Chapter 11 - Back Home

The departure lounge of the airport buzzed with activity as Emily, Mary, and Natalie stood amidst the crowd.

As the announcement for their flight echoed through the terminal, they gathered their belongings and joined the line for boarding. Each step brought them closer to the plane that would carry them back to Havenbrook—a journey that would be marked not just by miles but by the experiences and connections that had been forged in a distant land.

As they settled into their seats, the plane's engines roared to life, and Emily couldn't help but glance out the window. The fading sunset painted the sky with hues of gold and rose, a fitting backdrop to mark the end of this chapter and the beginning of a new one.
Natalie sat right next to Emily while Mary sat at the back of Emily

Natalie's smile remained affable, though her gaze held a deeper understanding. "It's funny how life brings people together yeah?" She sat up right "I mean you and Gabriel."

"What's that about Gabriel and I?" Emily said incuriosity

Natalie's expression turned introspective, her tone tinged with memories. "Gabriel and I were in a relationship for a while. He's a remarkable person—creative, passionate. But as life sometimes goes, our paths took different directions."


Emily's heart skipped a beat "yeah, he told me about that so you shouldn't worry Natalie, we don't hide things from each other"

"Really? So did he tell you about Benjamin?" Natalie asked smiling

"Look Nat, I really don't appreciate you poking your nose into my business for real, if there's anything Gab is gonna tell me then he will" Emily said as she looked right at Natalie " and if he doesn't then I respect that because he would never hide something from me on purpose"

"Okay okay…"

The plane's wheels touched down with a gentle jolt, marking the end of Emily, Mary, and Natalie's artistic journey to Italy. As they disembarked and made their way through the airport, a sense of accomplishment and nostalgia lingered in the air.

Outside, the familiar sights of Havenbrook welcomed them—the city lights, the streets they knew so well, and the sense of home that awaited. Emily's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions as she stepped onto familiar ground, her mind filled with memories of the collaboration, the conversations she had with Natalie on the plane.

"I will be heading home now, I need to rest" Emily told Mary, her eyes on Natalie

"Alright Em, see you tomorrow then" Mary replied

As Emily headed home, keeping in mind what Natalie had told her on the plane.
Who's Benjamin? She repeated asked herself while on her way home. She finally got to her apartment.
She headed to her room first and dropped her suitcase there, changed into her nice comfortable white dress as she headed into the kitchen to make herself something to eat, her movements purposeful as she gathered the ingredients for a simple yet indulgent meal.

The aroma of fresh bread which she had gotten from Italy on her way back filled the air as Emily dipped slices the bread into a mixture of eggs, milk, and a hint of vanilla. Her hands moved with a practiced ease, the process almost meditative as she coated each slice and placed them on a sizzling pan. The sizzle and the scent of cooking butter added to the anticipation of the feast she was preparing.

As the French toast sizzled and turned golden, Emily prepared a pot of water to make some cinnamon tea. The aroma of cinnamon wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of the French toast and creating a comforting symphony of flavors.

With a satisfied smile, Emily arranged the French toast on a plate, each slice invitingly adorned with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The tea, steeped to perfection, was poured into a delicate cup, the fragrant steam rising like a gentle morning greeting.

Still in her thoughts, Emily still couldn't help but think of the name Natalie had mentioned to her earlier during their flight, s gentle knock on the door interrupted Emily's thoughts , drawing her attention away from her head. Setting her cup down, she rose from her seat and headed towards the door, her heart aflutter with curiosity.

As she turned the doorknob, a surprised smile graced her lips as she found Gabriel standing there, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

"Hey you," Emily greeted, her voice carrying a mix of delight and intrigue. "This is a pleasant surprise, I didn't even tell you I was back yet."

Gabriel's smile was gentle and infectious, his presence made her feel better. "Alex told me Mary was back and I figured you'd be too and I couldn't resist dropping by to say hello."

Emily stepped aside, inviting him into her apartment. "Come in."

As Gabriel entered, the aroma of French toast and cinnamon tea greeted him—a tantalizing welcome that mirrored the cozy ambiance of Emily's living space.

"I hope I'm not interrupting something"he remarked, his eyes twinkling with warmth.

"No….no not at all" Emily shook her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "In fact, you've arrived just in time to join me."

As they both settled at the table, Emily poured a cup of cinnamon tea for Gabriel and replenished her own. The clinking of cups and the shared smile they exchanged created an atmosphere of comfort and companionship.

Gabriel took a sip of the tea, savoring the familiar flavor. "So tell me, how was your flight and the whole experience." He asked

"It was nice I guess" Emily responded with a faded smile

The silence in the room between both Emily and Gabriel was suddenly disrupted by the intrusive ring of Emily's phone.

Emily's heart skipped a beat as she glanced at her phone, her brow furrowing in surprise. The caller ID displayed a name that sent a chill down her spine—Dave.

Gabriel's concern was immediate as he noticed the fear in her eyes "Is everything alright?" He asked

Emily's fingers tightened around the phone, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and determination. She made her way into her bedroom as She answered the call, her voice steady but laced with apprehension. "Hello?"

Dave's voice on the other end was chilling—a stark reminder of a past she had fought hard to leave behind. "Hey baby, I've missed you a lot"

"What the actual fuck Dave." Emily whispered "I told you not to call me anymore, what do you want from me"

"don't think you can keep your secrets hidden forever. You might have your new boyfriend fooled, but I know who you really are. You dirty slut" Dave shouted right over the phone.

