Chapter 16- Emma

I was sitting on the beach with my feet in the water. Cole was still with his friends for his birthday since he wasn't expecting me to be home until later but I got off early. I had been trying to avoid the beach since running into Galen but I couldn't help it. The ocean was calling to me, drawing me to it and making my body ache for it. Putting just my feet in wasn't enough and I was tempted to go in further but I didn't dare. I sighed as my thoughts wandered to Galen. I thought I could sense him somewhere far in the distance but I couldn't tell for sure. I'm probably just imagining it. I sighed again and laid down and closed my eyes, keeping my feet in the water. The pulse started getting stronger so I withdrew my feet from the water but otherwise didn't move. A moment later I heard someone come out of the water and opened my eyes, looking up.

"Hello Emma." Galen, of course. He sat next to me but not too close.

"Galen. What are you doing here?"

He shrugged. "Was just going for a swim and decided to stop by to wish Cora a happy birthday."

"So why are you here sitting on the beach when you should be heading to George's house then?"

He shrugged again. "Figured I would stop and chat for a moment."

"You should go." I don't want to go.

He frowned. "Fine." He got up. "Bye Emma." He seemed sad, like he wanted to stay as much as I wanted him to stay. He started walking away.

I got up, I couldn't help myself. "Galen!"

He paused and turned. "Yes Emma?"

I didn't know what to do. I was frozen in place, torn, wanting to go to him but afraid to. "I...I…" I didn't even know what to say.

He walked back over to me, standing in front of me. "You what?"

It would be so easy for me to just kiss him right now. I shook my head and took a step back. "Nothing."

He stepped closer. "It's not nothing Emma, I can tell. What is it?"

I gave him a look that said to drop it and took another step back. "I said nothing Galen. Go." I was about ankle deep in the water.

He took another step towards me and I felt a jolt as he stepped into the water. "Emma…" His tone was longing. "Do you really want me to go?"

"I…" I couldn't speak. He was closer now. So close we were almost touching. I couldn't resist much longer.

He slowly and hesitantly reached out and brushed his fingertips against my arm. He spoke quietly. "I miss you…"

That was all it took for me to give in and I threw my arms around his neck. "I miss you too…"

He wrapped his arms around me and held me close. "Oh Emma…" He went to kiss me.

I pulled away. "Galen...don't...this doesn't change anything. Things just don't work between us…" I stepped away from him. "You should go."

He looked hurt. Really hurt. "O-okay…" He hesitated for a moment before turning and quickly leaving. I started crying the moment he was out of sight.