Far From The Family Tree (Closed for Lady_Mornington and I)

[ChadTheWriter]

George walked from his office to the kitchen. It was about a two hour drive to the airport, and he knew coffee would be more then welcome. He had thoughts of adding scotch to his coffee but immediately disregarded the thought.

George felt apprehensive at the thought of meeting his daughter for the first time in his life. He didn't know if he could be a father. Surely at 24 she was able to take care of herself, after all she went to a university, he thought. He had received a letter two weeks ago from her. The thought was instantly replaced with university. He suddenly wondered what her grades were. When she wrote, she told him she was in her last semester so at least she might be able to get a job soon or later.

Deprived of anything to eat for breakfast George made a small lunch consisting of a bagel and an apple. George was healthy for his age, and would naturally eat more then just the two items. The car ride would be too nerve racking to eat anymore.

Even though George was uneasy, he didn't let it show when he stepped out of his house and was greeted by his neighbor. With a small explanation of where he was going, George soon had his neighbor laughing from a joke he told afterwards. George often told jokes to end conversations quickly, this way he could get on with his business. He found doing so was not in any way rude, and was very sufficient. So far it worked almost every day with his neighbor, who managed to talk more then needed.

****

George found himself at the airport a lot sooner then he thought he might, and felt more apprehensive then ever. When he parked his car he took a deep breath and sighed heavily before stepping from within. Even at the age of sixty he walked composed as if untouchable. His confidence as he walked was fierce, and his charm was unfaltering and pleasant when he spoke to the employer at the information desk.

George was quickly directed to a gate on the west side of the airport, in which he found quite quickly. He was also informed he had about half an hours wait ahead of him. He took this time to fill his coffee mug at a cafe inside the airport twice and walked around almost the entire thing. Although it was full with too many people, he enjoyed the walk and the tourist stalls.

Now the half an hour was over and George heard the announcement of the landing of Emily's plane. George stood outside the terminal in which she would be coming from, a sign with her name written on it in obvious view.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Emily was nervous. She had to focus hard to hang on to her composure as she watched the baggage-conveyor.

She was travelling light and although her bags had been among the first to enter the arrivals hall she had yet to pick them up. Looking into the distance she tried to sum up some resolve for what was to come. Trembling slightly she finally managed to lift her wheelie-bag from the carousel. Bracing herself she turned and made her way to the arrivals hall to see her father for the first time.

Emily was born out of wedlock, the result of a one-night affair in a Paris hotel. Her mother had attended an academic conference, the liason between herself and the Canadian businessman formed not out of any deeper sentiments but rather the spur of the moment. Thus Emily had been conceived and brought up by her mother. She had never been supplied with more than tidbits of intelligence regarding his identity, her mother deeming that the less Emily knew the less risk that she'd be hurt. Her mother had done her best, giving her all the love and affection she could muster, yet Emily had never felt whole. There was a vital part of her missing and the questions regarding her father had grown more pressing as she grew older. More than once she had found herself examining her features in the mirror, wondering where any particular one might hail from.

She took a deep breath as she made her way through the largely empty hall, wondering how he would perceive her. The various men who at one point or other had been dating her mother had at best seen her as a way to gain favours with her mum and at worst an obstacle.

Emily had long since learned to distance herself from such things. Putting all her energy into her studies. She was attending her last semester as a law student and aiming to embark on the long journey of becoming a prosecutor. There was something satisfying with the idea of being the one arguing for the redress of any injuries that might have befallen a victim of crime...

Stopping for a moment to check her appearence in a mirror, seeing a young woman staring back at her. Her hair dark brown and lazily tied in a bun behind her neck. She stood 5'6 slender and would probably be viewed as pretty rather than striking. Wearing a pair of thick-rimmed glasses opting for them rather than the contact lenses she usually employed. Dressed casually in a pair of tight blue denims tucked down her brown knee-highs, a white blouse and a sleeveless pull-over giving her a slightly preppy appearence.

Stepping into the arrivals area she spotted an older man holding a sign bearing her name and taking a deep breath she carefully approached him...