Emily's voice wavered slightly, a mixture of anger and fear beneath her words. "Dave, I don't know what you're talking about. You're a part of my past that I've moved on from."

Dave's laughter held a malevolent edge. "Oh, I think Gabriel deserves to know what kind of person he's fallen for. How about I enlighten him about your little secrets?"

Emily's resolve strengthened, her voice firm. "You have no right to intrude into my life, Dave. What happened between us is in the past, and I won't let you disrupt my present."

Dave's threatening tone persisted. "Tell Gabriel about your past, Emily, or I will. The choice is yours."

Emily's hand trembled, her grip on the phone tightening. "You have no power over me anymore, Dave. Stay out of my life."

With that, Emily ended the call, her chest heaving.
She walked out and went back where she left Gabriel.

Gabriel's eyes bore into Emily's, his voice a whisper laced with concern. "Who was that, Emily?"

Emily met Gabriel's gaze, her heart a battlefield of emotions. "It's no one, Gabriel. Just someone from a time I'd rather forget."

"Alright then" Gabriel clears his throat "I should head out now, I just wanted to see how you were doing" he stood up as he placed the cup of coffee back on the table "I would stop by later when you feel better, you look like you don't want me around for now"

Emily closed her eyes with her head down "Baby, it's…. It's not like that, I'm just exhausted from the trip that's all" she walked towards him landing a kiss on his cheek "I promise to come over this evening and make you dinner"

"You really don't have to" he said

"Gab, I'm sorry" Emily wrapped her arms around his neck

"Look Em, I know when you're hiding something from me, and you're doing that now" He removed her arms and walked towards the door
He Sighs "I would drop by later." He said as he walked away

Emily sighed heavily "fuck you Dave….. fuck you"

The following day Emily was back at the office, The office hummed with the usual activity, but Emily's usually energetic presence seemed subdued. Her head rested on her desk, a veil of fatigue casting a shadow over her features. Mary, ever perceptive, approached her desk with concern etched on her face.

"Hey, Em, you okay?" Mary's voice was gentle, her concern genuine.

Emily lifted her head, offering a weak smile. "Yeah, just a bit tired. Couldn't sleep well last night."

Mary's brows furrowed as she pulled up a chair beside Emily's desk. "Is everything alright? You've been a bit off the moment we landed back."

Emily sighed, her gaze distant for a moment before meeting Mary's concerned eyes. "It's nothing major, really. Just a combination of stress and a few personal things on my mind."

Mary's concern deepened as she studied Emily's expression. "You know you can talk to me, right? Whatever's bothering you, I'm here for you."

Emily nodded, her appreciation evident. "I know, Mary. It's just…sometimes I feel like there's so much going on, and I'm struggling to keep up."

Mary leaned in, her voice soft. "Is it work-related?"

Emily hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Partly. And….."

Mary's gaze held a mix of fear and curiosity "hold on, is Gabriel giving you hard time?"

Emily met Mary's gaze "Not really… Natalie mentioned something the other day on the plan about Gabriel and I'm having problem understanding."

Mary reached out and gently squeezed Emily's hand. "You shouldn't let that bitch allow you overthink, if you have anything on your mind, girl talk to your man about it, he is your man and not hers."

Emily smiled fadedly "I know, she mentioned a name, Benjamin… i… I don't even know who that is, I mean he never mentioned that name to me before."

Mary stood up as she Emily a pat on her shoulder "Talk to him about it Em, that's the only right thing to do. I mean ask him questions if you have to"

"Alright then, I should ask him" Emily said as she sighed heavily "Thanks Mary"


It was lunch time, Emily decided to head to the park after buying lunch….Maybe… just maybe it could help her clear her head. She sat on the pink bench, one of her favorite at the park, as she unwrapped her sandwich she noticed a familiar face approaching her, a face that comes with giving her fear and anxiety—Dave.

Emily's breath caught in her throat, her body tensing involuntarily as Dave sat right next to her.She took a deep breath, summoning a facade of courage as she spoke,her voice steady despite the storm of emotions within her. "What the heck are you doing here?."

Dave's smirk was chilling, his eyes lingering on her with a mixture of arrogance and malice. "I was hoping to talk to you, love."

Emily's gaze remained unwavering, her tone laced with a thread of warning. "I told you to stay away from me, Dave."

Dave's laugh was a grating sound that sent shivers down Emily's spine. "Oh, come on, Emily. You can't really think you can threaten me."

Emily's hand clenched into a fist, her voice low and dangerous. "I'm not the scared girl I used to be Dave, I'm warning you."

Dave's amusement seemed to waver, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Oh, is that so? You see Em, I never thought of you as a scared little girl, a Scared little girl wouldn't kill a whole grown man and bury him."

Emily's face was all covered in fear, one she hasn't felt in a very long time "Dave" she whispered "I have no idea what you're talking about"

Dave's amusement turned to disbelief, his laughter a bitter edge to his words. "You don't?, do I need to refresh your memory Em?, or Do you need Gabriel to do so?"

Emily's voice shaking "What do you want from me?"

Dave's gaze shifted, as he moved closer to her and whispered. "I want you to come and meet me at my apartment, I will call you when I need you and you answer me at once."

Emily's tone faded."Dave please"

"Em, it's like you don't understand what I'm trying to say. I call, you answer" he said as he stoop up from the bench "don't test my patience baby girl."

As Dave walked away from the bench, a sense of empowerment surged within him—a newfound strength that made him felt in control of Emily.