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Chapter Two

The next morning Sid sat at the Father's kichen table drinking a cup of tea. It was early. He had promised Father Brown that he would see to some handyman jobs around the church. Changing lighbulbs and unclogging sinks. Wasn't a glamorous job, but he was thankful for the work. It kept his mind busy.

Though this morning all he was able to think about was the blonde girl from yesterday. Well, maybe she wasn't a girl, but not yet a woman either it seemed.

"Good morning, Sid." Father Brown said as he sat beside him.

"Morning Father."

"Is there something on your mind? Only you seem preoccupied." the Father asked.

Sid swallowed the last of his tea, and sat his mug down on the table with a thud.

"Emily Kent. I met her yesterday."

Father Brown shook his head knowingly. "I see. Sad story I'm afraid."

"Yeah, I got that feeling." Sid drummed his fingers on the table. "She's not from around here, is she?"

"Her father, Jasper was born and raised in Kembleford. He met her mother, Nancy while on holiday in America. They married and she moved here. He took a post as the reverend for our Methodist church. They moved back to America three years later before Emily was born. She was raised there." Father Brown explained.

"So, why'd they move back to Kembleford?" Sid asked.

"Nancy passed away. Rather suddenly, I believe. I guess they just needed a change of scenery."

"Well, it didn't last long, now did it?"

"No. Poor Jasper had a heart attack only a few months after they arrived. He was a friend, and I must confess I didn't get to spend that much time with him after his arrival."

"I'm sorry." Sid offered genuinely.

"He's at peace."

"Well, Emily sure isn't. I think she's still having a rough time of it, poor girl."

"It has been hard for her." The Father agreed, "Perhaps she needs a friend."

Sid laughed, "Me?"

"Why not? You've both been trough a lot. Maybe you could help each other."

"I doubt it, Father." Sid scoffed.

"Why?"

Sid rose from the table and grabbed his tool bag. "We didn't exactly get off on the right foot. Plus...she's a reverend's daughter and I'm...me. We wouldn't mix well, Father. Trust me." Sid lit up a cigarette.

Sid turned and walked out before the Father had a chance to respond. He had a feeling Sid was already in over his head when it came to Miss Emily Kent. With that in mind Father Brown decided he would pay a visit to the young lady later today.

Mrs. McCarthy entered the kitchen, "Now, where has he gone?"

"To finish his work I expect."

"Oh. Well I found some shirts of my Frank's that I thought might fit him. He has filled out a lot since his time...away. They're like new. Frank never liked my style much, I suppose. I think they'll suit Sidney." she said as she sat a box down.

"That was very kind of you Mrs. McCarthy." Father Brown remarked.

"Oh. It was no bother. Besides, the boy hasn't had anything new in ages. His clothes are basically rags."

Father Brown smiled at her lack of filter.

"The 'boy' is no longer a boy anymore. And I think...I think we may have missed that somewhere along the way." The Father mused.

"Sure an he's a grown man now, our Sidney." Mrs. M made a sad face. "We missed a year of his life, Father. We were robbed."

"Yes, we were. So was he. He deserves to be happy again." he said.

They sat in silence until finally, Mrs M began to show Father Brown the shirts she had collected for Sidney.

That afternoon Father Brown called on Emily. She smiled and lead him to a chair in front of the window to wait for tea.

"How are you?" he asked.

"I'm surviving." she answered honestly.

"Do you plan on staying in Kembleford? I do hope so."

"I do. This is where my dad wanted to be, and I have nothing left to go back to anymore. This is my home."

"Have you made any friends?" he asked.

Sid flashed into her mind, but she wasn't sure why. "No, not really. I haven't been getting out much."

"I think you've met a friend of mine. Sidney Carter?"

"Sid! Yes, we met briefly yesterday." she smiled. "But I'm afraid I was awfully rude."

"I wouldn't worry about that. Sid has thick skin." Father Brown smiled. "You're always welcome at St. Mary's."

"I'm not Catholic, Father Brown. You know that." she chuckled.

"You're still always welcome." he patted her hand. "In fact, why don't you join Mrs. McCarthy and I for dinner tonight?"

She paused, "Oh, I don't know Father."

"Please. It will be nice to have some young blood at the table." he joked.

She took a sip of her tea and tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Oh all right." She flashed him a brilliant smile.

"Seven?"

"Sounds good."

Emily saw the Father out a little while later. As soon as she shut the door she was nervous. She didn't socialize these days. The happy, and full of life person she had been before was now gone. She had come to terms with that, but she had to admit it was lonely. She missed her dad. She missed him like crazy.

It's just dinner, Em.

On his bike ride home Father Brown pondered how Emily was able to survive this long on her own with seemingly no income. Mrs. McCarthy heard that Nancy was richer than the whole town of Kembleford, but he didn't like to listen to gossip. Sadly, he hadn't had a chance to really reconnect with Jasper. Tears sprang in his eyes. He regretted that.