 

[ChadTheWriter]

Several times George had mistaken a few women to be his daughter, but each time they simply walked past him when he was about to speak. He had paced back and forth after each person he had mistaken, for each time he was wrong, he became more and more apprehensive with the situation. He grew impatient now, for the plane was meant to land around 15 minutes ago.

The next person to come out of the terminal caught his eye immediately. He knew right then and there that it was his daughter and he had no doubt about it. He knew this for she had looked him directly in the eye and the connection between the two was made. As she neared him his heart skipped a beat and he suddenly felt weaker then he ever had in his life. He grew short of breath just before he neared him and his body limply fell to the floor.

Emily seeing her supposed father collapse to the floor, ran to his assistance. He laid quite lifeless, aside from a steady pulse and breathing. This she had learned to check in a first aid class. Emily called his name a few times as he laid there motionless, which was the first thing he heard her speak. He slowly stirred and his first words were a little incoherent. He wasn't sure where he was until he looked up at the dark brown haired young woman.

"Emily?" He asked her as he stood with some of her assistance. He knew now he was in the airport and he had fainted in front of his daughter. He felt embarrassed and apologized profusely for putting on a show. Though to his secret delight, she thought nothing of it. He fell silent afterwards, the air reeked of awkward moment. He wasn't sure at all what to say, so instead he thrust out a hand preparing to shake her own. He felt slightly hesitant though, for he wasn't sure whether he should hug her or not.

After he introduced himself to Emily and she had done the same he felt a lot more comfortable around her. At least, enough to start a conversation. He asked whether she was hungry or thirsty, for he felt like grabbing a bite to eat. She agreed happily, for the plane food was sparse and rarely able to feed someone with a healthy appetite.

They both ordered their meals and drinks and fell into discussion about work. He was interested to know why she had chosen the path of his own, but felt proud as well. They also discussed her schooling and grades, to which he felt even more proud. He couldn't help but feel proud that this lovely young lady was his daughter, yet guilt was apart as well. He wondered if she hated him for not being around, but he didn't ask. He did apologize to her though, in which she stated it was OK. He thought she was lying but didn't press it any further.

After their meals George paid for them both and then took her to his car. Living in London he chose to have a smaller car, for the lanes were to small for a big vehicle. At least, too small for his liking. He had helped her put the bags in the back of the car and even went so far as to open her door for her.

My god is she beautiful. He thought as she climbed into the car. Even though she was his daughter he felt his eyes staring at her unfatherly like. He didn't blame himself though, for he only just met her and wouldn't be able to help such thoughts from swirling about his older mind. As he thought of his daughter he suddenly wondered what she thought of him, but not his personality.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

She had seen him the instant she entered the arrivals-area. The sign bearing her name aside, she recognised his face the moment she laid eyes on him. Slowly, heart racing, she made her way towards him. Biting her lip as she approached him, having rehearsed her introduction a thousand times by now...

He grew short of breath just before he neared him and his body limply fell to the floor.

"The weird thing was" Emily later though "was that I didn't panic". She saw him collapse and immediately she was on her knees beside him, checking his pulse and breathing. Then gently cradling his head as a score of onlookers crowded around her. She paid them no attention, focusing entirely on him whispering as she caressed his cheek.

He slowly regained his wits and as Emily helped him to his feet she noticed how he blushed, apologizing vigorously for what happened. She didn't comment instead she let herself be embraced, the distance between them having been negotiated by the incident. Their introductions becoming less formal now and although she sensed how akward he felt, Emily still thought that some of the reserve had vanished.

George insisted that they get something to eat and Emily happily agreed. Sitting in one of the restaurants, she was pleased to see how he made the effort to put her at ease. Telling him about his studies, how she had opted for law rather than medicine, which was her mother's field of study. George had noticed that she was carrying a battered copy of the "Laws of Sweden" in her bag, and seemed to be very pleased that she was making her grades. As Emily finished her second glass of wine, feeling slightly light-headed, they had discussed the difference between working under Common Law as opposed to the ICJ-standards, the difference of university education and similar topics. More than once George, "Dad" Emily made herself use the honorific, had complimented her on her good English as well as her grades. Still there was something ominous looming. He had hinted as much that he was sorry that he had not been able to be there for her, yet he referred it as much to her mother as to himself thus the issue was left unresolved, Emily not wanting to start hurling accusations at him.

