Chapter Six

She hoped to sneak into her house unnoticed, but she knew that was unlikely to happen so she steeled herself for the chastisement she knew was coming.

"Miss Emily?" Percy stopped her at the door.

"Good morning, Percy."

"Where were you? We were all very worried."

"Percy, I'm not a child. I was with a friend." she smiled reassuringly at him.

She patted his shoulder and took her fruits into the kitchen. Percy made up his mind about that vagrant Sid Carter when first he saw him, and anything Emily said would not sway his opinion. Knowing she was with him made him sick.

That afternoon Emily breezed out of the house in blue jean shorts and a red button down shirt that tied on the side. Her hair was in a ponytail that she braided. She was meeting Sid at his caravan, and she planned to ask him about prison. First off, before she lost her nerve.

Sid was already there when she rode up. She leaned her bike against the caravan and waited for him to come out. She figured he was cleaning up after work. She knew she figured right when he emerged with wet hair from inside.

"Hey, when did you sneak up?" he asked.

"A few minutes ago."

He stepped towards her for a kiss, but she stepped away.

"Sidney, I have a quesion."

"Okay..." his brow furrowed with concern

"Have you been to prison? Is that why you weren't in Kembleford when I first moved here?" She figited with her hands while she spoke.

"Who told you?"

"So it's true?" Her voice was steady. A lot more steady than she felt.

"Yes. It's true." He couldn't lie.

"Why?"

"It was false charges, Em-"

"No! Why didn't you tell me? I opened up to you, Sid. I told you things that I have never told anyone about my past."

"I'm sorry. I just...It's something I'd rather forget. I hate thinking about it, talking about it."

"I hate talking about what I shared with you too."

They were both silent. Time seemed to swallow them up as minutes went by with neither one of them saying a word. She didn't move, and neither did he. He looked at the ground, hoping he hadn't ruined the best thing he ever had.

After some time he made his way closer and picked up her hand.

"Will you forgive me?" he brought her hand to his chest.

She looked at him. "Yes. Can we talk about it now?"

"Yes. Of course we can. I was arrested and convicted on false charges. I got out after serving a year. Father Brown helped me prove the charges were false and the real suspect was arrested. And now...I've been trying to piece my life back together."

He tilted her face up towards his, "And having you here has given my life so much more meaning."

She reached up and touched his cheek, his scruff tickled her palm. He still held her hand and began walking backwards towards the caravan. She followed him without a word as they climbed inside. The sunset cast a red glow inside the caravan.

His fingers trailed down her neck and along her collar bone. His fingers were expert in their task.

"There's somethin' else I gotta tell you, Em."

What?" she asked breathlessly.

"I love you." Sid confessed.

With trembling lips she whispered, "I love you too."

Sid!

Sorry to leave you hanging, but I promise we will pick up where we left off ;)

Is anybody even reading this?

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