's up to you to seek them out. And learning when to lay the cards down or when to fold'um."

"I can't read people dad. Not like you can." Emma said with a doubtful tone.

"It comes with time darling. You will learn more as the years unfold."

"It doesn't matter anyway. If-I will never need to learn this. I want to be an artist with music or art not a business worker." Emma crossed her arms.

Her dad gave a warm smile, "I just want you to learn what I do so if something happens you can have something for yourself."

"Don't say that dad! You will always be around, you have to be!" Emma whimpering let her tears fall down her cheeks.

"Aww, sweetheart shhh, I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here." Emma's dad laid a hand on her cheek before whipping the damp tears. He kissed his girl and holding her close spoke,

"Remember life is like gambling. Each hand has it's has a benefit even if it's small, learn to be happy with that outcome. Each had has a chance at failure. But that doesn't mean that the next hand can't be better." Emma hugged her dad and her father did the same back.

"We'll talk about stock some other time. How's your singing and music coming along? Anything good?"

Emma's face spreading a cheerful grin ran to get her guitar.

The minutes painful ticked by slowly and made Emma's world seem endless in space. She finished all her work well over three hours ago. Renée was busy texting her new boyfriend and Emma could do no more than shake her head. She rolled her eyes; her stepmother had a new "lover" in her life ever since her dad had died. They came and went faster than Renée could change her underwear.

Emma watched Renée's hands glide swiftly over the phone's keypad. She greatly missed her phone. Renée made sure Emma had no right to one, even if it was for emergencies only. Renée lectured that a twelve year- old's mind was not mental ready for such a responsibility.

Emma knew the real reason… Renée did not want the cops to be called on her.

Finally for what seemed like forever. The limo pulled up the drive way to an all brick house surrounded by beautiful landscaping. The shrubs and bushes were neatly trimmed and the flowers added a ray of colors that made the house have such a pleasant feeling. Emma did not even wait for the limo to come to a halt before she flung open her door. Forgetting about the driver as well, Emma proceeded to help herself to her bags and suitcases that were hidden in the trunk. The feeling of being free from her stepmom was more of a thrill than most people get from riding a roller coaster.

No more name calling, no more missing meals, no more hatred, no more-

Emma did not wave when her stepmother's limo pulled out of the drive way nor did Renée. And with that note, Emma smiled and breathed a chest full of fresh air. The wicked witch of Criminal Justice was gone! Emma walked the iron fenced path that led to her Aunt's house. She enjoyed seeing the moist green grass and the sight of the ever blooming plants that guided her to the front door. It reminded her of home.

Emma rang the door bell and was no sooner greeted by her Aunt who was juggling a phone and what seemed to be dinner.

"Hi Emma come on in! No. Dad-never mind I-", Emma's Aunt opened the door wide enough for her to pass with all her luggage in hand. Emma watched as her Aunt scurried to the kitchen trying to cook up a meal and talk to her father all at the same time. Emma wondered how she did it all and still could be pleasant. "I am sorry Emma just give me a sec. I will be right there. Dad I know. I know you told me. Yes I did-"

Emma gave her Aunt a thumbs up telling her everything was cool. She did not care if her Aunt talked on the phone for the six months she was staying. Emma was just happy to be in an inviting home and away from Renée. She had stayed at her Aunt's house many other times and just like the times before, Emma took her belongings and headed to her room to start unpacking.

Before long, Emma heard her Aunt ending the conversation and calling her for dinner. Emma randomly tossed her clothes in the drawers and then scurried down to the kitchen. Her Aunt had made spaghetti with meatballs and a small salad as a side. Emma's mouth watered. She had not had a real meal in ages.

"Sorry about that Emma. I couldn't get my father off the phone. He has so much time on his hands it's a wonder he doesn't have me live with him. ", Emma smiled as her Aunt placed her dinner on the table in front of her. Without hesitation Emma dove into the meal as if it were her last. The food was so delicious Emma just kept shoveling mouthfuls of noodles in her cheeks.

Her Aunt smiled taking a seat, "I'm guessing its ok?" Emma swallowed,

"It's as good as always Aunt Lisa. Thanks for the meal." Emma took another bite of spaghetti.

Lisa nodded and joined her brother's daughter in a wonderful dinner. After all the dishes were cleaned and the kitchen was back to its original self, Lisa and Emma sat down in the family room and caught up with each other about their lives. There was not much of a discussion other than hearing about Lisa's new job promotion. Apparently, the man who owns the Lux Atlantic has many other hotels scattered in multiple states across the United States. And Emma's Aunt struck gold.