"He's making the effort at least" Emily thought as he had offered to carry her bag and even acting the gentleman, holding the door open for her. She had secretly been stealing glances at him, trying to find the similar features as well as trying to assess his charachter. She decided that he looked vaguely like Christopher Plummer, his features as distinct as his countryman, although George was a good twenty-years his junior. Further his attire and demeanour was one of an impeccable gentleman and Emily could see what had attracted her mother to him.

Sitting in the passenger seat she had not made much conversation, rather spending time listening to him making smalltalk, ever so often she would nod and smile. Her mind alternating between nervousness and absolute confidence.

Then after a prolonged silence she gently placed her hand on his

"I'm glad I finally found you"..

 

[ChadTheWriter]

George found his daughter stealing occasional glances at him and he wondered what she was thinking. She didn't say much through out the entire trip though, so George found himself doing most of the speaking. He found himself explaining his house, how it had three bedrooms and two bathrooms. He told her room would be across the hall from his own, and that one of the bathrooms was beside both rooms.

George suddenly fell into silence, topics of what to talk about seemingly vanished from his mind. Instead he found himself listening to the tires of his car on the road. He was in the middle of zoning out when his daughter Emily had reached over to place her hand on his own. He looked away from the road and then to his daughters hand on his own. He looked up at her and smiled sweetly.

"I'm glad you found me as well." He said softly, his hand moving to gently grasp her own. At first he wasn't sure whether he would be so happy to see her, but now that he knew some about her, her the same about him. He decided that as long as his daughter needed his help, he would be there for her to help her along the way. He told her this, letting her know he planned on making on effort.

Eventually the car fell into silence once more and George was happy. He was happy for there was only about a fifteen minutes longer drive until they were home. Not wanting the trip to end on a sour note, complete silence, George told her she was able to make herself at home. He then added with a small chuckle afterwards that she would have no choice.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Emily sensed his akwardness still. His smalltalk only underlining the more than apparent akwardness he felt.

Once again turning to him, her hand once again on his and tilting her head slightly the side she spoke softly

"I understand that you're nervous Dad and so am I" giving his hand a squeeze, her slender fingers gripping his "and I don't expect this to be easy, for anyone of us" keeping her hand on his as she continued the need pressing

"I didn't think you wanted anything to do with me to be honest so in a way I was more than pleased that you agreed to see me" smiling mischeviously as she met his gaze in the rear-view mirror "besides I need help with the revision"

Seeing him smile in return she felt elated. Still it struck her as odd that she would be the one carrying the conversation as soon as it was steered into the more difficult issues. Somewhere she'd pictured him as being the type of person who would easily explain how things would be from now on, yet it occured to Emily that her father was perhaps more closed than herself...

They rode in silence the last fifteen or so minutes, her thoughts centered on the man sitting next to her, what he was thinking and especially regarding his thoughts on her...

 

[ChadTheWriter]

As they finally pulled up to his house, George found himself thinking the same as Emily. He was frustrated in himself, for his own daughter was causing him to become flustered and was having troubles keeping a normal conversation. He decided that he wouldn't allow it to happen anymore as he carried her bags to the door.

"Emily, I'm sorry if I seem a little quiet, or nervous around you." He said while unlocking the door to his house. "I must admit that there is only one person who was able to put me in such a situation, and that is your mother." He said this with a sigh and a smile.

George opened the door and allowed her to walk through. He stood beside her for the moment, placing her bags on the floor. "This my dear, is my home. I expect you to treat it as your own, for you live here now. I only ask of a few things, number one being cleaning up your own mess. Number two, address me as you wish. And number three, relax and enjoy yourself." He said with a wink. George then proceeded to show Emily about the house, her bedroom being the first so he could save time by taking the bags with them.

