Archive of Our Own

The world was dyed with a touch of autumn. A melancholic hue colored the landscape. A hue which was akin to the color of a certain redhead’s fiery tresses.

The maple leaves danced with her fluttering tresses and in the midst of the maple forest she stood as she gazed up at the vast blue skies.

She was a bold woman, vibrant and full of energy. She never feared anything, nothing at all. At least until recently.

She was merely 17. She wasn’t even an adult yet. And she was already carrying such a heavy responsibility.

She now rested a hand over her still flat stomach. Maybe it was the instincts of a mother, but she could feel the tiny beat of life under her fingertips.

But was she ready yet?

She was timid and unsure.

She was afraid of being left alone.

After all, she had been chasing after the lost time which had once slipped through her fingers. She now long knew that she was no longer the Emma that everyone knew and loved. Long lost was the Emma who was bold and brave and had sacrificed her all for the cattle children.

She didn’t even remember the promise she had made.

Yet time was slowly passing through her fingers. It was slowly changing things. Even if she no longer was the Emma from before, her family still accepted her as one. And now she had begun to grow alongside them.

They had changed. They had grown. And perhaps they had once again discovered love.

It was evident with how Emma kept on caressing her belly. She was really scared. But then a part of her was elated.

Maybe deep down she had always wanted this. Perhaps deep down she had wanted a family of her own—her own blood—so that she would feel more accepted.

She loved her family. That fact alone was undeniable.

But sometimes she felt that disconnection, a silent gap which she had desperately tried to bridge. Maybe after this she wouldn’t try to desperately chase after time. Maybe after this she could finally halt with her steps, slow down a little, and take time to appreciate her surroundings more.

And the world around her was really beautiful. A vibrant red. A beautiful red which Norman had always loved.

Because Norman loved her dawn hued tresses. They were akin to autumn touched maple leaves which he had dearly loved.

And Norman loved everything about Emma.

Norman—her love.

Emma’s cheeks gained color. Her cheeks were matching the hue of her hair as she nervously fiddled with her skirt.

She knew she wanted it. But what about Norman?

Doubts marred her features once more. She was scared and now she was plunged into her reverie.

It was then she felt herself being engulfed in a familiar warmth. A familiar woodsy scent with a touch of winter filled her senses. The winters were soon knocking at their doors but with Norman she felt that warmth in the middle of winters alone.

It was like siting before the fireplace in the middle of winter night. He calmed her erratic heart, casted away all her doubts.

And just like a spell she felt herself going into a trance as she let herself go limp in Norman’s protective arms. Her eyes fluttered close as she felt his scent close to her.

His steps had been too silent. She didn’t even hear the faint scrunching of leaves. Perhaps he had wanted to surprise her. And it was evident with his next question.

“You can act a little surprised.”

“We were supposed to meet during the lunch break.”

His husky chuckle now tickled next to her ear. She would never get tired at the sound of his voice. It gave her the same joy as witnessing the gurgling of water in beautiful springs illuminated by the touch of dawning rays.

That’s what Norman made her feel as she turned around to look him in the eye. In that crimson stained world with countless maple leaves fluttering by they saw no one but each other.

And now Norman lay his head on Emma’s lap as the redhead carefully weaved her fingers through his snowy locks. A look of contentment was visible on his features as his eyes were closed. He looked at peace as if he had finally found his missing puzzle.

Perhaps there was an element of truth to it. Since Emma was the missing puzzle that he had been looking for all this time. Those two years were agonising ones. Many nights were filled with tears. His sleeves had always been damp.

But now no more.

Because he was full of bliss.

He was contented.

The sunlight now filtered through those vibrant red maple leaves to give them an orangish hue. Small pocket of sunrays now danced on the rich grass as two teens remained isolated from the outside world in a world of their own. A small world that they had crafted with their own hands.

Emma now lovingly picked on a stray maple leaf stuck to Norman’s hair. It was then his eyes cracked open as he held her soft hand. Her hand now no longer carried the callouses of the past. Even those small evidences were long gone just like the numbers on her neck.

