Emma's P.O.V

My mom pulls up in front of the house and I get out of the car. I walk to the front door and search under everything to find a spare key. Finally, I find it under a flowerpot.

Unlocking the door, I let my mom and myself in. She gives me a questioning glance but doesn't say anything. I quietly tell her to go and sit in the living room. She nods and I shut the door.

Walking up the stairs, I stop at the top. After a moment I walk down the hallway for the third time. I stop at her door and crack it open to peer through it.

She's awake now, and in pajamas. A book is in her hands, her glasses are on, and the blanket is pulled up to her waist. Taking a deep breath, I push the door open.

Ms. Mills looks over and gives me a curious look. I hold the key up before setting it on her nightstand. Her brown eyes regard me curiously as she sets aside her book.

I watch her draw her legs up to her chest before patting the foot of her bed. I sit down, not looking at her. "Can my mom and I stay here tonight?" my voice is quiet. I finally shift my eyes up and look at her.

"Why?" she asks, her eyebrows pulling down. I'm too exhausted to explain. I notice a large flat screen t.v against the other wall.

"Turn the news on." I tell her, my voice barely above a whisper. She gives me a look, but does it anyways. Ms. Mills watches with small gasps, a perfect manicured hand covers her mouth as she shuts the television off.

Then my mother walks in and Ms. Mills looks between us. My mother has a smile on her face, while Ms. Mills looks really confused. She shakes her head as if clearing her head. "Mary Margret? You're Emma's mother?" Ms. Mills asks. My mother giggles.

"Yes and no." she replies, looking away from my teacher and at me. I know what she's asking. She wants permission to tell Ms. Mills my story. I nod, looking anywhere but at Ms. Mills.

"I'm going to go and get a drink." I say quietly. My mom nods and from the corner of my eye I see Ms. Mills frown, but nod shortly.

I stand up and my mom takes my place. Walking out of the bedroom, I stop in the hallway. There aren't any pictures on the walls, only plain beige walls.

I stop at the top of the stairs, trying to remember my way to the kitchen. Finally, after a moment of thought, I remember.

Making my way down the stairs and to the kitchen I look in the cupboards for a glass.

Finally, I find them and walk over to the sink. Filling the cup with water, I lean against the counter, sipping it.

The house looks different in the dark... more serene. I shrug and sit down, letting the emotions from the day wash over me.