Chapter Eight

First Date Redemption

Sean was spooning Emma as they snoozed and slept in a bit. Tangled in each other as the morning light escaped through the blinds of the guest room they spent the night in. Emma was first to wake up, she felt warm and safe and she didn't want to leave that bed. She was basking at the moment without moving and careful not to wake Sean who was deep in slumber. She figured they can wake up later. The sunlight encapsulated the room. The sheer memories of the night that passed felt all so overwhelming. She slept with the one person she had always pictured being her first. So much had happened in the past twenty-four or some odd hours it almost made her head spin. It was more than anything thrilling and almost how she pictured it sans a few details.

Sean and Emma went from friends to fake lovers, to real bonafide lovers all in a day. They still yet a lot to carve out, understand and speak on. Even though they did more than a little speaking the night before. She had no idea what to say to him also she wouldn't change a thing. Everything happened so fast and yet organically. She doesn't have a single regret. They did run before they even walked into their newfound fleet from just good friends to romance. She silently pondered to herself what was going on in Sean's head as he held her tight. She felt comfort in his embrace.

Last night after the deed was done, they talked for a few hours. About nothing and everything at once. Random bits of conversations, childhood memories, dreams, fears, even silly songs, and more. They were giddy and jubilant. They didn't pay any mind to the clock, it was late night or early morning. They discussed so much and learned so much about one another. Not necessarily about the formalities, but simply about themselves and their feelings. How it'd been a long time coming for them. He was very soft, caring, and sweet with her not that he ever wasn't it's amplified. Sweet kisses, kind affirmations, and declarations of feelings were happening through the night. Before they trailed to sleep but she couldn't help but swoon over how romantic it was in the grand scheme of things. They couldn't pretend anymore that things could ever go back to the way it was, it was as if they were anew. They couldn't pretend any of it didn't happen between them. Immense and mind-boggling and all so indescribable at the same time.

Emma could hear the chatter of the other people who also stayed the night talking in the kitchen. For all the hungover and sleepyheaded guests, Paige's caterers cooked up breakfast foods. Emma couldn't even think about food even though she hardly ate any of the epic spreads from last night. She was far too concentrated on Sean. She wondered what was going on in his head. This was huge news for Manny, she could only imagine what she'd have to say. She stretched her arm from under her head and managed to wake Sean who stirred a bit at first. She wasn't quite ready to rise, so she mimed that she was still asleep. He ran his hand down so he could pull her closer. Her body turned to face him and they both were all smiles as he whispered, "Good morning."

Looking in his direction she couldn't resist that face, or him in general. Emma wondered how she did for so long would be a mystery. She repeated the sentiment. "Good morning."

They lay there smiley and sentimental, they didn't have words to match their smiles. It made it all the more adorable between the pair. There was so much to do, so much to say and yet they couldn't stop gawking. It's funny how things work out, they thought to themselves. Sean was the one to break the ice and he asked, "Want to go to breakfast?"

"It sounds like Paige has something going downstairs," Emma answered.

He was implying he wanted something nice for the two of them, "I mean a diner kind of deal. Eggs? Pancakes? Belgian waffle? First date if you will, my treat?"

Piqued interest and unable to wash the smile on her face she accepted, "Of course. I'd love to." She hoped it would be better than their initial very first date a few years earlier. They both didn't want to go home even though they were far from dressed acceptable but it didn't matter to them.

Sean told her recollecting what she was wearing the night before in his head. Feeling the cold temperature that seemed to happen overnight. "I have an extra grey hoodie with your name on it if you'd like."

With breakfast plans set, they got up and got redressed in yesterday's clothing. They additionally decided to strip the bed. They helped each other out with the task. The couple waltzed down the stairs to leave. Paige's party was extravagant for not even a birthday, just because. It must've been nice. They were somewhat sorrowful for leaving the fun they had the night before behind them. Hopefully, they thought, Paige wouldn't be too upset about her guest bedroom's state. Paige offered in front of her other guests. "Won't you lovebirds have some coffee with us?"

