“You are welcome but I would like to thank you for wanting to meet us. Most people in your situation would not want to know anything about their absent fathers family. I must say Mr Black,”
“Please call me Adrian.”
“Adrian, you look incredibly like your father. I was very surprised when I laid eyes on you.” Adrian glances around the room and I can tell that he is looking for his sister.
“Emma won’t be long she just stepped out for some fresh air.” Maggie says as she notices the wonder in Adrian’s eyes. I shift a little nervously as I gaze around Maggie’s home.
“And, how are you Alanna?” Maggie says to me. I quickly turn and I lock my eyes on hers.
“I am fine,” I say as take a sip of coffee.
“What about Michael, how is he?” I take a deep breath as I hear Michael’s name. My face flushes hot as I remember Adrian walking in and catching me in Michael’s arms. I am still confused at his reaction I would have thought he would have been a lot angrier than what he was. I am brought out of thought as I the door pushes open. In walks, Emma and I gasp as I lay eyes on her - she is gorgeous. She is around five foot ten and very slim built; her long, thick ,dark hair is hanging freely around her face and her eyes are glowing green. She strides over to us and she gently takes a seat next to her mother. I glare at her and I cannot believe her beauty. She resembles Adrian more than I thought and I cannot tear my eyes away from her. She notices that I am staring at her and she quickly smiles at me.
“Hello Emma, I am Adrian and I guess I am your brother.” Adrian says in a slow tone. Emma quickly adjusts her position and she leans over to Adrian.
“It’s nice to meet you, now I can see where I get my good looks from,” she says in a jokey tone. I let out a giggle as I take another sip of the coffee.
Adrian and I spend over an hour talking to Maggie and Emma. We have talked about everything from college to music and films. Emma reminds me of Adrian in so many ways. Her eyes are identical to his and when she smiles, I feel that I am looking at Adrian. She genuinely seems happy to meet Adrian and I watch him beam as he talks to her. I cannot contain my smile as I gaze at Adrian. He looks overjoyed at meeting his sister and this moment overrides the awful thoughts that I have about Adrian’s childhood. I really hope that he and Emma can have an amazing relationship. Adrian deserves to have a real family and now he finally has a chance of that with Emma. Maggie is also smiling from ear-to-ear as she watches her daughter talking to her long lost brother.
“Which college do you attend?” Adrian asks Emma. She begins to smile as she explains her college situation.
“I am starting college late, my dream was to attend Yale but that wasn’t in my cards. So I am about to start community college in Brooklyn.” Maggie looks at her daughter and I cannot help but think of Dr James and of how he is besotted with Emma. She means a lot to him and I know that he loved her but I can see Maggie’s reasons for not letting Emma commit to him. Edward hurt her and, as I watch her stare at Adrian, I feel as is if she is not completely over him. I also feel that Emma is saddened by her mother’s interference she almost sighs as she talks about college. I feel as if Maggie may be pushing her into settling for a college that she is not in love with.
“Why wasn’t it on your cards? Did you not get the correct grades to apply there?” Adrian asks curiously. Emma shifts nervously at his question and Maggie does not give her time to respond.
“Emma got all her grades for Yale and she was even accepted but we cannot afford to send her there.” My heart sinks at her words even though I knew that was going to be the reason why Emma is not at Yale. Maggie cares too much about Emma attending college and I can see that she is pained by not being able to send her daughter to her dream school. I quickly glance at Adrian as he reaches into his jacket pocket. He takes out a black pen and his chequebook. He slowly begins to write a cheque and I watch as Maggie stares at him. Emma looks awkwardly towards me and I flash her, a brief smile. With one swift motion Adrian hands Emma the cheque. She stares at it as she holds up to her face.
“Adrian I cannot accept this. It’s too much and here take it back.” Emma quickly hands Adrian the cheque and he looks at me. I know that he is not good with words and I can tell that he wants my help to convince Emma to take the money.
“Emma, listen to me, you need this money. Adrian wants you to have your dreams. Please do not offend him by refusing his help.” I say soothingly. Adrian hands Emma the cheque once again and she looks to me again.
“It’s a lot of money are you sure you can afford this?” I gently smile at her.