Chapter Sixty One
“I’m not sure how much more I can possibly take. I just can’t keep doing this to her…” I admitted to Willow.
“It’ll be worth it in the end, trust me,” Willow replied.
“That’s the problem, I do trust you and that’s the ONLY reason I haven’t said anything. I just can’t keep this deception going. Didn’t you see how hurt she was today?”
I needed her to justify my decision to tell Ember what’s going on. My little girl looked thoroughly dejected because she missed her best friend. I couldn’t take witnessing the emotional pain she was going through. Krista was spending every free minute at school working out details for the birthday party, but Ember didn’t have a clue.
“We should have worked this out at the coffee shop. Here I thought our only problems surrounded Ember, but it seems I misjudged the situation. The term ‘surprise’ means that you can’t let on – no matter what. Florida, I know this is tough for you – there’s just two days left.
“I’m not gonna say I haven’t had the same thought because I have. Ember confides in me and I know how upset she’s been over missing Krista. I have to keep reminding myself how much fun she’ll have and what a great memory this’ll be. Krista’s overwhelmed by the details of the party because I think she’s invited everyone at school!” Willow exclaimed.
“So that gives us all the more reason to tell Ember…” I proclaimed – there, I provided my own rationale.
“You’re not gonna tell her! We’ll go to dinner tomorrow night and test her ability to command her spirit light around music and a crowd of people. The next day is the birthday party. See, it’s almost over already…”
“I should’ve made them tell her. You know it’s not too late to make Elizabeth or Krista tell her themselves…”
Willow finally walked over to me, reached up and touched my cheek with the back of her hand.
“You’re not gonna do that, Tray. She’ll understand why we had to fib and it’ll be a night she’ll never forget. I’ll be right there with you and it’s gonna be okay,” Willow stated in a breathy whisper that made me shiver.
“You’re right – I’m not gonna tell Ember or make them tell her, either. You have to stop touching me though and using your own brand of obliteration skills. I can only handle so much here…” I told her, but hoped in a way that she would ignore my request.
“I’ve never had that skill, so it must be something else entirely about my touch that’s convincing you…” she teased and I knew she didn’t have that ability – but, like I said, I could only handle so much.
Although she can try and convince me anytime…
Ember Rising Light (Book One) Page 65