A gaggle of people both familiar and unfamiliar gathered by the kitchen island. Paige, Hazel, and Jimmy were the people they recognized. They offered a polite yet hopeful smile despite the past between Jimmy and Sean. It was a rouse to get them to spill on details of the evening. The question on Paige's mind was how come they went upstairs quite early compared to the others. She could've wanted to get some cleanup crew help. Most likely the latter. The group was small and the house was huge it made sense.

Sean interjected, "Oh sorry, we actually have some other plans."

"Thank you for the offer." Emma waved to the group goodbye. She wondered to herself what was going to be discussed between them when they left. Paige and company sighed shaking their heads. They decided to do the rounds to clean up the big old mess the partygoers left.

It was good to leave when they did. Call it an impromptu or unplanned, their date was about to begin. Sean wasn't like Mr. Romance by any means but he wanted to make it special for the two of them. They played everything by ear and went to the local diner for some breakfast. In the car, the radio was playing but he lowered the volume to say. "You know, they needed a hand with cleanup, but I want to spend the day with you if that's okay with you."

Even in last night's dress and not looking her best she didn't mind the invite. "It is more than okay. I heard the diner on Pine is nice."

"Then we'll go there. To the diner on Pine, it is." Sean drove them and parked on the street since unfortunately there was no lot. It was a stone's throw from pretty much everything in town, Paige's was a bit out of the way but he'd never say no to good grub. He opened the door for Emma as if he were a chauffeur. He took her by the hand and they were being very tongue and cheek about it.

Sean ordered some over-easy eggs, toast and bacon, and sausage. Emma ordered some fruit parfait, a fresh fruit garnish, and a bagel with lox, and cream cheese.

"So after breakfast, let's take a ride."

Emma beamed. "Can we change first?"

"I got a better idea." She hesitated a moment, shaking her head no, and finally, he guided her to the storefront. "Trust me, my idea is better." They went inside the thrift shop next door and tried on various outfits. At first, they were having fun with the clothing in jest. Emma giggled when she saw a prom dress that was obviously from 1987. "Too formal for the occasion."

"Now that's a prom dress. Why don't you try it on?"

She threw her head back with a laugh as she said to Sean, "Spike Nelson called and said she wants her dress back."

As they continued to shop around, they found so much it felt a bit overwhelming. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing as they were both living in the moment. Some outfits were hideous, some were fun, some fit awkwardly while others were a good fit. Finally, Sean picked out a blazer for himself that he paired with a pair of jeans. Emma settled on a different kind of dress. It was a knee-length light blue hue it wouldn't be her first choice but it fit. She sought to cover up the spaghetti straps she opted for an old fleece-lined denim jacket. Together they both donned their newfound fashions for the day. After an impulse buy, they picked up some vintage ray bans that were a steal. They paid and left and ran to the car. Sean decided to put the top down, "I've always wanted to do this, but today's too beautiful not to."

Emma remembered that still had a hair tie around her wrist from the night before. She used it to put her hair up high so the heavy winds didn't blow her hair back in her face when driving fast. Emma didn't mind and was along for the ride and down for just about anything if it meant spending time with Sean. She would hate to admit the fact that she did dislike the way he drove; he goes a bit faster than she likes and drives stick. He could see how tense she gets when he goes fast so eventually, he'd silently slow down for her sake. He was a good driver most of the time. She'd hold on to the bar on her passenger side door to give her some relief. After all, she was still a bit under the weather from all the drinking the night before.

He decided to take her to his special place in Wasaga, a secluded remote bay with a beachy atmosphere. He used to go there to think and spend time with his close friends there. Before they arrived, they drove for a few hours and he gave her a little better introduction tour to the lay of the land. When they arrived they wasted no time and started making out then suddenly they were no longer alone. Emma jokingly questioned before the interruption, "Is where you take all your conquests?"

