Emerson locked the door to her apartment, touching the lock 3 times as she always did. It's been a month since her episode at the clubhouse and now she was plagued with dreams of Angel. The crazy thing was, it felt so real and familiar. But she figured that's how dreams were from time to time. She did notice that Angel became much more present in her life. He came to see her often, picking up Leticia and riding alongside her before he took Letty home.
Elijah has been in Santo Padre for a month now, with no plans of leaving any time soon. It weirded her out. There were times Angel and Elijah were both at the bakery and they were very civil. Both men stayed in their respectful corners and watched every move she made, it drove her crazy.
Sitting down on her couch, she turned her television on. She needed to catch up on her shows, specifically the Punisher. It wasn't right how addictive Netflix was.
Just as her episode was starting, there was a knock on the door. She paused the episode, making her way towards the door. She looked through the peephole and closed her eyes.
"Damn it," she murmured.
Debating whether she should open the door, she remained quiet for a moment. She honestly did not want to deal with her younger sister tonight. The bakery was hectic due to the holiday season coming up in 2 weeks. All the orders were definitely appreciated.
Emerson opened the door. "Hey," she greeted her. "What are you doing here?"
"Decided to visit since you don't respond to text messages. How are you?" Sophia waited for Emerson to let her walk in. She didn't want to push her.
Emerson moved to the side to let her younger sister in. "Good, busy with the bakery."
"Holiday season," Sophia nodded her head. "Is Elijah around?"
"He's staying at Miguel's." Emerson offered for Elijah to stay at her apartment, she had two rooms, but he declined. She was almost certain that it was too small for him.
"I'm surprised he's not here with you." There was no bitterness in her voice which surprised Emerson. Usually whenever Emerson and Elijah were mentioned in the same sentence, her sister would have a fit.
"Sophia, you know whatever it was a few years ago with Elijah, it's done." Emerson sat on the couch once more debating if she should start the Punisher. She wasn't interested in a conversation with her sister.
"I know," Sophia's tone soften. "I'm sorry, for the way I acted. I should have been understanding to your situation."
"It's okay Sophia, for some odd reason, I understood." She patted the seat beside her. "Sit down."
"Angel isn't here?" Sophia was almost certain that Angel would worm his way back into Emerson's life. She never liked Angel. He was a waste of space and if there was someone that Sophia would waste her time on, it would be EZ. At least he had a future.
"Why would he be? How do you know Angel?" Emerson's eyebrows furrowed at her sister's question. Sophia has never met Angel. It didn't make sense.
"Elijah," Sophia played it smooth, cursing herself at forgetting what Elijah told her.
"She doesn't remember Angel, don't prompt her." Elijah had warned her.
"He mentions Angel to you?"
"Don't be dense Emmy, whoever is around you, Elijah cares about. He seems to be threatened by Angel." As much as Sophia didn't like Angel, she knew pushing Elijah towards her would be a moot point. She wasn't proud of her actions towards her sister, but Emerson got everything she wanted, even when she was disowned. How was that fair? But Sophia always realized that regardless of how she felt towards her sister, Emerson always treated her kindly. Though, Emerson was human and told her off a few times, but she deserved it.
Perfect Emerson always got everything and she reveled on the fact that Emerson became tainted when she decided to tell the family to fuck off. But at the same time, she still got praise, especially from their grandfather.
"Emerson is the strongest and bravest one out of all of my grandchildren. She doesn't rely on that silver spoon that she was born with. I may have helped her with that bakery, but it's all up to her whether or not it sinks or swim." Sophia recalled overhearing her grandfather tell her father. In some ways, she agreed with her grandfather, but she was certain even if Emerson fell, their grandfather would catch her.
She worked hard too, she didn't understand why her parents favored Emerson so much when she was the one that brought the most shame to the family. She refused to marry a family friend, whether arranged or not, out of respect for their family, she should have done it.
Then she remembered that Elijah gave her an out.
Elijah told Emerson that they didn't have to get married, that he understood her worries due to her lost memories and that he would respect whatever decision she made.
It infuriated Sophia. She would have gladly married Elijah, why didn't her parents marry her off?
"He has no reason to be threatened by Angel. Besides that, Elijah and I are just friends," Emerson pointed out.
"Maybe if you keep saying it, Elijah will eventually believe it." Sophia and Emerson laughed.
"You're taking this Elijah talk a little too well." She commented.
"I'm engaged."
Emerson's mouth dropped. "No way, to who?"
"Don't laugh, cause I know you will."
"It's Derek Ramos."
"What?! Derek? Elijah's cousin? Wow, how did that come about?" For once, Emerson felt as if she was talking to her sister, that their relationship was normal. She knew better than to actually believe that, but she could live in this world for a bit.
