Hello, my lovelies! Bet you never thought you'd see this story updated again! I've honestly had this chapter finished for a long while, but I kept stressing over whether it was good or not. I apologize for leaving y'all in the dark for so long. Anyone who follows me may have noticed that I have a bit of a new obsession. To be honest, I'm not all that into Twilight anymore, but I am into Twilight fanfiction if that makes any sense at all. Anyway, this chapter isn't really that long but I figured anyone still following this story deserves something. Hopefully you lovelies enjoy! ~Shaymie

Emerson's POV

"Emma, can you talk to me in my office?" I glanced up from the cash register as my boss called me from the back. I sighed as I handed the customer their change. My boss could never remember my name, although this was probably the closest he had been this week. I left the register and walked over to my boss' office, closing the door behind me.

"Is something wrong, sir?" I asked. I hoped he didn't notice me coming into work late. I asked Jessica to distract him while I clocked in, but maybe he had noticed anyway.

"I couldn't help but notice you were wincing earlier. Is everything alright?" I flinched and rolled my sleeve down. I was hoping nobody would notice. Emmett had most likely seen the bruises earlier, but he hadn't bothered to ask me about them. Sierra had asked about them, but I managed to convince her that they were just from me bumping into something at work. Which I guess was slightly accurate.

"I had an incident with someone at the diner," I muttered, frowning at the memory.

It was another late night at the diner, and I was the only employee left. Everyone else had either bailed or just didn't show up to work, period. I had stupidly decided to take overtime, because I needed the money to save for a house. Sierra and I couldn't stay with the Cullens forever.

There were only two customers left: Chief Swan, who was having a late night dinner, and some businessman who was visiting town for work. The diner's policy was that we couldn't close up until the last customer left. So I was forced to wait until they left.

"Hey, miss, come over here! I need a refill!" I took a deep breath as I picked up the coffeepot. Patience, Emerson. They'd leave eventually and I'd get to go home and see Sierra and then sleep. I forced a smile into my face as I approached his booth.

"My, aren't you a pretty one," the man slurred as I poured his coffee. He pulled a flask from his pocket and poured a dark brown liquid into the cup. I scowled at the scent.

"Don't go yet," he grinned as he put a hand on my thigh. I looked towards Chief Swan for help, but he had gone to the bathroom. I thought to call out to the manager, but I was paralyzed with fear.

"G-Get your hands off of me!" I hissed, trying to push him away. He glared at me as he jumped from his seat. His other hand flew towards my throat.

"You should have just been a good little girl. Maybe then I wouldn't have to do this." His breath reeked of black coffee and liquor. I choked as his hand tightened around my throat, while his other hand tugged at my skirt. I flinched as I heard an audible tear. I was going to have to sew that up.

"Let go of the girl!" I heard Chief Swan yell. I looked towards the bathrooms and sighed in relief as I saw Chief Swan, who had pulled his taser out. The businessman sneered and released his grip on my throat, but grabbed my arm instead. I coughed and took in deep breaths.

"Let me go!" I yelled, stomping on his foot. I poured the coffee over his head as I ran over to Chief Swan. I didn't even realize I was crying until he handed me a handkerchief after the guy left.

"Did you file a report with the chief?" Mr. Johnson asked after I finished the story. I shook my head and took a few deep breaths to calm myself.

"No, sir. I left. Chief Swan offered to escort me home, but I denied it. I didn't want to be a burden."

"I see… Well, you can take it easy today, Emma. Are you going to work again today?"

I knew he was talking about the diner and not here. I didn't want to work there again today, especially if there was a chance of that guy coming back. But I had to work today if Miss Diane was going to give me a cake for Sierra's birthday.

"Yes, sir. I clock out in an hour." Mr. Johnson frowned and awkwardly fiddled with some papers on his desk, his way of hinting that there was something he wanted to say, but didn't know how to put into words. I waited patiently for him to finish with the papers.

"With all due respect, Emma, I don't think you should go back there. At least not until the culprit is apprehended. From what I could tell from your story, your other boss either didn't notice or didn't care about the assault. I don't feel comfortable-"

"I'll be fine, Mr. Johnson. You don't need to worry about me. Can I go now? I don't want to leave Jessica alone with everything." Mr. Johnson frowned as he looked me up and down, but reluctantly let me go. I sighed in relief as I left his office.

I didn't get back home (or rather, back to the Cullen's house) until early Sunday morning. Thankfully that creep hadn't showed up, and I had a fairly peaceful day at work. Angela helped me pick out a cake for Sierra's birthday (though I had to lie a little bit about what the cake was for). I spent hours searching the town for a birthday present for Sierra until I eventually decided to go to Seattle, which is why I ended up coming back so late.

I yawned as I set Sierra's cake onto the dining room table. I sat at one of the fancy chairs and put my head on the table. I'd get Sierra's presents from the car in a bit...