A/N: First of All, I want to sincerely apologize for the 8 month delay in updatin'. I have no excuse, except for time and a long bout of writer's block for this story I have been enterin' one-shot contests, workin' on three other WIP…and my daughter gave me my first granddaughter. But, I have narrowed it down to just the WIP and won't get myself into a situation like that again. Mara and Emmett have been screamin' at me to get back their story, and my muse is back with me.
Special thanks go to those of you that have stuck with me. I promise to do better for you by tryin' to update at least once a month. And a giant thanks to qjmom for her promptness in validatin'!
Disclaimer: Emmett and the rest of the Twilight characters belong to SM. Mara and Sheri are mine. No infringement is intended
So let's get back to findin' out how Mara and Emmett are doin'. When we last left them, Mara was havin' commitment issues.
Chapter14: Healing
After ending the phone call, Sheri and I sat talking quietly.
"You've made the right decision, sweetie," she said, leaning forward in her chair to take my hand. "I'm proud of you, and I know this therapist will help you. Before you know it, there will be wedding bells echoing throughout the Hollywood Hills."
"Promise me that you won't say anything to Emmett," I implored softly. "I'll tell him when the time is right."
"Alright," she replied. "But you know he has to know, right?"
I nodded just as heavy footsteps were heard in the foyer, coming in from the kitchen.
Emmett came into the living room, stopping to kiss Sheri's cheek before turning to me. He hesitated for a second before stepping over and bending to kiss me.
"Hey, babe," he murmured into my ear. "Did you miss me?"
"Always, baby," I replied with a smile as I touched his cheek.
Emmett's cell phone rang, and he stepped into the foyer to take the call.
"Well, I'm gonna head out, "Sheri announced as she stood and gathered up her purse. "James is waiting at the club to go over the new lighting system, and then he's taking me out to dinner at Spago. Will I see you at the recording studio tomorrow, Mara? Jasper wants to go over the titles we have so far for the new CD."
I stood and hugged her.
"Yeah, I'll be there. Thanks honey, for everything," I whispered.
Stepping back, holding me at arm's length, she looked deeply into my eyes.
"You need to tell Emmett what's going on, Mara" she said softly. "He needs to know, and you need to be the one to tell him. Don't let him find out from someone else."
I just smiled wanly at her. With a sigh, she left. Heading to the door, she waved over her shoulder and called, "Goodbye."
I heard her quiet goodbye to Emmett, her steps on the hardwood floor, and the front door close.
Emmett was closing his phone as he came back into the room. He sat in the leather recliner and looked at me for a long moment.
"Sweetness, what's wrong?" He asked quietly. "You were fine when I left you, and now I can see you've been crying."
"It's nothing, really," I replied, picking up my glass of SoCo and cream from the end table and taking a sip. "I was just talking to Sheri about what I've been feeling lately."
"And that made you cry? Made you start drinking so early in the day?" he queried, coming over and, squatting down in front of me. He took the glass from me and set it back on the table, and then he took my hands in his. "Why?"
"Because I'm hurting you," I whispered my voice cracking. "Because I'm being selfish…"
"Did she tell you that?" He asked in surprise.
My heart and mind both said, "Tell him, now."
"No, baby," I replied. "I know that I am because of the hurt I see in your eyes. But I'm gonna take care of it; seek help. I called Jake a while ago."
"Mara, he can't treat you," he said standing up, pulling me with him. "He's too close…like family."
"I know, Em," I replied. "That's why I called him for a recommendation. He gave me the number of Angela Cheney; I have an appointment with her next Wednesday. I don't want to keep feeling this way, Baby. I don't want to hurt you anymore."
He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close.
"There's only one thing that's hurting me," he whispered into my hair. "And that's knowing how bad you are hurting. I'm proud of you, babe. This is a big step you've taken."
"I love you so much, Em," I declared, burying my face into his chest. "I want to get back to the way we were. I'm sorry that I've brought this on us."
"Hey," he said, pulling back to look down into my face. "I knew things were going to be a bed of roses for us; thorns and stickers all along the way. But, it's what we learn from those thorns and stickers that count. They make the roses even sweeter."
"What did I ever do to deserve you?" I smiled and snuggled into his chest.
"Just lucky, I guess," he said teasingly.
"You're right," I agreed, reaching up to kiss him. "I'm very lucky indeed."