"No just you." Charmed a smile played on his lips before turning his attention back to her lips. He was honest with her when she held back from his kiss. "You're the first girl I brought here."

"Cameron?!" A small group of five recognized him. They were his friends from the neighborhood and school. Emma jumped frightened and saw them. Sean was calm and knew them well.

After the shooting and his staying around he and Tyler buried the hatchet. They became friendly with some maneuvering from his girlfriend and Sean's friend Camille. Everyone calls her Cami or Cam. There's also Bree whose real name is Sabrina who goes by Bree and Brina on occasion. Additionally, there's Bruce and Misty, a longtime girlfriend and boyfriend couple. Misty is Tyler's younger sister. For a while, Tyler was salty and angry with Sean for what transpired between them years ago. After Sean's near-death experience of drowning, Tyler and Sean then made peace.

Sean's attention diverted to them. He faced them and waved in a friendly manner, "Hi guys."

Emma stood up and advanced toward them and greeted them as Sean got up from the large rock they were seated upon. "I would like to introduce to you, Emma."

"Ah, the famous Emma. How are things over in Toronto?" Bree was the first to speak. She knew a lot about her from the stories Sean would share about his experiences and her name often came up. She knew about Ellie also but he didn't get a tattoo with her name. Bree was actually the artist behind the design, she's still an amateur. She's still practicing under apprenticeship. She wanted Sean to be her first client after the shop her father owns due to being good lifelong friends. The tattoo itself isn't perfect and all but the sentiment is there. She pulled Emma close to her in a friendly embrace and pulled away. "It's so great to meet you." She was happy to meet the girl that seemed to mean a lot to Sean.

"He said I was the first girl he'd taken to this place."

"Maybe he embellished the truth a bit."

"We're locals we know about everything and everywhere we've got loads of time on our hands. The beach is where the vacationers and tourists hang and we locals take what we can get."

Bree had long strawberry-blonde hair, she was tall and thin but athletic build. She dressed in simple jeans and a band tee and had a dark purple Jansport backpack on. She was friendly but so it seemed she had a tough demeanor. A little curvy but thin in stature. "I'm Bree by the way. That's what everyone calls me. My real name is Sabrina don't call me that."

"Like the witch?"

Her smile turned to a bitter grimace, "That's sort of my point. Everyone's reaction is ugh! I still don't know what my mother was thinking." She giggled at that. She had a sweet side: she was the mom friend of their little group.

Bruce had his arm around Misty, they put their other hands out for Emma to shake and introduce themselves to her. Bruce was a super tall lanky type of guy in build, he don't let his height scare people off. He was a teddy bear marshmallow on the inside with a big heart. He was strong and largely quiet despite his lengthy and muscular stature.

Then there was Misty. She was short and stout and had a tough exterior. She doesn't take shit from anyone. She has zero filters, Misty rarely thinks before something insulting comes out. Not to mention unpredictable. Bruce often has to soften her sharpened words to strangers. Misty although short-statured can scrap, she's like a secret weapon. No one ever messes with her. She's pretty though but wears far too much makeup for her age. She's a smoker in both senses. 420 friendly and smokes like a chimney and often chain smokes Newports with Menthol. She and Bruce were childhood sweethearts, much like Jay and Alex once were. They beat the odds and have been going on strong for almost 4 or almost 5 years off and on. They fight like you wouldn't believe, like an old married couple. They're known to say horrible shit they don't mean in anger. They make up rapidly as if their split or fight never happened. They break up just to make up. Brunette Misty is wearing a swimsuit under a plain white tee and cut-off shorts, "Bree may be a hugger but not me. I don't hug strangers."

"A handshake will do." Emma smiled and suggested uncomfortably and was a bit intimidated.

She settled for it.

Tyler simply was a man of few words with his affliction. He politely waved and acknowledged being the only friend to not in the most pleasant way to meet Emma.