The one had taken away all the evidences of Emma from her. But she was still the Emma in his eyes. A little more grown up. A little less childish.

Because that love reflected in her eyes for him was the same.

He now carefully entwined his fingers with her while peppering gentle kisses on her knuckles. Their half-eaten sandwich now lay on the little handkerchief that they had spread over the grass. But they were no longer hungry. They merely sought each other’s warmth till the lunch break was over.

Highschool life was hectic, especially the final year, but they always made time for each other. Everyone knew Norman could easily skip grades to start a business altogether. But he chose to stay behind so that he could grow up once more with Emma and his family. He wanted to experience the childhood he was robbed off.

His eyes were full of mirth. They were kind as they saw no one but Emma. But he could notice the silent fear in her eyes. It was as if she was afraid of something. He didn’t miss her slightly sweaty hands and her fidgety fingers. After all Norman always observed her with such rapt fascination. She was his object of desire and much more than that.

He now sat up to carefully cup her cheek and look her in the eye. Even then Emma continued to evade his gaze. Concern was now etched on his features as he grabbed both her cheeks.

He needed to know what exactly was bothering her. Was he at fault here? Did he miss something? Or did someone harass her at school or the residential complex?

There were so many things that he had wanted to ask her but he could merely breathe out her name in a slightly trembling voice.

“Emma….”

“Look at me please?”

“What’s the matter…?”

Emma now blinked at him for a few times. His eyes were full of worry. His fingers were slightly trembling. He was always like that whenever he believed that she was upset over something. Was Norman still afraid of losing her? Even after all this time?

When it was her who was this afraid to lose him?

Emma now gulped audibly. She didn’t know how to weave her worries into mere words. Or more like she was scared of breaking this news to him.

What if he grew upset at her? What if he was disappointed in her? Worse, what if he straight up walked away from her?

They were mere teenagers. So, could they truly carry such a huge burden over their shoulders?

What would have Emma of the past done? The bold confident Emma that everyone kept on talking about. She had boldly crossed into the Seven Walls to forge a new promise with The One. She had paved a new path for her family. She had given them a hope at a different kind of future—a more peaceful future.

But the Emma of now cowered at the mere thought of experiencing motherhood at the tender age of 17. She was even more afraid at the mere thought of losing Norman.

She was such a coward. But then noticing that sadness in his gaze emboldened her. She might have been a coward but she never wanted to hurt the man before her.

She would rather hurt in his stead.

A shaky sigh escaped her as she rummaged through her skirt’s pocket. Norman now eyed her curiously before she carefully placed something in his hand.

His eyes grew visibly wide at the little evidence in his hand. The evidence of her pregnancy. Because those two lines were unmistakable.

Everything grew still, muted and silent. Only the rustling of leaves from the distance could be heard. It was the only sound that filled this suffocating never-ending silence between them.

Emma now nervously glanced at him. Norman’s eyes were eerily fixated over the little stick in his hand. His eyes were solemn. His features were grim. And Emma’s heart sunk at that.

She never expected for him to rejoice over such an accident. Yet she never expected for him to wear the kind of look he did now.

Her heart began to pick up pace and it wasn’t for the right reasons. Her gaze remained downcast as she tried holding back her tears.

“Since when?”

“W-What?”

“Since when have you known this?”

“2…2 days. I started suspecting it when I didn’t get my period last month. I… asked Gillian to get it for me.”

“I see…”

“Norman…”

Emma’s voice cracked at the mere whisper of his name. She wanted to hear something, anything from him. Yet he chose silence as his only words.

And that crumbled whatever confidence she had built up till now.

His lips were pressed in a thin line as he drew a deep breath. Closing his eyes briefly he finally dared to sneak a glance at her. Yet by that time Emma didn’t dare to meet his eyes as her gaze remained downcast.

