Chapter 5

The ride back to the Professors house was too quiet. None of them knew what to say. Emmy and Luke sat looking through the windows, whilst the Professor concentrated on driving. It was only a short distance they were travelling but the journey felt like it was lasting an eternity. It was only when they reach their destination that the silence was broken, by a loud growl emanating from Luke's stomach. Emmy couldn't help but laugh, typical that it was Luke's hunger which broke the uncomfortable silence.

"uhh I'm so hungry! How long will dinner take?" the boy said rubbing his stomach as he got out the car. The professor smiled fondly as he locked the car and made his way to the front door. Emmy waited for Luke to follow before she made her way nervously up the path. Once inside she stood watching them. The professor removed his hat and hung up his coat and Luke kicked his shoes off and disappeared into the kitchen.

"I'll get dinner started, why don't you and Emmy go into the living room?" the professor told Luke who then took Emmy by the arm pulling her into the room. He seemed eager to sit and chat with her, genuinely enjoying her company.

"ok ok Luke no need to pull me, I'm coming" Emmy half laughed, following Luke. She sat herself in the chair by the fire place, watching Luke. Curiously he shut the door quietly, listening to see if the professor was coming.

"Luke, what are you doing?" she asked bemused, watching his straining to hear. After a few moments he stood straight, a big grin spreading over his face before he ran and launched himself over the back of the sofa, landing in a stretched out position on the big squashy cushion. Emmy Burst out laughing, Luke acted more grown up around the professor and she finally realised that he was breaking a rule doing this. He was laughing too as he hauled himself up twisting so he was sat properly.

"The professor tells me off when I do that . . .so I doing when he's not here" Luke grinned. "You won't tell him will you" he asked knowing that she wouldn't. In response Emmy placed a slender finger on her lips giving his a quick wink, making them both laugh again. She loved it when Luke acted more like a child, he seemed so happy when he did. Not that he wasn't happy anyway. His eagerness to learn from the professor was heart-warming. Watching them together solving puzzles and cracking intriguing cases made Emmy happy she took the job as his assistant. After what felt like about half an hour, the professor came to tell them dinner was ready. Luke jumped up, eager to eat still laughing at the conversation he and Emmy had been having.

"Luke wash up before you eat, m'boy" the professor called after the boy as he scurried out the room. Emmy was still smiling when she got up to go to the kitchen. She felt the tension return slightly now it was just her and the professor. He still didn't seem to feel the awkwardness between them which slightly unnerved her. He smiles as she walked past him, placing a hand on her shoulder lightly as he did. The soft touch sent shivers down her spine, and she hoped he didn't notice. Before either could say anything, Luke footsteps began clattering down the stairs. He had small spots of water on his blue sweater when the tap had splashed. He grinned at them before trying to usher them into the kitchen for dinner. The professor laughed at Luke's antics waving his hands franticly trying to make them hurry.

"You'd think he hadn't eaten in a week! Are you sure you're feeding him professor?" Emmy joked as she let herself be steered towards the table. She managed to lighten the mood between them as they all laughed. Soon enough they were eating the meal the professor had prepared from them in silence, with only the sound of cutlery grazing china permeating the air. Once the meal was finished Emmy helped out cleaning up the dishes, whilst Luke sat at the table chatting to them, about anything and everything, oblivious to the awkwardness between the two adults.

They retired to the living room, Luke with a hot chocolate, Emmy and the Professor a glass of red wine each. As the evening drew on, it came apparently Luke was tired. He sat there trying desperately to keep his eyes from closing and eventually excused himself to go to bed. He gave Emmy a hug before slowly trudging up stairs. It was funny, how a small act like this warmed her heart. She hadn't felt like anyone cared for a long time, she didn't speak to her parent, she was an only child. In the way of friends she didn't have many, and took great comfort in the friendship she had with Luke.

She and the professor carried on the conversation until the things to say ran out. She didn't know what to say, so instead she decided she should leave.

"I better get going professor, I've really enjoyed this evening"

She cringed as she realised how scripted that sounded, not sincere at all.

"Oh, Ok then"

He sounded disappointed which made Emmy feel awful. She stood and made her way to the door. She could hear him follow her out into the hallway where she felt his eyes watching her every movement. Emmy turned to say good bye and thank the professor for his hospitality. Before she could say anything he made a sudden movement. The professor stepped forwards letting his hand brush Emmy's cheek before pulling her forwards, placing his lips upon hers.