Camille stepped forward and was beaming that she was the sweetheart of the group. She had raven-colored hair and dark brown eyes. She was very beautiful but it was evident she was somewhat shy and reserved with some low self-esteem. She and Misty were super tight. Due to their boyfriends being close friends and they balance each other out as best friends. Misty is hard to deal with. Cami seemed almost picture-perfect to Emma. She suffered a lot in her life and it doesn't show at first glance, though he was soft-spoken. She dressed nicely, she donned a light headband in her hair and matched well in her denim skirt and sky-blue tee. "I'm Cami."

"Nice to meet you. "

Bree marveled, "We heard quite a bit about you."

Camille added, "And you're really pretty and we aren't just saying it."

Emma thought to herself that she felt odd about the fact Sean kept them a big secret from her and most likely Ellie. They all seem great from the introduction. He had friends, more than he ever did at Degrassi right here in his hometown. She wondered why he'd leave them behind.

As Emma and the girls chatted, Sean dove into the conversation and catch up with Tyler. While Emma spent time with Bree and Camille as Misty and Bruce were joining Sean and Tyler. Misty is protective of Sean and doesn't know Emma aside from her stories.

"So that was the girl from the newspaper you rescued. Pretty. She seemed nice. You know, when you um were on the water ski it was her not-then girlfriend who practically dove in after you. She was quite concerned. Nice to see you found this girl. You seem happy dude."

"Pussy whipped if I ever saw it. I give them a month." Misty harshly assessed. It was mostly her protective nature coming out not wanting Sean's heart to be compromised. She heard the stories too but it takes a lot of her to trust people, especially new people.

"Oh stop being a pessimistic bitch, sis," Tyler said to his sister to not rain on Sean's parade. "Our friend is in love, ain't that right?"

"She's special to me. You don't have to like Emma Misty, just be cordial."

"Sean, you know I ain't fake."

"You don't have to be fake, I don't want you to be mean to her. She's been through a lot and she's nice, okay?"

"A little preppy and stuck up for you. It's good to see you though, Sean." She hugged Sean and smiled and then got rather serious in seconds. "I hate to be a bearer of bad news but I don't know if you know about your father, Scott."

He felt his blood boil in sheer worry. He felt cold and the normal color washed away. In a hushed tone questioned her immediately. "What about him?"

She quietly in a somber tone revealed, "Elaine told me that he is in hospice."

"What?" He sputtered in question. He was terrified he wanted to bolt to the house. What was he going to do about Emma? Sean didn't picture Emma meeting his folks that way.

"I heard the other night he got rushed to the hospital for pain and it turned out he has cirrhosis in his liver. His days are kind of numbered. Very touch and go. Machines and all were being brought into the house he was on a stretcher."

Sean swallowed hard and was emotional and shocked but tried to hide his feelings of upset. His friend Misty saw through it. He and his father had a rocky relationship. All Sean wanted was his love and for his father to be proud of him and his accomplishments. Misty sighed feeling bad that he was that far out of the loop. She also could infer it meant a lot to Sean judging by how he felt about his father. She offered compassionately. "You should contact your mom. She knows more."

The truth was his mom Elaine had frantically called the house. Unbeknownst to Sean, and was in touch with Tracker. It was all sudden. He made the trek to Wasaga Beach and barely made it on fumes. Sean felt guilty for it since he hadn't been home in almost two days.

"How did you find out?" Sean asked after a brief silence.

She grimaced knowing the severity of the sore subject. "Last night we saw a hospice-type nurse and an ambulance pull up to the trailer park to your parent's place." He felt awful that his mom was likely a nervous wreck.

"We weren't eavesdropping, it sort of happened," Tyler spoke. Misty and Tyler Bishop lived two doors down from the Camerons.

Bree offered before Sean and Emma left for Sean's parent's house. "Seanny, I'm having a fire at my house tonight, bring your girlfriend if you guys are still in town."