We spent a quiet evening, deciding to stay in and eat at home. Together we prepared a simple meal. Em grilled a couple of rib eye steaks while I prepared asparagus and a tossed salad. I had set the table, and was pouring us each a glass of cabernet sauvignon when Em brought the steaks in from the grill.
Sitting down to our simple meal, we spent a leisurely time enjoying each other's company.
"Did you like the script your dad showed you?" I asked, taking a bite of steak.
"Yeah, it's great," he replied, taking a sip of his wine. "Edward liked it, too. He said it was a good thing we got along or we'd probably end up killing each other. The brothers in the story really hate one another. We'll both have to act our asses off to make this one believable. Everyone knows how close we really are."
"So, is Cullen Studios gonna make this film?" I asked. "Do you and Edward want to do it?"
"Oh, hell yeah!" Em exclaimed excitedly. "They're the types of roles you can really sink your teeth into; perfect for us. Dad thinks it has the potential for Oscar consideration…if it's done right. Ed, Dad, and I will produce; with Dad directing and Edward and me starring. We all are really stoked for this venture."
"It sounds perfect for all of you," I said enthusiastically. "Where would you be filming?"
"That's the best part, sweetness," he explained excitedly. "The story takes place in 1940s LA. Dad's hoping to film it here. I'd be able to be home every night."
I grinned, and then tears started to fill my eyes.
"Oh, Em," I cried. "I was afraid you'd be going away again. I don't know if I could handle it…after what happened before."
"Mara, babe," he soothed, taking my hand across the table. "It will take six months to a year to get everything finalized. Maybe you should talk to Angela about these fears, too. There will be times that I'll be traveling to different locations, and I want you to be comfortable with it."
"Okay, baby," I said softly. "I'll talk to her about this. I meant it when I said I want to go back to like it was before the break-in. I want to feel carefree again."
He stood, walked around the table, and gathered me tightly to him.
"You will, sweetness," he murmured. "We'll get through this, I promise. Know, and believe, that I'll love you forever. I will always be here."
"I know, baby. I love you so much." I cried, wrapping my arms around his neck.
"Love you more, babe," he whispered just before his lips captured mine in a passion filled kiss.
After cleaning up the dishes and kitchen, we cuddled in the den, watching a bit of TV before deciding to go to bed. I was asleep shortly after my head hit the pillow.
Wednesday morning started out with Sheri and me heading off to the recording studio. After much debate, she, Jasper and I finally agreed on the songs for the new CD; two of which he had written. Torch had been well received, and people were asking for more. Sheri and I were ecstatic and looking forward to the new album. Jasper couldn't stop smiling. This was good for his studio, too.
After a short lunch, I found myself entering the waiting room of the office of Angela Cheney. I gave the receptionist my name. She immediately contacted the Dr. to announce my arrival.
"Dr. Cheney will see you right away," she said, hanging up the receiver and pointed to a door behind her desk. "Go right in."
The moment I stepped into her office, and clasped her hand, I knew this was the right thing to do.
She was a pretty woman, tall and slender, with large brown eyes and wavy brown hair that cascaded down her back and over her shoulders. The compassion shining in her eyes had me relaxing a bit.
"Hello, Mara," she said in a soft husky voice, smiling gently before releasing my hand. "I'm Angela. Please take a seat."
She gestured to a pair of comfortable-looking chairs that faced each other on the opposite side of the room from her desk. An end table sat next to one with a small pad and pen on it. I nervously sat, clutching my hobo bag tightly in my lap. For a moment, she studied me, and it was as if I could see the wheels turning in her mind. Then she spoke.
"I know you are nervous, Mara," she said gently, relaxing back into her chair with a small smile. "But I want you to know that I'm not here to judge you, only to try and help you with your issues. You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to."
I sat silently, tense, and staring down at my tightly clenched fingers.
"Why don't you start by telling me why you decided to seek professional help?" She asked softly. "What has you so anxious?"
"My best friend, Sheri, suggested it," I replied, still not looking at her. "She is worried about me because I've been so very confused and despondent lately."
"Do you want help, Mara?" She asked.
Again I was silent as I thought about what she'd asked. Then I looked up at her.
"Yes, Dr. Cheney, I do," I replied. "I don't want to disappoint and hurt those that I love with my indecisiveness, and I don't want to hurt anymore either. I'm afraid I'm gonna mess up everything in my life, again…just like always."
"Please, call me Angela, Mara." she spoke softly. "Now what makes you feel that way, Mara?"
"I started life out as an abandoned baby…" I started.
