AN: Please, PLEASE leave me a review if you read this. Even if you don't like, just tell me what I can improve. It takes two seconds to comment and makes me a very happy person:D

Chapter Three: Faraway, So Close

"Sean, come and eat breakfast," his mother said as he slowly entered the room. She didn't notice his resolute face or his deliberate movements. "And later, could you pick up some groceries for me?"

"Mom," he began, but she continued to bustle around, ignoring him. "Mom I need to tell you something," he tried again, his voice stronger this time. She finally looked up.

"What, sweetie?" Mrs. Cameron patiently asked.

"I want to go home."

---

"So, Em, what are you doing tomorrow, or rather tonight? There's a new movie playing that looks interesting," Manny said.

"Sorry, but I can't. I have to go to a 'family dinner.' After the whole STD disaster, I can't really complain. Archie's taking me and mom out to some fancy new restaurant."

"Oh. But who am I gonna go with? I can't go to the movies alone."

"Why don't you call up Toby?" Emma playfully suggested.

"Yeah, right." The two cracked up.

"What about JT?" Emma said, more seriously. Despite the fact that he would always be a geek, at least he was slightly less embarrassing than their other guy friend.

"Good idea. Hold on," she said as she whipped out her cell. "Hey JT. This is Manny. You're coming to the movies tonight with me, mkay? Great. Bye," she said into her phone. "So, what were we talking about?" She turned back to Emma.

"You didn't even pretend to let him answer."

"Why bother? It's not like he has a choice," she said. Then she changed the subject to one she had been thinking about the night before. "So, have you heard from Sean lately?"

"No," Em answered shortly, no longer laughing. "The letters have stopped. He probably doesn't even think of me anymore."

"That is so not true," Manny exclaimed, sitting up. "Right now I bet he's wishing he was here with you right now."

"Thanks, but that's not going to work. Anyway, Ms. Nosy, how's your love life?"

"Nonexistent, of course. You know that."

"Yeah, but has anyone caught your eye? I hear there's a cute new guy."

"Nope. I'm not looking for a relationship right now," she lied. There was one she wanted but Craig had already made it quite clear he didn't feel the same way, not that that would stop her. Now that she heard Ashley was out of the picture...

Emma nodded. This was a depressing subject. She handed her best friend a spoon. "Ice cream?"

"Don't mind if I do."

---

"Sean, what are you talking about? Why do you want to leave? This is your home."

"Not any more."

"What happened? Are you okay?" Mrs. Cameron rushed toward him worriedly, but he fended her off.

"I'm fine. I just...want to go back. I miss them, mom. I miss everything. I don't belong here."

"Sean, honey," she started, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"Please?" he whispered, his voice cracking slightly. She looked away. Finally, after what seemed like eternity, she turned back toward him.

She slowly nodded her assent.

TBC