Stay Together Chapter 2 by Maira Dawn

Please remember this is a developing story and in a rawer state than what I publish. As such, it has only been self-edited and you will see some errors.

In addition, some changes may occur between now and publishing, including major storylines. I try to avoid this, but it sometimes happens.

I welcome your kindly worded feedback. :)

Chapter 2

(COPYRIGHT©2024 MAIRA DAWN)

Emily watched her parents from the living room doorway, her brow furrowed with concern. This wasn’t the first time her parents had disagreed. But this seemed different—more serious, somehow. 

Tension radiated from them in waves. This argument seemed worse than all the others together.

She glanced over at her little brother. Michael sat on the floor, staring down at the shirt he’d brought out from his bedroom. He looked small and lost. 

Emily went over and put her hand on his shoulder. “Hey, let’s get your things packed up,” she said in a gentle tone. 

Michael didn’t respond. He just kept staring at his shirt, his eyes glistening. 

Emily’s heart ached for her little brother. Kids at school had been bullying him. It had taken a toll on him. Just yesterday he’d come home from school, his favorite shirt with words scrawled across it in marker. 

Loser. Freak.

The boy was fast losing the healthy self-esteem he’d once had. And the last thing he needed was for his home life to be going downhill, too. 

Her mouth turned downward. He must feel like his world had shifted beneath his feet.

She squeezed his shoulder. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispered, hoping it was true. Emily glanced at her Mom who wiped tears from her face, then glared at her father. Mom rarely cried.

Michael looked up at her, his eyes full of confusion and hurt. “Why are Mom and Dad fighting?” His voice was small.

Emily looked at him, then glanced back at their parents. Their hushed argument continued. She wasn’t sure why, but it had started last night—after Dad had talked to Victoria. Thirsty, she’d gotten out of bed and gone to the kitchen to get a drink just as he’d hung up the phone.

Mom had been agitated then, and when she’d spoken, Dad had sounded guarded.

“I don’t know, Mike,” she said. “But families fight sometimes. It doesn’t mean they don’t love each other.” Picking up and folding a pair of his pants, she changed the subject. “Come on, let’s get you packed up. Tomorrow, we’ll be on the beach!”

Michael nodded and added his shirt to the pile of clothes in the suitcase. “And everyone will be happy again.”

“For sure. We’re all a little stressed getting ready for vacation right now, but we love us some warm ocean water!” She fake-tickled him.

Michael giggled. “And Dad hates being late.”

Emily made a face. “You’re right about that. It pry didn’t help anything that I slept too late.” 

From the other room, their dad’s voice rose in frustration. “Nothing is going on! She’s just a friend from work.”

Mom’s eyes flashed with anger, and she turned away. 

Dad said something in a low voice and gestured toward the children. Emily shifted her gaze so her parents wouldn’t know she’d been snooping on them. 

Michael kept packing, but his hands were shaking now. With a gentle hand, Emily took a shirt from him and folded it into a neat square before placing it in his suitcase.

“It’s going to be okay,” she murmured again, putting her arm around her little brother and squeezing him to her side. “I promise.”