Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 37

Walking before Emma were her twins, and just a few people away, unbeknownst to them, was Annie. Neither woman knew the other was on the plane, each only a few rows apart as they stepped down into the bustling terminal Emma was exhausted, but held together by fierce determination. Emily clung deeper into her arms, while the other arm wrestled with the huge travel bag she had packed. Ethan trailed behind her, his little figure zigzagging between the tile of busy travelers. Emma was aware of every little movement as her senses were on full alert. Ethan, are you there?" she asked, her voice cutting through the noise. She continued to look back, but then the worst. realization dawned on her-Ethan was gone. Panic began to cinch around her heart as her eyes darted across the terminal, scanning every face, every corner, cold fear lacing her chest

Then, her gaze locked onto a sight that felt like a living nightmare. There, in the middle of the lobby, beaming down at her son as if he were the kindest man alive, was Alexander-holding Ethan's ball. Her body went numb, with a deep, hollow ache spreading from her core as cold tears prickled at the edge of her vision. Everything else around her faded away, leaving only the heart-stopping horror of seeing him here, of all days.

Emma gritted her teeth, trying to swallow the lump of dread clawing its way up her throat as she resisted calling Ethan. trying to pull him away from Alexander's reach, knowing it would only make things worse. She forced herself to breathe-to. calm down-every muscle taut with restrained fury and fear.

What was Alexander doing here? Why today, of all days?

"Mommy. Are you all right?" The small voice of Emily cut through Emma's spiraling thoughts and brought her back to earth. Emma forced a smile, but it was hollow, a fragile mask covering her turmoil. "I am fine, sweetie," she whispered. Emma was only frightened, and of this, Emily was not convinced.

"Where is Ethan, Mommy?" On the premises: Emily's puzzled gaze scoured the busy lobby.

"1. I do not know. Emma fibbed; her voice was barely audible.

The little girl looked around, and her eyes widened as she spotted her twin. "Mommy, that's Ethan over there, talking to that handsome man

She made an effort to compose herself, but the next words out of

that handsome? Why hasn't he come for us before? Does he hate

over the years, and she had been able to dance around the questions each time. But this-this was different. She was staring right at Alexander, the man who had broken

a soft laugh, screening the ache in her heart "Mommy is here, and Mommy loves you and Ethan more than

on her face-a smile that clawed at Emma heart. Anger and hurt whirled in her stomach almost choking her, and her pulse speeded up. This couldn't go on. She needed to get

her, his face lighting up when he spotted her. He ran

paparazzi ran up to him taking pictures of him

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Chapter 37

holding him close. "Ethan, what

her quizzically. "He helped me pick up my ball, Mommy. He seemed like

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ever want to see you talking to a stranger again. Do you understand?" "Yes, Mommy. I'm sorry." He looked down, guilt crossing his little face. Then, brightening, he added, "Mommy, he said he'd like to play ball with me someday! Can

wasn't home anymore. Every corner seemed haunted in this city, mostly with memories she really didn't want

made for Emily's treatments. Too close to Alexander's apartment for comfort, but if she kept her head down and held on for six months she could slip away again, back to the life she'd rebuilt. She turned into the apartment complex and pulled the rental car into its spot, turning it off. She gathered her things and gently lifted the drowsy Emily out of her seat. Inside, Emma carefully laid her daughter on the bed, being very sure to get her medication on time. As Emily's breathing softened, Emma allowed herself a sigh