Once the showing of the house was finished, George offered her some tea or coffee, coffee being one of his favorite drinks. No matter her answer, coffee would be made.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

"Did you love her?"

the question put bluntly and Emily regretted it immediately. She was seated opposite him in the spacious kitchen. She had noted the modern appliances that crowded the work-top.

She knew it had to be asked, one of the many questions that had been simmering for years. What had happend between her parents that night in Paris.

Not waiting for his reply she continued

"I think she still loves you" sipping her tea for the short respite it gave her "she hinted as much at least".

Looking intently at him as he sat cradling his coffee. Thinking that it was just as well she'd press on with the issues that needed resolving

"You never thought about what would have happened had the two of you given it a try?" her voice rising. "Didn't it for an instant occur to you that you had a child?" she felt tears burning now, cursing herself for the momentary lapse yet there was no turning back now

"Not a single bloody sign of interest!" she stood up, the chair crashing to the floor, turning to stare out the window not wanting her to see her tears.

"I hated you..."

 

[ChadTheWriter]

George sat down at the table with his daughter, a lovely conversation was what he expected. He didn't expect her to ask what she did, and nearly spat his coffee all over the floor. He would have answered her right away but she spoke again before he got the chance. He thought he could see what was coming and didn't really know if he should stop it. Instead, he decided to listen to her, at least until she was done her ranting.

As she spoke, well yelled more like it, he listened patiently for he knew it was almost his time to speak. George watched her speak until she turned on him. He wondered if she was crying, but suddenly knew she was when he heard her next speak.

"Emily, all I have for you is explanations, but they are not meant to excuse me." He said, walking up to her and placing each hand on both her shoulders. "I do in fact still love your mother. I always did, and never will stop. But you must understand, love is only a step in a relationship. Me and your mother couldn't stand each other, and it tore us apart to argue the way we did. After a while, even in love, handling each day after day was becoming difficult." George paused for a moment, remember what else she had said.

"And for your information, I only just recently found out your birthday. I say this because me and your mother split up about 3 months into the pregnancy. And you know, she didn't tell me a thing. At that age, I was too dumb too even guess that she may be pregnant, otherwise I would have tried."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Emily didn't reply as he offered her his explanations. Truth to be told she had expected as much, knowing full well her Mother had, for all intents and purposes, effectively cut the connection between the two after the break-up. One part of herself knew this, yet the other part, the one who had always been wandering in the dark, deprived of a past wanted to lash out. To accuse him, to demand redress, retribution.

Shaking as the sobs became more violent making her double over on the chair, trying to stifle the tears. Emily had sustained panic-attacks before, having learned to read the signs and thus to counter-act them. Yet now she was taken by surprise. Heart beating so fast she thought it was going to burst, fearing she'd choke as breathing became harder. Desperately reaching for his hands digging her nails into the skin as she bit down hard on her own hand, almost breaking the skin as she desperately tried to stay on top of the flow of emotions...

 

[ChadTheWriter]

George watched as she processed what he had just told her. She didn't seem confused, but still frustrated. She began to sob even harder and George allowed her to take his hand. Her sobs were getting even more out of control so George took her form into his own. He wrapped his arms about her and rubbed her back trying to soothe her.

As he held her tightly he couldn't believe it, it was the first day he had ever met his daughter and here she was, crying. Eventually as he held her he felt her breathing slowly coming in properly, at least better then before. He relaxed his embrace on her, in case she thought he was too close for comfort. He finally asked her, "Are you OK?".

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Trying hard to control her breathing Emily still clung to him thus negating the brave face she put on as she next spoke.

"I'm fine Dad" wiping the tears away and giving him a tentative smile "I suppose this is quite emotional for both of us isn't it"

Looking at his concerned features, once again struck by their semblance.

"It's been a quite a taxing couple of weeks" looking at him again, seeking reassurance, suddenly seeming younger than her years. Truth to be told Emily felt very small at that particular moment. Years of surpressed sorrow finally finding an outlet and still all those questions begging an answer.
Resting her head against his chest she hugged him closer as he tentatively embraced her yet again. His hands warm on her back, the sound of his heart consoling as she closed her eyes.