His features were marred with hurt. But he knew Emma was hurting even more. Maybe because of him. And he hated himself for that.

But he felt too helpless. He didn’t know what to do. Everything was too much for him. Too new. Too uncertain. And he just didn’t want to blurt out anything unnecessary that may hurt the expecting mother.

He cared for her. He cherished her. Yet he had hurt her the most.

He now truly hated himself for his carelessness as he stilled his erratic heart.

“I need some time to think…”

“Norman…”

Her voice cracked even more. Did he hear a little tremble at the end of it. Was she crying? No. He hated seeing her cry. But then he needed to cool his head. Just a little while would suffice. He really needed some distance.

And as much as it pained him doing so, he drew away from her. He finally stood up as he turned his back on her.

And Emma helplessly watched his small retreating back as small beads of tears now rolled down her cheeks. They soon find their way on the ground as her voice escaped in small sobs. Her worst nightmares had come true and the worst part was that she couldn’t even call out to him as much as she wanted to.  

And so the day passed by her in a blur. She didn’t even realise when she had returned back home as she dropped her bag to slump on the bed. Anna and Gilda threw worried glances at her and even Gillian poked her head in.

It was only Gillian who knew of her dilemma as she carefully tiptoed inside the room. The mattress now sunk under her weight as she asked the girls to lock the door.

The entire time Emma kept her face hidden in the pillows. She refused to show her tears to others. Her pride didn’t allow her that. Yet a warm touch of Gillian’s hand over her head had her flinch. It was like the touch of a mother even though she had never known a mother.

Or maybe unconsciously she did remember Isabella that everyone had been talking about.

“Did you talk to him about it?”

The redhead could no longer formulate her feelings into proper words. Her voice was too hoarse from crying too much in the girls toilet. And now by this point both Gilda and Anna were worried as they glanced between Gillian and Emma.

They had known for quite some time that something was off with Emma but now their belief was further cemented as they too sat by her side while caressing her slightly quivering back.

Emma might have been trying to hide her tears from them but they knew about the woes of her heart right away. And just like a bursting dam her tears escaped her once more as she cried into the pillow. She had believed that her tears had run dry but she was too wrong.

Her tears could never run dry whenever it came to Norman.

And now she had started crying her heart out in Gilda’s arms. She kept her face buried in her chest just like a child shying away from the outside world. And all Anna and Gillian could do was watch over her silently.

It was a long agonising moment of her just shedding tears before it had come down to mere small sniffles. Anna now handed her over some tissues while Gillian stepped in with some ice cream.

Strawberry—Emma’s favorite.

Even though the spark of joy had yet to return to her heart but her eyes did brighten up in the slightest of ways as Gillian fed her a spoonful of ice cream.

“Now… will you tell us what happened?”

Gilda who had been a silent spectator the entire time now finally broke the ice as Emma now snuck glances at Gillian. The older woman merely flashed her a small reassuring smile as the redhead finally found it in herself to spill out the troubles of her heart.

Everyone was silent the entire time. The secret that she had kept locked away in her heart for all this time was finally out.

Gilda and Anna were shocked. But perhaps that would be an understatement. However, their shock quickly ebbed away in favor of disappointment and anger since they all had expected better from Norman.

Especially Gillian.

Her brows were knitted in anger. She couldn’t even believe her ears and she was ready to storm out of the room to give Norman an earful. Yet Emma barely stopped her with a feeble tug on her sleeves. The little shake of her head was the only thing that halted her steps, quite barely so, as she once again sunk into the bed to look at the redhead in the eye.

All three women had surrounded her. Concern and worry were evident on their features. And this time it was Anna who had the courage to speak up first.

“Have you thought about what you want to do with the baby?”

“Anna!”

Gilda now shot Anna a reprimanding glare as she protectively wrapped her arms around the redhead. Even though she was just 16 but she was the mother of the group. All that mattered to her was Emma’s wellbeing. Although it was true that what Anna asked was pertinent but it didn’t mean that right now was the right time.

