=Then=
"Why aren't you at the party?"
Mrs Cullen's voice startled Emmett. The dean had allowed the students to throw a going away party for Christmas but Emmett preferred sitting by himself in the corridor.
"Oh. Uh I'm not going home so I'm not really feeling like partying with the others."
She frowned so he explained. "My parents decided to go on a vacation in Europe. They don't really trust my staying home alone…"
Somehow, saying this was embarrassing. Emmett didn't want her to see him as a boy, as a child. "So… yeah..."
"It's sad. I'm sure they could trust you. You seem to be a good boy."
Yeah… a good boy. He bitterly thought. He was 16 and his father was already referring to him as a man. But she was seeing him as a boy.
They stayed together in the corridors. He enjoyed her company and hoped that she did his.
They could hear the pulse of the music from their positions.
Emmett could feel Mrs Cullen's hand next to his and he was itching to touch it.
Footsteps were heard and she suddenly got up. "I'd better get going."
"'Kay."
"Bye..."
"Emmett. I'm Emmett."
"Emmett." She repeated with a smile. "I'll see around then."
He liked the way his name sounded coming out of her lips.
When he went to sleep, he was no longer sorrowful to stay in Forks for the holidays.
A.N.
Thank you for reading.