They didn't speak, no words would suffice to express even a fraction of the emotions being forced to surface. Emily finally broke the silence, her voice low, contrasting the earlier outburst.

"I've always wondered how it would feel..." she draw breath "to be consoled by you"

 

[ChadTheWriter]

George continued to hold his daughter, for the warmth shared between them now was enough to make him feel better too. He smiled at her reply and nodded, "I'm glad to here you're OK." He said, his hand moving to lightly stroke her cheek.

At her next words George found himself sighing lightly and his head nodded, "It truly has been. In fact, I'd like to make you a promise. I promise to be there for you, no matter what happens between us." After saying this they both fell quiet silent, for his consoling was working.

George nodded slowly and smiled a little, "I must admit, I never thought I'd be here this afternoon consoling my daughter who I had just met. As lovely as it is to be holding you, the emotions this is bringing me is almost overwhelming."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

His words brought a smile to Emily's face. Disentangling herself she stood back and looked at him.

"Be careful what you promise Dad, you may get more than you bargained for" turning to the sink she poured herself a glass of water, thankful for the short respite it gave her.

"I'm not at my best right now" gulping down the contents her back still turned. She had too much she needed to share with him, unresolved issues as well as the ordinary questions that begged an answer. Trying to maintain her composure she turned again, looking at George as he gave her a questioning glance.

"But I'll be ok after a bath and.." adding voice suddenly michevious "I belive a nice dinner at a restaurant...I think you owe me a few of those" still smiling, her features conveying the attempt to normalise the situation they had ended up in...

 

[ChadTheWriter]

He nodded as she spoke, a smile about his lips as he seen her smile herself. "I am one of my word, and would die before I betrayed it." He said. George would do anything for his daughter, whether it meant his life or not.

George nodded understandingly, even though she was faced away. He didn't want to discuss the matter any further so he just continued to listen to her. He nodded his head in agreement when she had said a bath would help. "Yeah, and be sure to take your time. You're going to need it." He said calmly.

George smiled at her proposition, the thought of dinner with this lovely young lady was a good one at that. "I will shower downstairs and be ready when you are. I've also got an idea for a restaurant." He said with a wink. He wanted to get to know his daughter, and dinner was the perfect time to do so.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Emily nodded at his suggestion.

"Posh restaurant?" Eyes sparkling as she intoned the question, which to George's mind sounded more like a suggestion.

He nodded but said nothing, the smile on his face echoing that of Emily's. Making her way upstairs she ran the taps, filling the tub with water and adding the fragrant bubble-soap. Tossing her clothes in a pile on the floor she stood naked infront of the floorlength mirror. Critically examining herself she noticed how the fresh scars on her hips would need to be attended.

It was a foolish way to manage the pressure, she was aware of that, yet the physical pain of cutting herself, made the more tangible heartache visible thus comprehensible.

Sighing she stepped into the tub, sinking down beneath the water, her hair spreading out like a halo around her head. Her mind blissfully blank as the hot water made her skin redden.

Resting her head she idly sponged her legs, her mind wandering, thinking what to wear, how not to touch upon the sensitive issues in such a flagrant manner as she'd done earlier. Truth to tell the nervousness, although negotiated still lingered and she could feel it almost as a physical affliction.

The sensitive skin of her fingertips turning wrinkly, a sure sign she ought to get up. Carefully standing up and drying herself, drawing a smiling face on the steamy mirror, the childish gesture throughly irresistible. Wrapping the towel around her hair before walking the few steps to her room.

 

[ChadTheWriter]

George watched his daughter walk upstairs where he soon after followed. He walked to his room and to his dresser, where he then pulled out a pair of socks and underwear. After placing both of the items of clothing on his bed he turned to his closet, opening that up as well. He looked upon his many suits, indecisive of what to wear. He decided on a grey tux, one of his more casual suits, but good looking non-the less.