Emma now hung her head low as Gilda soothingly caressed her head. It was like the touch of a mother, calming and comforting, as Emma threw her a weak smile.

“I am okay Gilda.”

“Emma…”

“I…just already love my baby. I…. can’t think of the otherwise. Even if Norman doesn’t accept me…I still can’t think of the otherwise.”

All three went silent at her words. It was just so Emma. She always believed that she was no longer the Emma from before. And her family was aware of the doubts eating her from within.

But in reality she was always the same Emma from before. Just a little different. Now all three girls had engulfed her at once. Their warmth was palpable. Their concern was equally palpable as a small smile crept up her features. It was Emma’s first genuine smile in ages.

But not all was sunshine obviously. It was far easier said than done. A baby was a responsibility and a huge one at that. Even if Emma had decided to keep it with or without Norman’s help it didn’t change the fact that her insecurities ate her from within.

What if she can’t be a good mother?

What if she can’t provide a good life to the baby?

What if-

There were countless what ifs with no particular answer to each one of them. But all Emma knew that she would never regret keeping her baby. She would still love them even if she was too scared right now.

It was then she felt a warm touch over her stomach. Her gaze lifted up to meet Gillian, Anna and Gilda’s kind eyes. Their smiles were of reassuring one as if they had read her thoughts already. It wasn’t that hard since Emma was more of an open book now.

“We will support you through this journey. I am sure our entire family will be onboard with this idea. You don’t have to worry about finances and school. You can take a leave and complete your education later and Oliver can use his connections to get you a job later.”

Gillian’s words had eased her worries a little. There was no doubt that everyone will help and support her through this journey. After all they had been through together so much. They had once fought a battle of life and death so this much was nothing. Emma trusted her family that much.

But in the end a part of her heart still wished for Norman to accept her baby as well even if their relationship was no longer the same. It was then she felt Gilda and Anna holding onto her hands as they flashed her an understanding smile.

“We will knock some sense into Norman.”

“Y-Yeah! I will ask Ray to talk to him!”

Their words touched her heart, dried her dampened spirits as her heart now soared high. But she didn’t want to force Norman, not yet. She still wanted to give him some time. Because even now a part of her heart still naively trusted Norman.

“It’s okay… give him some time.”

“But Emma…”

“Please…?”

Gilda and Anna were unsure but they decided to go along with it for now. Although both girls had already decided to hound Norman after three days. They weren’t going to let him be, not this easily.

On the other side Norman sat at the edge of his bed. His back was hunched. His brows were knitted in worry. His mind was racing miles per second.

But all he ever felt was a looming regret. Since he had ruined Emma.

He now rubbed his tired face. He had done that countless times by now.

He was now hating himself. How could he have been this careless? Perhaps in his momentary impulse he had lost the grasp over what was right or wrong and had been too careless. Careless enough to ruin her future.

He truly was a bastard and he loathed himself for that.

Emma was just a teenager like him. They hadn’t even finished their education. They always had the option to skip grades but Norman never wanted to bind her to him. He never really wanted to deprive her of a happy fulfilling life. And an early pregnancy would surely clip her wings.

What choice would he have now if Emma were to keep the baby? He would obviously marry her. He was not the one to shirk his responsibilities.

But it didn’t change the fact that he had hastened such plans which were supposed to happen a decade later.

He truly had ruined her future and Norman was wallowing in self hatred until he heard the sound of door opening. His gaze flickered to the side to see that it was none other than Ray.

Ray’s brows were creased in worry and his eyes surely reflected that. After all Norman had straight up gone into his room the moment he had stepped past the threshold of the house. And probably he got a whiff that something was amiss since Emma was equally down in the dumps as much as him.

Norman now no longer met his eyes as he preferred keeping his gaze lowered and his back turned on him. The bed now sunk next to him and he felt Ray’s warmth close to him. An imperceptible sigh escaped him as he momentarily closed his eyes.