And so began a six-month round of weekly sessions with my therapist. Each week at two pm on Wednesday I unburdened myself of all my insecurities, fears and doubts to Angela. I told her about Brian and the loss of my baby. I told her about Sheri and James, and the family we had formed. I told her about Jane and the terror I felt. And, I told her about Emmett, and why I was afraid to marry him, that I didn't feel worthy of him.
At the end of those six months, Angela had helped me to realize that I was worthy, and to break through the insecurities, fears, and doubts that had held bound. I left her office that last day, walking with my head held high, feeling more free and happy than I ever had. And I had finally made my decision.
"Emmett!" I called happily as I ran into the house. "Em, where are you?"
He came out of the office, and I flew to him, throwing myself into his arms.
"I love you, baby. I love you so much," I cried, wrapping my arms around his neck, and kissing him excitedly.
"I love you, too, sweetness," he laughed, holding me tightly. "What's gotten you so giddy?"
"I think we need to call Sheri and Alice," I replied with a grin.
"Why?" he asked, leaning back from me; confusion and curiosity on his face.
"Because we have a wedding to plan," I said, cupping his cheek. "I'm sorry I've taken so long to agree; I do want to marry you, Emmett Dale McCarty, as soon as possible."
He took my face in his hands, and stared deeply into my eyes.
"Are you sure, babe?" he asked; hope beginning to shine in his eyes. "Absolutely sure?"
"Yes, baby, absolutely," I whispered, catching his mouth in a soft, loving kiss. "I've never been surer of anything in my life."
He deepened the kiss, holding me tight against his strong, muscular body; a body that was trembling with emotion. Stepping back, he had the biggest grin on his face, one that caused his dimples to deepen exponentially.
"Yesssss!" he shouted, picking me up and twirling me around, placing sweet kisses all over my face.
We stood there for a few moments, wrapped in each other's arms, sharing kisses, and murmuring words of love. He pulled back and looked down at me, tears filling his eyes.
"You have just made me the happiest man in the world, Mara," he whispered, taking my head in his hand and wiping the tears of joy from my cheeks.
"I'm glad, "I murmured, reaching up to kiss him again. "Thank you for loving me enough. You're a very special man, baby."
"It was worth the wait," he replied, taking my hand and leading me into the office.
"How soon do you want to do this?" I asked as we walked in.
He sat in his desk chair, pulling me onto his lap. I turned and straddled him, wrapping my arms around his neck.
"We'd better give Alice at least six months for planning," he said with a grin. You know she'll make this the wedding of the year, right?"
"Yes," I said with a sigh. "And knowing Sheri, she'll have lots to add. The two of them working together should be very interesting, to say the least. Think we'll survive?"
"I've been around Alice all my life, so I know to expect the unexpected." He chuckled. Then on a more serious note, added. "I'm glad she's already had the baby, because when she starts a project, she goes at it full throttle. She's a real whirlwind."
"Sheri is, too." I smiled.
"Do you have any particular date in mind?" He asked, picking up my hand and kissing the palm.
"When do you start filming the new movie?" I responded.
"We're shooting for the beginning of September, but there'll be a ton of prep work before then," he said. "Why?"
"Well, do you think you could take a couple of weeks off in June?" I inquired. "I've always wanted a June wedding."
"Anything you want, sweetness, I just want to get my ring on your finger" he replied. "I think Dad and Edward can handle the project for a couple of weeks."
"We're really gonna do this," I said, taking his face in my hands. "Thank you for being so patient with me. You're too good to me, Emmett Dale McCarty"
"I love you with everything in me," he whispered, leaning his head closer. "I would have waited for years, if I'd had to, but, thank God I didn't. You are the other half of me, babe. I couldn't function anymore without you."
And then he kissed me, and I could feel all the love he had for me. I hoped that he could feel my undying love for him, too.
When we broke, he reached over me, to the desk top, and picked up the receiver on the land line phone. He placed a three-way call to Sheri and Alice, and then turned the speaker on. He pulled me against him, and squeezed my hand as we waited for the call to go through.
"Hi, Em," Alice chirped as Sheri picked up on her end.
"Hey, you," Sheri said. "What's up?"
"Well…" I started.
A/N: Finally Mara, with Angela's help, has resolved her issues. Now we can look forward to a spectacular wedding in the near future.
Again, PLEASE REVIEW. Let me know what you think. I hope I still have some readers.
Story recs:
Second Chance—by Louise Clark
Rm w/a Vu—by angelgoddess1981
Hugs, Ellen xxx