After choosing an undershirt George grabbed his towel and walked down stairs to the bathroom. He had considered the thought of his daughter being upstairs in the bath, so it didn't even cross his mind about closing the door properly. He never really needed to close the door, for privacy is not key when alone most of the time.

George removed all his clothing and folded it up neatly and placed it in the corner of the bathroom. He stood only in his boxers now as he looked into the mirror. He looked rather good for his age, for wrinkles were just slowly appearing on his body. He was in great shape, aside from a small belly which he could not help. His salt and pepper hair looked quite good on him, hence why he never died his hair. Besides, he was proud of his age, and how good he kept himself.

As he checked himself out he suddenly wondered what his daughter looked like. Though immediately he removed the thought from his mind. After all, she was his daughter and he was not allowed to think of his daughter in such a unfatherly way.

George quickly showered, though it wasn't as relaxing as he had hoped. Even though he knew it was wrong, he ended up getting horny in the shower thinking of his daughter again. What made it so bothersome was he wouldn't do anything about it. Not with the thoughts of his daughter, that was too far. He felt ashamed even thinking of her, let alone touching himself to her.

George left the bathroom and went to his room where he was slowly putting on his suite, and listening for Emily for when she got out of the tub. As he listened he put on some aftershave and some of his nicest smelling cologne. Even though it was his daughter, he was out to impress.

He was in the middle of brushing his hair when he heard his daughter open the bathroom door. He had been meaning to ask her something so instinctively opened the door. He stood wearing a muscle shirt, which he would have worn underneath another shirt, but not now. He was also wearing grey suit pants, no socks. Just as he opened the door he stopped immediately. He was in total awe at his daughters wet form before him.

Still in awe, he thought quickly, as to not look like a perv. "Emily," He said turning away, "I just wanted let you know the tooth paste is in the counter by the sink." That wasn't what he was meant to say, but he ended up forgetting the original thought.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Emily couldn't help bursting out in a small laugh as she saw his face flush with colour.
Having been raised in Scandinavia where nudity wasn't much of an issue she still could see how her nakedness caused him to blush and stammer.

"I just wanted let you know the tooth paste is in the counter by the sink."

"Thanks Dad" she managed to say turning around and heading for her room. Closing the door she burst out laughing. "God I must have shocked him quite throughly there" the thought brought another fit of laughter to erupt. Knowing that the Victorian morals still prevailed in both the UK and Canada she chided herself for not having paid more attention to it, but truth to be told she didn't really care. Emily had a rather easy-going attitude to her own body as well as nakedness. It was natural after all and it was only very twisted people who saw something sinister in it.

Yet she was worried, worried that he might have spotted the scars on her hip. Still she thought he'd probably won't raise the subject given his gentlemanly approach.

Concentrating on what to wear she settled for a dress that could perhaps be viewed as a nice compromise between cocktail-attire and casual. Opting for the boots rather than heels and finishing with a shawl.

Applying a bit of make-up, she usually didn't go in for the whole battery, thus preserving the natural look that was so striking a feature about her. Finishing she put the contact lenses on and brushed and dried her hair.

Stepping out into the hall and making her way downstairs

 

[ChadTheWriter]

As she turned to walk away to her room, George looked up just in time to see her naked ass as she walked into her room. Insta-hard! He couldn't believe it. Another hard on because of his daughter. She was very beautiful though, and even more so wet. The water had shimmered on her body, making her look like a goddess, and not his daughter.

George had to quickly remove those thoughts, for she would be ready any minute after him. He quickly put on his over shirt and then combed his hair all nice like. After adjusting his shirt he put on his jacket, which he also adjusted to his liking. After everything on him was thoroughly adjusted and set, he smiled to himself in the mirror before leaving his room.

When George made it to the bottom of the stairs he saw Emily, waiting and ready to go. His jaw would have dropped if he were your average Joe, but instead he said calmly, "Emily, you look beautiful." Even though he meant to not look overly excited, his eyes gave it away. They were moving up and down her form, wider then ever. He then stopped his staring and smiled sweetly, stepping forth and offering his arm.