“What?”

“Both you and Emma have been acting weird.”

“None of your business.”

“Oh yeah? Then what’s this?”

Ray now showed the little stick that had fallen out of Norman’s pocket. Norman’s eyes now widened in fear as he tried snatching it away from him only for Ray to snatch it back.

“It’s quite obvious as to what’s going on here.”

“Ray…. Please.”

“I am not here to judge you. Just a little surprised. I believed you were someone who took enough precautions. So how…?”

“I… grew careless. I was lost in my bliss. The girl I had loved for years was finally mine. Do you understand that?”  

Ray grew silent at his words. He after all could understand the pain behind Norman’s words. His beautiful skylike eyes clearly reflected that.

After all Norman had started living once more when he once again had Emma in his arms. Yes it was foolish of him for being too careless but then they all were foolish at one point or the other.

He now sighed aloud before fixing his gaze on Norman. His eyes were kind. There was a look of understanding reflected in them as he gave his shoulder a comforting squeeze.

“Do you hate it?”

“W-What?”

“The baby I mean…”

“Of course not!”

Norman immediately snapped at Ray. He could never think of his little miracle as a mistake. Correction—their miracle. He after all had given up hope on having a normal life. He had planned to die if not for Emma saving his soul from himself. She was his only light in that murky world.

The Lambda experiments were cruel. They had snuffed away his will to live. Let alone clinging onto the hope of having a child of his own.

But it was happening. He was already going to become a father. He was happy. He was bursting with ebullition of emotions.

But then at what cost?

His selfishness had costed Emma’s future. He had wanted her to live a life and not being bound to him at such a tender age. She deserved all the happiness in the world.

And so he hung his head low once more as regrets seeped into his features which didn’t go unnoticed by Ray.

“Then why are you hesitating this much?”

“Are you asking me that Ray? Isn’t it already obvious? We are too young. Emma is too young. I feel like I ruined her future!”

“Did Emma say that?”

“W-What?”

“I am asking did Emma say those words to you?”

Norman eyes were wide in shock. His beautiful clear eyes carried many unshed tears as words had failed to escape him altogether. He had been assuming so many things by now but he had failed to take Emma’s feelings into consideration.

“I am not saying what you think is wrong but you are not the only party in this mistake. She is equally in this too. And what you both need is a proper and honest conversation.”

“I was afraid of her resentment. S-She is slowly adjusting to her new life especially after she lost her memories. I… didn’t want to burden her.”

“Norman…you might have been a genius but sometimes you can be a real idiot.”

“Ray!”

“I am speaking the truth! Do you know how vulnerable she might be right now? The one who was responsible for this mess had turned his back on her. She might be thinking that you rejected her while in reality you are wallowing in self-blame.”

This realisation now hit Norman like a thunder. He had never given it much consideration. He had only thought of himself and the mistakes that he did. Yet he had failed to consider one most important thing.

He truly was too selfish.

He now abruptly stood up to rush into Emma’s room but was immediately yanked behind by Ray.

“Where are you going?”

“I-I need to talk to her!”

“You idiot! Hold your horses! The girls will chew you out if you go now. Right now, all you need is more privacy.”

“But-!”

“Day after is the school festival. During the bonfire dance whisk her away to have a proper talk which you can’t have in this house. I will help you out. Got it?”

Norman could merely nod at Ray’s words. Anxiety was eating away at him. He truly wanted to hold onto Emma, whisper sweet nothings in her ear. But he had to be patient. For her sake. For their sakes.

But patience was something he was truly grappling with. Because he saw her in the morning classes. He sat right behind her. Her back looked so lonely. For not even once she had spared a glance in his direction.

It hurt him. It hurt him beyond mere words could describe. But he had to hold onto his resolve. Ray had advised him that they both needed some time and he was going to give her and himself the time they needed.

His eyes drifted outside of the window. All he could see were vibrant maple leaves, stained red all around. They reminded him so much of Emma as a stray leaf drifted onto his table.

