Though Nia was fidgeting in Emery's hold, she allowed herself to be dragged along the hallways, smuggling through the few crowds filling the hallway. She hadn’t uttered a word or questioned where she was being taken, though curiosity gnawed at her.
As they walked out of the school gates, Emery waved an approaching taxi to a stop. At that instant, Nia's panic surged.
"Hey," she muttered as Emery opened the door for her. "Where are you taking me?" she inquired, attempting to sound forceful but was gently pushed into her seat. She received no reply. Her eyes tracked him through the rear windshield as he hurried to the other side, disbelief etched across her face.
A scoff escaped her lips as she watched Emery settle into his seat, but he remained indifferent. Without a word, he handed a piece of paper to the driver, and the car jolted to life, pulling away from the curb.
Rolling her eyes, Nia leaned back against her seat, shooting Emery a quizzical but calm glance. She knew enough about him to trust he wouldn’t hurt her, but she still wanted to know. You can’t just drag someone along without giving a hint of where you’re headed.
“Can you tell me what this is about?” she asked, not really expecting a response. But for some reason, she noticed Emery's demeanor was different from the personality she typically saw in school. He seemed like a different person altogether.
“You’ll know when we get there,” he replied, his voice softer than she had expected, catching her off guard.
With a slightly raised brow, she mentally grumbled to herself. That’s new.
It had almost been twenty minutes since the cab drove off from the school, but Nia was busily bantering with Emery that she barely noticed anything outside. Finally, the conversation settled between them. It was then that Nia's gaze caught the stunning city view outside. She couldn't help but smile sheepishly to herself as she admired the skyline, feeling an exhilarating sense of freedom. For the first time in a while, she felt comfortable, forgetting the turmoil of her recent life events.
Emery, on the other hand, didn’t even realize he was smiling while watching Nia glow with excitement until she threw him a glance.
“Oh, you’re smiling,” she pointed out, her smile brightening her features.
Instantly, Emery’s expression shifted—his smile disappearing as he adopted an indifferent look, adjusting his posture. “I am not,” he snapped, clearing his throat defensively.
Nia giggled, amused by his reaction. She decided not to push further, turning back to enjoy the view. Emery watched her, pondering what had changed. He had known Nia for years, but this was the first time he had seen her so carefree. She had always seemed withdrawn, but now she was embracing the world around her. This new side of Nia intrigued him.
She even looks different, he mused. She smiled more openly, and the confidence she displayed when standing up to Cassie was striking. It was as if a light had turned on within her—a light he had long wished to see shine through.
But it was complicated. When she mingled with Cassie and her sidekicks, everything had spiraled out of control, leaving Nia at the center of it all and him, stuck at a crossroads. He had wanted her to stand her ground back when his sister had faced her own issues. Now, seeing her do just that filled him with a mixture of pride and confusion.
“A hospital?” Nia’s voice broke through Emery’s thoughts, pulling him back to the present. He noticed the puzzlement etched on her face.
“Yes, come out,” he muttered, paying the cab driver before stepping out. Nia didn’t quite understand what was happening but followed suit, standing in the middle of the partially empty yard, looking around.
“Aren’t you coming?” she called, her voice slightly muffled as she turned to him.
“Coming…” he replied, his attention divided. He could see her lingering hesitantly.
Nia twirled to follow him inside the hospital, where she noticed the few nurses and doctors passing by. They flashed her smiles, which she initially thought were meant for Emery. But as she realized they were genuinely directed at her, she reciprocated their smiles, confused yet polite.
Without thinking, she raced to catch up with Emery, who was slightly ahead. He seemed lost in thought and didn’t notice her approach. “Why are the nurses and doctors smiling at me?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
But Emery ignored her question, lost in his own world. Nia scrunched her nose in mild annoyance. I’m just trying to build a friendly atmosphere here, she thought, frustrated that Emery wasn’t playing along.
As they reached the reception, Emery turned to the nurse behind the counter. “Emerald Dipson,” he said, his tone professional. Nia was too busy observing her surroundings to pay attention.
The nurse scanned the computer screen, checking for the name. After verifying the information, she allowed them to proceed.
“Nia?” a familiar voice rasped just as they turned down the hallway toward the wards. Nia instinctively lifted her gaze.
“Mum…” she muttered, recognition washing over her as she spotted her mother approaching.
“Of course, dear,” Natalia answered, wrapping her arms around Nia in a warm embrace. “How are you, Emery?” she directed her gaze toward the familiar figure standing beside her daughter.
“You know him?” Nia inquired, glancing between her mother and Emery in confusion.
Natalia nodded with a smile. “You two go way back.”
Emery shifted awkwardly, his gaze flitting between them. “Uh, yeah… I guess you could say that,” he mumbled, the hint of a blush creeping into his cheeks.
Nia raised an eyebrow, taking in their familiarity. “What’s going on here?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Natalia turned to Emery, a playful glint in her eye. “Are you here to see your twin?” she asked, a knowing smile on her face.
“Twin?” Nia muttered, stunned.
Natalia glanced at her with a nod while Emery shot her a look that clearly said, Seriously? before he sauntered off down the corridor.
“Wait!” Nia called after him, feeling a surge of confusion mixed with annoyance. “What twin?”
“Emery’s sister is in the hospital,” Natalia explained gently, guiding Nia toward the waiting area. “She’s been recovering, but it’s a tough road for them.”
Nia's heart sank. “I didn’t know… What happened to her?”
Natalia sighed, her expression turning somber. “She had a rough time, but she’s strong. We’re hopeful she’ll pull through.”
Nia felt a pang of empathy. “I can’t believe I didn’t know,” she murmured, guilt creeping in. I’ve been so wrapped up in my own problems.
As they settled in the waiting area, Nia stole glances at Emery, who was now talking to a nurse in the corner. He looked so serious, so unlike the carefree boy she had seen moments ago. She could see the tension in his shoulders, the way he clenched his jaw. It was clear he was worried about his sister.
“Do you think he’s okay?” Nia asked Natalia quietly, concern filling her voice.
Natalia followed her gaze, watching Emery. “He’s been carrying a lot on his shoulders since this all began. He cares deeply for his sister.”
Nia nodded, understanding more about Emery's burdens now. “I had no idea,” she admitted. “I thought he was just… well, I thought he was just like everyone else.”
Natalia chuckled softly. “He has a good heart. He just shows it differently. Sometimes he needs someone to remind him he’s not alone.”
Nia felt a surge of determination. Maybe I can be that someone for him. She glanced back at Emery, who was now standing alone, looking out a window with a distant expression.
“Is there anything I can do?” Nia asked Natalia, her voice steady. “To help?”
Natalia smiled warmly. “Just being here for Emery is enough. He’ll appreciate your support, even if he doesn’t say it.”
Nia took a deep breath, feeling a newfound sense of purpose. As much as she was grappling with her own feelings, she couldn’t ignore the responsibility she felt toward the people around her. Maybe it was time for her to step up, not just for herself but for those who cared about her.
With that thought in mind, Nia rose from her seat. “I’m going to talk to him,” she said, determination sparking in her chest.
“Good idea,” Natalia encouraged, her smile radiating warmth. But when Nia turned towards his direction, he was no longer there.