Both Emily and George walked out of the house, arm and arm, smiles on their faces. They were up for a good meal, and good friendly conversation. "I hope tonight will be a good one, so we can wake up in the morning smiling." He said as he opened the door for her to allow her in the car.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Emily felt happy. For the first time in months she experienced the sensations of being utterly content. She had of course noticed the way her father had looked at her as he decended the stairs, but she thought no more of it than purely the pride of a father.

Besides she quietly admitted to herself, she relished the attention. Seeing clearly how much she had missed the paternal attention throughout her childhood and youth.

The restaurant proved to be very much to her liking. Mediterranean cuisine and a nice ambience to the establishment made her spirits rise. Accompanied by a steady flow of red wine, which served to loosen her otherwise composed manners somewhat.

She spoke lenghty of her studies, her interests, her taste in music and literature. He reciprocated in turn telling her of his own studies, how he'd come to leave Canada for the United Kingdom. The mention of his native country prompted Emily, having had a few glasses of wine to mention that she thought he did look a bit like Christopher Plummer, something he obviously soaked up very well.

When dessert arrived the topic of conversation had broached the subject of her relationship. She was dating a fellow student, two years her senior and they even shared a flat in one of the student areas. Not going into detail George could still surmise as much as that the relationship wasn't in the best of states. Nonethless he didn't push the issue seeing as it was obviously painful for her to discuss it.

They stayed late being among the last of the guests to leave. Finding a taxi proved easier said than done but after a while they managed to secure one. Emily having insisted that she'd settle for nothing other than a black cab. As they took their seats she curled up next to him, her head resting on his shoulder as she fell asleep...

 

[ChadTheWriter]

George had brought Emily to a restaurant he knew she would like. Well, he thought he would know. It was a restaurant he himself had gone to many times a month, being his favourite. The food there was exquisite, and the wine their had been some of the best he'd ever had. The wine had caused him to loosen up as well, not so much in the conversation, his thoughts. After a while, he didn't mind thinking about his daughter. Everything was right, and couldn't have gone any better.

He found he shared some of the some interests as his daughter, and even had generally the same taste in music. George was flattered to hear his daughter thought he looked like Christopher Plummer, an actor he'd never heard of, but an actor none the less.

After her compliment and Georges fifth glass of wine, he felt he could discuss anything with his daughter, for he felt she would do the same for him. Also, the alcohol had added to his charming personality, which he had shown out just before dinner. George asked her if she had a boyfriend, and was happy at first to hear her say yes, but could see it in her eyes that something was amiss. He didn't question her further on the topic, but instead smiled and took a sip of his wine.

Among the last to leave, George and Emily finally left after enjoying themselves immensely. They both had drunken their share amount of alcohol and because of that, they hailed a cab. Shortly after climbing into the cab, George noticed with a soft smile that his daughter had fallen asleep laying against his shoulder. George had lightly pet her hair as she slept, enjoying the moment of silence.

George then woke Emily and helped her from the cab, where he led her into the house.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Feeling more than a little tipsy from the wine she had, as well as disorientated Emily still managed to retain her posture as her father held the door open for her.

"I'd like some more wine" she exclaimed as she searched her purse for a pack of cigarettes, wordlessly asking permisson to smoke indoors.

Flopping carelessly unto the sofa, resting against the soft cushions, a content smile on her face. Her father lingered, probably going through the selection of wines, surely not wanting to spoil his best vintages.

Pulling her boots off and streching her naked feet and bare legs on the sofa, closing her eyes for just a second.

Hearing her father rummage in the kitchen she struggled to stay awake, the generous intake of wine making her sleepy, yet she willed herself to sober up.

As she sat up pushing a strand of hair that kept falling into her eyes she tried to sum up the evening, fearing she'd been too talkative, divulging too intimate detalis about her life or merely boring him.

"I talked about Dan" she remembered. Dan, her boyfriend, whom she had left unknowing her business, having not wanting him to interfere with what she perceived as her own very personal business. Feeling a stab of pain as she realised that for most part of their relationship she'd kept him firmly shut out from her personal life admitting that he was there merely to serve as a stable point in her life.