He now carefully grabbed the leaf as he twirled it between his fingers. The leaf was just like Emma—sweet and whimsical. It was then she dared to turn around and their eyes met for the briefest of moments. The world had blurred. The teacher’s words were now akin to a mere murmur.

Their gazes remained locked in those few lingering moments before the teacher chided at Emma to pay more attention. Both their faces were red. Their hearts were racing.

But they both saw the unconditional love in the other’s eyes. Their hearts saw through it. They just had to mend this unbridgeable distance. More like they were determined to do so.  

And just like the flow of water and changing of seasons, the day of autumn festival had arrived. It was just two days wherein he didn’t have a proper conversation with Emma but even that felt like an eternity to him.

Their class was doing fortune telling. And Norman’s role was to advertise their class’s event and bring in as many customers as possible. Whereas the girls including Emma were the fortune tellers. They were dressed in black and shrouded behind the curtains.

And that alone chipped away at Norman’s patience. He wanted to be closer to her. He wanted to be near her. And now a different kind of worry began enveloping him altogether.

Emma was still in her initial months of pregnancy. What if the stress caused any kind of harm to the baby?

Norman was an overthinker and his thoughts always spiralled out of control. He didn’t want Emma to overexert herself. He now began wondering if she even had a decent meal since morning since she always had a bad habit of putting her needs at last.

Norman now checked the time. It was already lunchtime yet she was still taking in customers. Sometimes she really didn’t know how to say no.

Norman now cut in line as he stood before the curtains. The customers groaned angrily but he didn’t hesitate to put the lunch break sign before their small makeshift tent. There were some dissatisfied murmurs but eventually the crowd thinned out. Most others had stepped out for a quick bite while Emma had been working herself like an idiot.

Norman now stilled his erratic heart. He had grabbed some fried chicken wings and fried rice from a food stall. He wanted her to eat sufficiently, but he was too afraid to face her yet. Stilling his heart, he finally parted the curtains as he saw a startled Emma.

The sweet redhead had been expecting another customer and not Norman of all people. She now awkwardly stood up as Norman too awkwardly stared at her. Only an awkward silence enveloped them and he wasn’t sure how to even strike up a conversation.

In the end he just decided to be the braver one of the two as he carefully placed the food bag on her table. Emma’s eyes were wide as she glanced between him and the food.

“Everyone is on lunch break. You should take a better care of your body.”

Came his stilted words and now Norman cursed at himself. He wanted to say so much more. He wanted to ask how was she feeling. He after all had been researching in detail about pregnancy and the hardships associated with it and the morning sickness part had terrified him the most.

He now began to wonder if the food he bought her was suiting her already sensitive palate. It was then he timidly eyed her with nervousness apparent on his features.

“I-I hope you are not feeling sick.”

Emma blinked for a few times before she broke into a fit of giggles. Norman was confused at first but then again her smile was contagious. It tickled him from within as he too broke into a laugh with her. But their laughter came to a slow halt. It was when they realised that they were all alone and together in a cramped space.

Emma’s heart picked up pace once more as her gaze remined lowered. She looked too adorable in his eyes as he hesitantly stepped forward to brush his knuckles against her cheek. Emma loved it whenever he did that. And it was evident with how she leaned into his warmth.

Only silence encompassed them. But this time it was a comforting silence as Norman tenderly caressed her cheek. Their eyes met once more as Norman leaned in to press his lips against her forehead.

The tears that she had been holding back for all this time finally rolled down her cheeks as she fluttered her eyes close. Her heart was soaring with joy. His little actions meant that he didn’t resent her. Rather it was filled with a tender warmth that could melt her from within.

Her lips parted to say something, anything to him. But Norman merely shushed her as a mischievous smile played at his lips. He had been too timid just a few moments ago but now he was brimming with confidence as he leaned closer. His breath brushed against her ear which sent a shiver down her spine but his words made her heart thrum harder.

