Page 55 of Freeing Emily
My brain whirls as I try to keep up with what he’s demanding.
He shoves the phone in my hands. When I peer down, my mom’s name is on display. All I have to do is presscall.
The cold press of a gun to my temple sends my body into motion and I press the button.
“Speaker.” Fionn grunts.
Doing as he says, I listen as the phone rings. The moment my mom’s voice fills the speaker I suck in a breath.
“The date is over already?” she teases.
Fionn’s jaw ticks, his glare a clear warning.
Swallowing the tightness in my throat, I adjust my sweaty grip on the phone.
“Ha.” I laugh nervously, “I’m actually calling to let you know I just received this a-amazing news from my agent. They’re offering me a spot on their US tour.” I blurt the words out, feigning enthusiasm as panic coats every cell in my blood.
“Oh,mo stór!That is a wonderful opportunity. Go! Go! We’ve had quite the eventful life recently and I think this is exactly what you need.”
I can almost physically hear my heart shatter in my chest.
“Are you sure?”
The gun presses harder into my head and I wince.
“When would you need to leave?” My ma asks.
I clear my throat.
“I actually need to leave immediately, which is why my date ended early.”
Fionn nods in approval. I close my eyes as the first tear spills out of the corner of my eye and down my cheek.
“Oh.” She says, the word extending. “How long are you expected to be gone?”
I open my mouth but then shut it quickly.
I’m never going to come back… am I?
My eyes flick to Fionn and he slowly shakes his head before looking at the other man who holds the gun to my head.
“Um… Right now, there isn’t an end date.” Each word leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
“Mmm.” She hums.
I’m trembling as I wait for her reply. I hope she’ll make a fuss about not knowing how long I’ll be gone. I’m hoping she demands that I stay so then she’ll know that something is wrong.
“I think it’ll be a good chance for you to find some kind of escape from reality.” Her words are like a punch in the gut. My stomach churns. “Make sure you keep me updated on your trip.”
I sniffle, unable to hold back the tears.
"Oh, Emily.” Her voice softens. “I know it’s been hard… very hard, these last few weeks. But everything will be okay.”
Fionn motions with his hands for me to speed up the conversation.
“I- I’ll talk to you soon, okay, ma?”
“I love you,mo stór.”