#Chapter 45: Bad Attitude

Rowena I couldn’t believe my ears when Emma actually said yes to my request to get hot cocoa together. After purchasing our things, we found ourselves sitting at a small corner table in a nearby cafe, our shopping bags piled around us and two steaming mugs of hot chocolate on the table. “So,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant, “how have you… how have you been?” Emma regarded me for a few moments over her mug. The implications were pretty clear: I was referencing the miscarriage that she had suffered only last week. We both knew that. Finally, her gaze dropped and her shoulders seemed to sag a little. “I’ve been alright,” she said quietly. “Um… Thanks for helping me the other day, by the way.” I almost winced at the mention of what had happened back then. It had been a pivotal moment for the both of us, and something I had never dealt with before—with my bully, no less. “You’re welcome,” I said. “I hope you’re feeling better.” Emma nodded. “Much better, thanks.