To his delight Sid was still hanging around the prespretary, and he invited him to dinner as well. Though, these days Sid usually didn't show even after accepting so time would tell. He informed Mrs. M that they would be having two dinner guests.

"What are you up to Father?" she asked suspiciously.

"Nothing! Emily is all alone in that house and she needs some company. It's the Christian thing to do. We usually invite Sid, so that's nothing new."

"I hope you aren't playing matchmaker." she eyed him.

"Of course not! Even if I was, you know Sid."

"That I do, and too well."

That evening Father Brown, Mrs. M, and Sid all sat down at the table. It was seven sharp and no sign of Emily. Sid poured everyone their drinks, then there was a knock at the door.

"Sid, would you get that please?" the Father asked.

He didn't know who he was expecting to see on the other side of that door, but it sure wasn't Emily Kent. There she was however, with her golden-blonde curls fashioned into a bun on the top of her head and tied neatly with a emerald green ribbon. Little curls had escaped and framed her face.

Sid was frozen. And suddenly glad he was wearing one of the nice shirts Mrs. M had just given him.

"Hello, Sid." she said quietly.

"I, uh...Hello." he managed to get out.

"May I come in? Father Brown is expecting me."

"Sure- of course!"

He opened the door wider and as she passed by him he once again smelled her hair. Only, tonight she was also wearing perfume. A vanilla scent and Sid swore maybe cinnamon. He had the urge to bury his face into her curls and get lost forever.

Snap out of it Sidney!

"Emily!" Father Brown welcomed her, "Have a seat. Sid was just pouring us a drink."

"Thank you, Father. Hello Mrs. McCarthy."

"Hello, dear." she answered.

"I brought you some freshly baked bread. Where should I put it?" Emily asked.

"Oh, that was very kind of you. Here, put it on the table and we shall enjoy it with dinner." Mrs. M said.

Emily took her seat next to an empty chair which she assumed was for Sid. He still hadn't made it back into the kitchen yet, and she wondered if he was upset that she was here. They didn't get off to a good start. She hoped he didn't hold it against her.

"That is a lovely dress you're wearing." Mrs. McCarthy remarked as Sid entered the room and finally took his seat.

"Thank you. It is one of my favorites. I don't get to wear it very much anymore." she shrugged.

"You should." Sid said and then looked up. He didn't mean to say that out loud.

He opened his mouth to defend what he said but she spoke first.

"Thank you, Sid."

The dress was green and hit just below the knee with a gold trim. Very simple, but elegant. Sid thought it brought out the green in her eyes beautifully. He was glad he showed up tonight. The dinner went well and all too soon it was over.

"Thank you all for tonight. I had a great time. It was nice to get out of the house."

"Well, you should more often rather than being cooped up by yourself!" Mrs. M said.

"I'm not alone. I have the staff, but yes I see your point. Goodnight all." Emily said sweetly. She had one foot out the door when Father Brown called.

"Wait! It's after dark. Why don't you let Sid walk you home?"

"Oh. No, I couldn't impose. Besides, what could happen in Kembleford?" she teased.

Sid and the Father exchanged glances.

"Right. You're not imposing. Let's go." Sid grabbed his jacket and ushered her out the door.

"She's a sweet girl. Quiet, but sweet." Mrs. M said. "And that bread was edible."

"She is sweet, and that's high praise coming from you." Father Brown agreed.

It was a clear Kembleford night. Warm, and the stars and moon were bright. Emily's house was a ways outside of the town, and Sid was glad for the chance to spend time with her. Any other girl and he would've already had what he wanted, but maybe he'd changed.

In fact he knew he had.

"I'm sorry." Sid said as they walked.

"About what?" she asked.

"Yesterday. Really I was poking around and it was none of my business."

"It's fine, Sid. I'm not mad. Actually, I'm sorry too."

"For what? You didn't do anything."

"I was angry, and I took it out on you." she said.

She turned those green eyes on him, and even in only starlight he could see them shine. This girl. Why did she have such a hold on him? Maybe he just desired the unattainable.

"I say we just start over. Sidney Carter. Good to meet you." he stuck out his hand.

"Emily Kent." she grasped his hand, and it felt like she was squeezing his heart.

He didn't let go. Instead he smoothed his thumb over her hand sending butterflies into Emily's chest. She was attracted to him, she could admit it. Maybe it was the "bad boy" thing that he pulled off without trying. Maybe it was because she was so lonely...She didn't know.

They kept walking and after a while of holding her hand Sid let it go. She could see her house up ahead. Sid walked her to the door.

"Nice place." he remarked.

"Thank you." she said, "And thank you for walking me home."

"It was my genuine pleasure."

"Goodnight, Sidney Carter."

"Goodnight." he whispered as she shut the door.

This was no good at all. No sooner was the door shut than he was thinking of when he would see her again.

You got it bad old boy.

Raise your hand if you LOVE Sid! :)

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