"We've been on and off for years, I figured it would be better for my sanity and our relationship if I gave up on Elijah. I know, it's not you, it's mostly him, but Derek finally swept me off my feet." Sophia wasn't lying. When Emerson's memories were still intact and she was with Angel, she tried her best to win Elijah over and no matter what she did, he wouldn't sway her way. Elijah always let her down the nicest way possible, but Sophia till took offense in it.
"That's great Sophia, Derek is a sweet guy." Emerson was happy for her younger sister, but she was still cautious. As much as Sophia stated that she was over it, there was a possibility she wasn't. It was precautionary matters. "What are you really doing here?"
"I just wanted to check on you, is that not an acceptable answer?"
"It is, but it's you Sophia. I'm sorry that I sound cynical, but we haven't had the best relationship, even after I left and broke off my engagement to Elijah." Emerson didn't want to lie to her younger sister. She realized that the best way to handle Sophia was to not let her have a way to twist and turn the story.
Sophia couldn't even be angry with Emerson's reaction to her. She hasn't been the best sister to Emerson, her weariness was completely understandable. Sophia would like to think she has become more mature and she was hoping to prove that to Emerson. Life was short and she wanted to repair her relationship with her sister before it was too late.
"You may not believe me, which I completely understand, but I just want to repair our relationship. My actions a few years ago were uncalled for and I always commended you for being as understanding as you've been. Though, I wouldn't blame you if you had slapped me." Sophia chuckled. "Emmy, you're my sister, regardless of how I felt about you when I was younger, I understood why our parents adored you the way they did."
"You know it was never a competition, at least not for me. I wasn't trying to impress our parents." Emerson never vied for their approval as much as Sophia did, but that was partly due to the fact that she always had it. She never tried to identify with Sophia regarding her displeasement with their parents, but she was understanding towards Sophia. Regardless of how Sophia felt about her, she was her younger sister and as an older sibling, she took care of her.
Sophia felt just like Angel did when it came to him and EZ.
Emerson froze then. "What?" She shook her head, unsure of why that thought came to her head.
"Emmy, are you okay?" Sophia scooted closer to her sister, noticing the confusion etched on her face.
"Sorry, I just had this sudden thought and I'm not sure why I did." Emerson frowned. Lately, Angel has been occupying her thoughts. Besides the fact he made his presence known, it was just odd for her how Angel kept popping into her mind. Her dreams were plague with him too, and she knew some dreams seemed real, but the ones that had Angel, they felt like forgotten memories. "Fuck," it hit her then. "I need you to be truthful with me, is Angel part of my past?"
Sophia looked at Emerson, unsure of what to tell her. She should be truthful, she owed Emerson that much. Her loyalties lied with Emerson, she didn't care if Elijah or her father advised her against reminding Emerson of her past with Angel Reyes. After what she did to try and hurt Emerson, she owed her for the rest of her life. She could never forgive herself for having a hand in Emerson's accident and eventual loss of memories.
"Angel is your ex-fiance. Dad and Elijah didn't want anyone to tell you since they wanted you to forget him. They figured that since you were a blank slate, they didn't have to worry about Angel ruining your life and you could marry Elijah instead." The truth hurts, especially for Elijah, but it was time that Sophia became a sister to her. Elijah never did anything for her, why should she help him?
Emerson couldn't believe this, how could they keep her in the dark? All these people have known her all this time and they never even bothered to tell her? Though she was certain that Angel has been dying to tell her, but he respected her privacy. She felt like an idiot. Everyone knew that she didn't have her memory yet, they never even tried telling her. Did Letty know? Well, she didn't care if Letty knew, she knew that as much of a blunt personality Letty was, she respected boundaries. Angel most likely asked her to not say anything.
But it was the reason that Angel knew her so well.
Emerson was cleaning up in the front while Letty was finishing up her poem that she was submitting tomorrow. It's been a week since the incident in the club and to say that Angel has been around was an understatement. She wasn't sure why he always was, but without a fail, he always kept a conversation with her and she honestly did not mind. Surprisingly, Angel was incredibly interesting to talk to, whenever he spoke, Emerson was enthralled. It was weird, but she really was.
"Emmy, where's Coco Jr.? She should be cleaning." Angel said as he walked in the bakery. He locked the door behind him, touching the lock thrice as she always did. "It's good discipline." She appreciated he caught on to that, but he was the only one to do it, not even Elijah did that for her.
"She's in my office finishing her poem." Emerson threw the rag in the bucket. She walked around the counter and took the tray that she would place all the dirty dishes in. There wasn't much, but she preferred to do it all in one trip.
"I got it," Angel took the tray from her, collecting the dishes. "Where's Greg? Cristal?" They were Emerson's other employees. They worked as often as Emerson, but they always seem to be gone by the way Angel got here. Greg and Cristal were Emerson's friend's way back when, when they heard she came back, they were ecstatic and respected his wishes regarding their past.
"They usually take the morning shift so I can stay with Letty till closing." Emerson explained. "You don't have to do that you know."
"Yes, well I'm offering and I don't do this often so feel special." He winked at her.
