Chapter 18: Just like before

                                    

                                          
Emma sighed as she settled down at her table and pulling out her phone. She still had plenty of time before Elina would arrive, and just as she was getting lost in her thoughts, Sam's call lit up her screen. She answered, seeing him on the other side, busy with something.
"Hey!" Sam greeted, adjusting his phone. Emma pouted slightly as she replied, "Hm..."
Sam noticed her expression and frowned. "What's with that sulky face?" he asked, taking a seat. Emma took a deep breath, hesitating before she spoke. "It's... something else," she murmured, while Sam listened carefully. Emma looked down, recalling the events of the previous night.
Flashback to Last Night
Emma's point of view
I was passing by when I overheard Mom talking with Aunt Jiya.
"But I'm fine now," I heard Mom say.
I was about to walk in to greet Aunt Jiya, but something made me pause outside the door as their conversation continued.
"That's great, Elina. It really is. But I just want you to clear things up with Kevin when you feel ready. Otherwise, the same thing that happened years ago might happen again," Aunt Jiya advised.
I frowned, trying to recall the name Kevin. It sounded familiar, like I'd heard it before.
"I'll think about it. But right now, I have Emma's responsibility, and I can't just... you know," Mom's voice came again, and suddenly it clicked. The name Kevin—it was Sam's uncle whom we met during aunt Jiya's wedding. I stood there silently, feeling a mix of emotions. I never wanted this to happen...
I sighed and walked away to my room, lost in my thoughts.
Flashback over
Emma sighed as she finished recounting the story to Sam. "I don't know, Sam, it just feels wrong. I'm just her niece, and she has to sacrifice so much for me," she said, her voice tinged with guilt.
She deliberately left out the part about his uncle, Kevin, not wanting him to dig deeper into it.
Sam nodded, trying to comfort her. "I get you, Emma. But it could've been something else. We don't know everything, and you can't take all the blame on yourself," he reasoned.
"But Sam, you can't deny that her life would've been far better if she didn't have my responsibility," Emma said, her voice tinged with frustration.
Sam spoke gently, "Emma, does it really matter to think about what could've happened when you have her with you right now? She might have her problems—everyone does—but you didn't even hear their conversation from the beginning. Don't overthink it or jump to conclusions."
Emma nodded slightly, trying to take in his words.
Sam continued, "I know it must be hard for you, but don't worry, she'll be fine," he assured her.
Emma nodded slightly, feeling a bit more reassured. "I hope so too..." she whispered, and a brief silence settled between them.
Sam then changed the topic, "By the way, you were going to tell me some news, I suppose?"
Emma frowned, trying to remember, and then her eyes lit up. "Oh yes, I remember now!" she exclaimed. "So there's this reality show in Brindlewood, and I've been selected. Everyone says it's pretty prestigious," she shared, excitement in her voice.
Sam's eyes widened in surprise. "No way, Emma!" he exclaimed.
Emma grinned, "Did you watch it?"
Sam shook his head, "No, but I've been selected for the show too!" he exclaimed, making Emma gasp.