Decisions IV

Something felt wrong. Though she couldn't put her finger on it, Emmalee couldn't shake the feeling that something horrible was unfolding around her. Just two weeks ago her life had fallen apart and then been put back together, but now it seemed to be fraying around the edges yet again. The constant yo-yoing of emotions that her brain was receiving were driving her mad. One second she knew that she loved Nathaniel and that she only wanted to be with him, and the next thing she knew she was thinking once again of Kaleb and the security that he brought to the picture.

It was only a few days ago after finally picking up a call from Kaleb, that she found out the night she left him he had stayed over at work because a co-worker had been shot on the job and they needed the reinforcements. She felt like such a horrible person after he told her that she started crying. He pleaded with her then to take him back, but she hadn't been able to do it. Once again, Emmalee was at a loss as to what she truly wanted.

Talking to Kaleb again reminded her of why they had first gotten together. Yes, it had been a chance meeting, but he had taken to her despite being taken at the time. It had been a whirlwind romance in the beginning, and even though he worked all the time now, he had always been her rock. No matter what happened in their lives he had always tried to be there for her when she needed it the most. That more than anything else made her want to go back to him. She needed the comfort of someone like that, her dependable knight. Nathan said that he would always be there for her, but he was often hard to find, and often distracted once she did. Ever since he had told her his secret and she had confessed her want to be with him, he had changed.

All night long she had been trying to get ahold of Nathan. She needed to see him, to talk to him, but once again he wasn't answering his phone. So much for dependability, she thought to herself. Loneliness was creeping in around the edges of her thoughts, and she was desperately trying to get rid of it. The last thing she needed right now was that thought.

Finally giving in she picked up the phone to call Kaleb. She didn't know if he would be off work or not, chances were not, but she needed to try. To her surprise he was home.

"Kaleb? Can we talk?"

"Emma? Is that you?"

"Yeah, it's me. I'm feeling really confused right now. I need a shoulder to lean on. If anything for old times sake."

"Well what do you need to talk about? I might have to go to work soon."

"Oh... well... if you have to get ready for work I can leave you alone. We could talk some other time."

"No, it's alright. If the boss calls I'll just have to tell him no for once. I miss you, and we really do need to talk. But it needs to be in person, this over the phone crap gets old really quick. I'll be over in a few."

"Wait, I'll come over there ok? I need to get out of this house for awhile."

"Okay, that's fine. I'll see you soon"

Having got the phone call over with she felt better. Like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, he had been home, and he missed her. Words that she wasn't used to hearing. It brought a smile to her face. She missed him too.

After reaplying her make-up and brushing out her hair she grabbed her keys and walked out the door, bumping into Nathan as she did. Ignoring his presence for once, she locked the door behind her and walked down the block to her car.

"Hey Em. Do you want to do something tonight sweetheart? We could go get something to eat, or go dancing. Whatever you want, my treat." But she continued walking ignorning his questions. "Em, wait up! Answer me."

"Nathan, no. I don't want to do anything with you tonight, and don't call me sweetheart. Yes I left Kaleb, and I went out with you. Don't take this the wrong way either, I do like you, and no your secret doesn't bother me. But I need to rethink things. Plus we never did say we were together right?" At the she got in her car, started the ignition, and drove away. She quietly watched Nathan in the mirror looking taken aback, but she didn't feel as guilty as she thought she would.

The ride to Kaleb's was only ten minutes long, but it seemed to take forever. As she pulled into the drive, she saw that he was waiting for her on the porch. Something he hadn't done since he took the new job. Once again she was smiling. Rushing out of the car, she ran up to the porch to give him a hug.

"I'm sorry. I've been an idiot, but I still don't know what to think K. You being gone all the time was really getting to me, and I needed someone who would be there more. But I think I've realized that, you were there for me all the time and I-" Kaleb had slowly been pulling her into a tight embrace as she was rambling and finally ended it with a passionate kiss.

"Just stop talking for a minute." She wanted to say no, that she had came here to just talk, not be close to him like this, but her body screamed no. Furthering the kiss as she embraced him as well. It just felt right to be back in his arms.

"I love you. I always have, and if you feel obligated to your job, that's ok. I can take that. I realize now more than ever that I can."

"Em, stop. I know I wasn't there for you enough. And maybe I spoiled you when we got together years ago with how much time we got to spend together, but now things are a bit different. But I promise, I won't take as many overtime shifts as I have been and that if I do I'll let you know first instead of leaving you in the dark. That is... if you'll take me back"

Instead of answering him with a yes, she playfully pushed him back into the house and continued the kiss from where it had been left off before and shut the door behind them....