Lisa stretched out on the couch, "Yeah he said, that after my 'heroic deed'", Emma's Aunt emphasized her eyes, "you know of saving Mr. Keef? That he trusted me to manage all his hotels. I didn't want to, but how do you say no to such an offer?" Emma nodded she understood where Lisa was coming from. Business, business that is all she knew…

Emma saw Lisa barley watching the TV. Her Aunt was busy into her paperwork, organizing and rereading file after file. Emma's Aunt never stopped. She never took a break. Her Aunt was stuck in the same routine like a robot that never had a default. Emma knew how hard life was she could connect with her Aunt in more ways than one. They both suffered from others, they both were torn with family problems, and both were alone in the world. Well, Emma was truly alone; her Aunt was alone in a different aspect.

Emma broke out of her daze and looked at the clock. It read nine thirty in bold red colors. Feeling the exhausting of a stressful travel day Emma decided to hit the bed early.

"Umm, Aunt Lisa?" Emma stood up from the couch her heavy eyes closing. Lisa looked up with a concern look, "I think I am going to go to bed. I am so tired. I will see you in the morning." Her Aunt shocked simply nodded.

"Oh, ok holler if you need anything." Emma gave a weak grin before leaving the room and heading to her bedroom. Emma got ready for bed she wore a tank-top and sweat pants, brushed her teeth, and washed her face. Emma climbed into her bed and huddled under her blue sheets. Her room was freezing. Before going to sleep Emma said her prayers and thought about her father.

"I miss you dad.", Emma whispered before sleep drifted over her.

Emma woke to a loud bang. She was barley awake and could not comprehend the noise clearly. Half dazed Emma shrugged off the sound and tossed in her bed trying to find a comfortable spot. Again, loud bangs and scuffling tingled at her ear. Emma moaned and looked at her little digital clock. It was only eleven thirty. Emma was sure that if anything was wrong or was in need of help her Aunt would call her. The young girl won over by sleep laid back on her pillow in hopes of returning to her dreams. Before Emma could close her eyes hushed voices arouse from outside her room. Emma knew she was not hearing things. She knew it was not the creatures of her mind playing games with her because it was dark outside. The night never bothered Emma she never feared the boogeyman nor believed in ghosts. Was she dreaming? The noises persisted. Concern grew inside Emma.

What was her Aunt doing?

Emma sat up in her bed, her arms exposed to the cold air brought shivers to her body. Emma ignored her feelings, the voices were more of a worry. Emma tried to hear the noises, what they were saying but the words were not coming clear from where she was. She knew the only way to hear would be to leave her bed. But she could not leave! How could she leave?

"Don't be such a baby." Emma whispered to herself in the shadows of the dark. Emma took a deep breath and shook letting it out. It took a lot of strength to pull the covers off her and even put two feet on the floor. Feeling the chilled air, Emma found her jacket on the end of her bed and put it.

"Trying to delay the discovery huh Emma?" The voice inside her head spoke.

Emma held her breath as slowly made her way to the door. Her eyes were locked on the handle. She could not help but envision a scene from a scary movie. That knob twisting before Emma had a chance to think let alone run. Emma's mind began to torture her with images of a gruesome monster with wicked eyes and teeth waiting to jump on her. Emma felt the pinching of her nerves as she headed closer. Her heart pounded.

Emma swallowed and leaned near the door. The sounds were quiet and she could still only hear whispers. Emma focused harder. Her mind was not registering what the noises were. Emma heard the floor squeak and her stomach tensed so hard she thought she might vomit. Emma held her shoulders she could feel the tension building up in her face. She felt the blood painfully welding up in cheeks, her eyes stung as she placed her hand on the handle.

Just open the door.

Adrenaline pulsing through her Emma opened her door quietly. She peaked out the crack she made and saw nothing more than the moon light casting through the hallway. Emma let the air out of her lungs escape. Then she remembered her Aunt had the television on. Feeling dumb Emma figured the noises must have come from the screen. Emma frowned.

"I got up for this? Jeezz am I slow at night." Emma was about to go back to bed when again she heard a crashing bang. Emma pinched her eyebrows together. What is she watching? Emma decided she would not sleep not knowing the program that her aunt was viewing. Emma sighed and made her way down the hallway. The stair case was in arms reach when Emma picked up the sound of a muffled cry. Emma froze. For some reason her gut told her something was wrong. Feeling the nervous energy arising Emma knelt on the floor she watched from the staircase. If her gut was right something was wrong if it was wrong she was looking pretty stupid by now. But in the back of her mind Emma was split between both logics. Was it the television or something more?

Emma knew she was young and that the kids get scary over mindless things. But in all the times Emma had stayed with her aunt, Emma never remembered Lisa to have the volume so loud. In fact, Emma recalled specifically that her aunt said that the television was used nothing more than background noise late at night. Reason and struck her.

The panic hit Emma's chest like a heart attack.

Hahaha so evil cliffhanger! Don't worry I am writing the other quickly. The next one will be good. What will Emma do next? We will have to see…