Emerson laughed. "I'm flattered really. Is that what you tell other women to make them feel special?" Emerson teased him.
"No, only you," the seriousness in his tone wiped Emerson's smile right off her face. What did she reply to that?
Emerson just nodded her head, as she began to sweep around the area. She felt Angel's eyes on her and she didn't want to turn around and become lost in them.
"Do you think I'm a player?"
His question made her turn around. "You're very popular with women."
"That wasn't my question."
"Does it matter what I think?"
"Yes, yes it does." Angel hated it when she teased him about other women. In their relationship he was devoted to her, maybe the last year and a half was difficult, but during the duration of their relationship, he never gave her the idea that he would stray. Sure, he was friendly, but he respected the boundaries Emerson set.
"Why does it?"
"Because it's you Teddy," Angel caught what he said and his eyes widened along with Emerson.
Emerson has never told anyone in Santo Padre that her middle name was Theodora.
Emerson Theodora Andres.
"What did you just call me?" Emerson questioned.
Angel was about to reply to her when they were interrupted by a knock on the door. They both looked that way and found Elijah. Angel has never been more thankful to see Elijah. As much as he wanted to tell her everything, it wasn't the right time.
"He called me Teddy." Emerson breathed out.
"He's the only person outside of our family that you had no problem with calling you Teddy." Sophia added.
"How, fuck," Emerson had her head in her hands. This was what Emerson feared, to meet people that was a part of her life that she had forgotten. When she was at home, she didn't have to worry about that, she knew everyone. But she always feared she would meet people who knew her and had no recollection of them. She had a life in Santo Padre and they hid it from her.
She was absolutely infuriated.
"How long was I with him?"
"Maybe about 4 years."
"I basically lost everything I shared with him. Oh my god," Emerson stood up then, the heaviness of the situation sleeping through. She didn't know what to think, everything was rapidly going through her mind. A headache was beginning to form and all she could do was pace. "I can't believe Elijah and dad! How can they keep this from me?!"
"Emmy, you know why they did it."
"How am I supposed to face him? This must be so difficult for him." Emerson paused, standing in front of her sister with a coffee table between them. "What do you mean we were engaged?"
"You broke off the engagement the night of your accident." Sophia shifted in her seat. "I think you should talk to him, it's much better if it comes from him."
Emerson wasn't sure if she wanted to talk to Angel. She was absolutely fine with moving on, with not having to deal with the memories she had forgotten. But now, it changed everything. Angel, most likely the whole M.C. knew her, and they accepted her with open arms. She owed Angel, she should talk to him, she just wasn't ready to do so.
Angel turned off his motorcycle and looked over at Elijah who was leaning against the hood of his car. He was surprised that Elijah contacted him. Since Elijah decided to stay in Santo Padre, Elijah has stayed away from him, only interacting when they saw one another at Emerson's shop.
He walked over to Elijah, the sleeves of his dress shirt already rolled to his elbow.
"What's going on?" Angel questioned.
"Emerson knows." Elijah wanted to get straight to the point. He didn't want to waste Angel's time.
"What do you mean she knows?"
"She knows about your past, to some extent."
"Sophia told her." Angel knew seeing Sophia a few nights ago wouldn't lead to anything good.
"How did you know?" Elijah questioned.
"I was outside of Emerson's place one night and I was going to talk to her, but Sophia came." Angel began to worry, not sure how much Sophia told Emerson. "How much does she know?"
"Just the basics," Elijah shoves his hands in his pockets. "She doesn't know about you and Sophia."
"I'm guessing she's not speaking to you." As much as Angel wanted to be smug about this, but he couldn't. If she remembered everything, he would be on her shitlist too, much more than Elijah.
"That's one way of putting it, she's just upset that I've decided to hide such a big part of her past," Elijah chuckled. "Specifically you. She felt that I betrayed her trust." He understood why Emerson was upset, he just wished Sophia kept her mouth shut, but he knew she was trying to make amends either. "It's just interesting that Sophia decided to not throw you under the bus, though I'm sure it has more to do with covering her own ass."
"Yep," Angel sighed. "I wanted to tell Emerson, I'm not happy that Sophia decided to open her mouth. Is this supposed to wash away her sins against her sister?"
"Sophia is getting married, she wanted to fix her relationship with Emerson before it's too late."
"She's leaving everything in my hands?"
"Of course she is, but never count Sophia out, she may still backstab you." Elijah advised.
"No doubt about that," Angel chuckled. "So why are you giving me a heads up? I figured you wouldn't want to help me."
"I always tell you, Reyes, I can accept defeat when I see it. Though you haven't won, I like it to be a even playing field. I'm just giving you a heads up that she knows, the ball is in your court."
"Is that so?" Angel smirked. "I think this might have been the biggest mistake for you."
"Well, I'm sure once you tell Emerson that you slept with her sister, the ball will be back in my court."