“Meet me at the rooftop after the dance.”

Emma now looked up at him. His smile was beautiful. He was beautiful. But before she could say more, she heard her classmates walking in, filling the silent space with their usual chattering. She wanted to hold onto him but her fingers merely slipped through gaps between his fingers as he discreetly slipped out of the little enclosure.

Emma was all alone by her lonesome. She was already missing Norman. But the growl of her stomach broke her out of her reverie. She took a tentative spoonful of fried rice. And all it did was remind her of Norman.

She couldn’t wait for the night to fall soon.

And the night came eventually. The dusk eventually set in to blanket the world with a starry darkness. The reddish hues of the sun gave way to purplish ones as the exhausted students and teachers alike gathered at the huge playground.

A huge bonfire was lit in the middle of it. There were plans of fireworks too and the couples had already begun to gather around the bonfire.

Emma continued to weave through the crowd to have a glimpse at the familiar silver haired man. They had stolen glances at each other for the entirety of day but currently Norman had disappeared entirely. She had believed that they would dance together before they slipped out of the crowd to meet at the rooftop.

Dejection was apparent on her features. She wanted to have her dance with Norman. Just as disappointment was beginning to settle in her heart, she heard a familiar voice calling out to her.

“Emma, what are you doing here?”

“Ray…?”

“Didn’t Norman talk to you this afternoon?”

Emma’s eyes widened with realisation. Did he mean to meet him at the rooftop right away?  Ray now sighed in annoyance before shoving the keys into her hands. Emma now raised a brow at him before Ray sighed aloud once more.

“How do you think you will access the roof if you don’t even have the keys?”

“Oh!”

Emma truly felt too stupid right now. She had been too giddy over Norman’s little invitation that she had forgotten the most important thing. She now glanced around to find Anna and Gilda looking in her direction. They wore warm smiles on their faces with a hint of mischief to it. It seems that everyone was onboard with this plan as for the first time in two days Emma flashed her most brilliant smile which was so reminiscent of Emma.

And now her legs moved on their own. She could hear Ray shouting at her from behind to be more careful but Emma now no longer cared. She felt the slightly chilly autumn winds brushing against her skin and hair as she ran into the main building.

She was beginning to huff from exhaustion but her heart raced harder with anticipation as she ran up the flight of stairs. It was typical of Emma. She sometimes became too reckless but maybe that’s what made her much more endearing as she finally slammed the door open.

And it was in that moment the world around them grew muted once more. Because in that moment she could see nothing else except for Norman. The world around her was blurred in the backdrop. It was only them on the rooftop as Norman’s back kept facing her.

He now held onto the guardrail net as his eyes took in the sight below him. For a moment he felt disconnected from the world around him. Everyone looked like tiny ants from this distance. Maybe he was already detached from the rest of the world as he had casted a spell for tonight. A spell where he had created a small world with Emma—their tiny space.

He now turned around to finally meet her eyes. The autumn breeze whispered next to his ears as his snowy locks fluttered against its rhythm.

Everything was still once more. Only the faint music of Bonfire surrounded them as Norman reached out his hand to her. Was he finally asking her for a dance?

Emma’s heart thumped louder. She had been out of breath from all the running but no way in hell was she letting go of this chance as she finally place her hand in his.

She felt an electricity spark in his touch and perhaps Norman too was no different as he pulled her closer. Their heated eyes remained entwined in each other. The words they couldn’t speak through their lips were communicated with their eyes alone. Only one look was needed to be shared to exchange thousands of emotions and words behind it.

He now carefully twirled her around while pulling her closer by her waist. They had practised many times before so they could do the perfect dance during the bonfire. But for some reason this moment felt even more special as they moved their bodies to a slow steady rhythm. It was as if they had found a rhythm of their own.

Thousands of stars dotted the vast dark skies above them. It felt magical enough as Emma found herself being reflected in his skylike eyes.