Biting her lip, knowing now she had to end their relation yet not mustering the initiative to do so. She knew she didn't love him, and induced by the alcohol she consumed, she started wordlessly to hurl accusations at herself for playing him the way she had done.

Tears falling as she hugged her legs, wondering if her Father had seen through the charade, seeing the person beneath her polished surface, someone she herself perceived as utterly incapable of being loved or to love...

 

[ChadTheWriter]

When George had brought in his daughter Emily and helped her to the couch, he had not seen any turmoil in her eyes. All he could see was a content smile and relaxed position on the couch. This was where George had left her to go into the kitchen. Once there he grabbed a few glasses and poured some more wine. Personally, he was good for alcohol, but decided if she were to have more, so would he.

As he poured the two glasses of wine, he thought about the lovely dinner and talk they had just been through. A smile was brought to his lips when he thought of the night, for it had been one of the most exciting, and eventful days, let alone nights in his life. Once again he found himself wondering what she thought about him. He knew what he thought about her; beautiful, smart, and best of all, his daughter.

After pouring the two glasses of wine, George brought both the glasses and the bottle into the living room. Mark was surprised at what he saw next. His daughter was curled up, leaning against the back of the couch crying. He quickly placed both the wine and glasses on the living room table, immediately moving to her side where he wrapped his arms about her.

"Emily, why do you weep? I thought you were happy tonight." In his drunken demeanor, even while trying to make her feel better, his eyes were roaming about her curled up legs. They were so smooth, just so soft. I have to touch them.. He thought to himself. As he attempted to sooth her, he let his hand rest on her naked knee, but made no unneeded movements. He wanted to feel his daughter, but he just didn't want her to know at the same time.

George suddenly looked down into the middle of his crotch, where a huge bulge was standing proudly beneath his pants. He attempted to hide it, for he was in the middle of soothing his daughter and he had no intentions of stopping. He hoped to death she would not notice. She would probably figure I'm twisted and demented he thought. She may even scream.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

The pain that welled up inside Emily prevented her from noticing George's predicament. Her petite body shaking with the sobs and she clung desperately to him for comfort. She felt like she was going to drown and holding on seemed her only option for saving herself.

One thought kept recurring the need to transform the pain of her soul into something visible, needing desperately to cut herself in an attempt to handle the flow of emotions threatening that overwhelmed her.

Biting her lip hard, thankful for the physical sensation of pain temporarily substituting the mental one as she continued to cry, seemingly unable to be let herself be comforted even though George did his best. Her pain almost frightening in it's intensity and he was at loss as what to do. Letting go of her petite frame as a violent sob made her cough and gag.

As he did Emily caught sight of the glass and before he could react she had smashed one of them, ending up with a razor-sharp shard in her hand. Pressing the edge to the soft skin of her exposed thigh, she made a cut, drawing blood...

 

[ChadTheWriter]

George stood frozen in shock and fear, for Emily had broken a wine glass and cut her thigh with the broken shard. He thought she meant to kill herself so he leaned forward and reached for the glass, his tone suddenly turned to a mixture of confusement and fear.

"Emily, don't do it, it is not worth it." His efforts were thwarted, and she stood up quickly after, still sobbing uncontrollably. He was surprised when she actually managed to speak, even it was in between large sobs.

"Just leave me." She had said, dropped the glass and then left for her room. George had remained standing in spot, he didn't know whether she hated him, or just needed the time. All of it was too confusing for the amount of alcohol he had consumed with Emily. His only thought now was to go have a cool shower, cool the blood and help calm himself down. Afterwards he would go check on his daughter.

About twenty minutes later George had put on a pair of jeans and just a white t-shirt to relax in. He then left his bedroom and made for Emily's across the hall. He wondered if she had passed out in the time it took him to shower and thought twice about knocking.

He knocked a couple times on the door, opened the door and said in a quiet tone, "Emily, are you OK? Or..Awake?"