He now carefully dipped her as Emma wrapped her arms around his neck. They stilled for a moment before their faces broke into a small smile. A warm and comforting smile.

Norman now pulled her back up as he loosely wrapped his arms around her waist while Emma did the same with his neck. They now no longer followed a complex rhythm or pattern as they lazily swayed their bodies while being in each other’s arms.

It was perfect and equally beautiful. But a silent tension continued to linger between them, an unspoken tension. And this time Norman had decided to break it as he momentarily drew away from her.

Emma now looked at him in confusion as he continued to rummage through his pockets. But soon her confusion melted away into one of surprise. Her eyes were wide. They were brimming with tears.

Because Norman was holding a pair of baby mittens in his hand. His smile was a shy one. His eyes were equally shy. And that made him even more endearing in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Norman!”

“Emma….do you resent me?”

Emma grew stiff at his words. Why would Norman think of that? If anything, he was the man who gave her so much happiness that she could no longer count them. And so, she drew back to look him in the eyes.

“Why would I? You have filled my blank canvas of a life with multiple colors. You…. Have given my life a new meaning after I lost Alex…”

“I know… but… I was careless. I already know that you want to keep the baby and while I am drowning in my bliss of this newfound happiness… I am also aware of the fact that how I am robbing you of your future.”

“But what if I want that future?”

“Huh?”

“I… have always wanted a family with you Norman. I can see no one else except for you. I was worried of being rejected by you but if you already accept us then how does that even matter? Yeah, it’s a little early but someday it had to happen right?”

“But… a child is a huge responsibility, Emma. It isn’t easy. We are still too young and..”

“Even I too am scared. Uncertain even. I don’t know if I am doing the right thing. But then-“

Emma now grabbed his hand to place it over her belly. She was still in the initial months of her pregnancy but even then she could feel that tiny warmth under their fingertips. Tears which they had been holding back for all this time now rolled down their cheeks as Norman took her in a warm embrace.

“Emma…I am sorry.”

“I understand that you needed time. We may make many mistakes but in the end… I still don’t think our baby is a mistake. I- we will work hard. I-If that’s what you want.”

“You do know that you are my priority. More like now you both are my priority. I am a genius. I can easily get a college degree to start a business and support you two.”

“But Norman are you sure about this? I am not robbing you of your future, right?”

“You are my future.”

Norman now rested his forehead against hers. Their eyes fluttered close as they savored this tiny warmth in the middle of chilly autumn nights. Now the chills of loneliness felt too distant.

All of a sudden, the whistle of firework cut through this momentarily silence as it burst into vibrant hues in the skies. It didn’t end with just one but multiple colors exploded in the skies. Both teenagers were awed by this sight as vibrant colors now reflected off their features.

It was then their eyes met once more. Like a magnetic pull they were drawn to each other, just like on that fateful day when their paths had once again crossed after crossing into the human world. Emma didn’t have any memories back then but just like tonight she felt that connection immediately as their lips brushed against each other.

It was tentative at first, hesitant even, as they held their kiss for a moment. A pure chaste kiss it was as they once again confirmed their love for each other which could no longer be weaved in mere words alone.

A small commotion broke them out of their reverie as they both flinched to the eye the doorway. A small giggle bubbled up their throats upon witnessing their friends clumsily eavesdropping on them. They were carrying a bunch of snacks with them as they too flashed their brilliant smile at them.

“Y’know you are not alone in this. I am going to become an uncle soon so count me in this journey as well. Even Gilda, Don and Anna think the same.”

All of them agreed enthusiastically with Ray’s words as Norman and Emma felt their worries melt away little by little. The road ahead was difficult and uncertain but they were sure to tread through it together with their family.

And now all they did was make another memory together as they watched the fireworks on the rooftop. This particular memory became a memorable part of Emma’s scrapbook. The very thing which was full of Emma’s little entries since the time she woke up in this unfamiliar world.

But her family always had a special entry in it. And now the picture of Norman cradling their newborn son found the latest place in it.