A Call That Changed Her Entire Life

Sean accompanied Emily and Beryl to the restaurant, and the atmosphere between them was harmonious.

The waiter went to them and said, "Sir, madam, and lovely little lady, may I take your order?"

Obviously he considered them as a family of three. Sean's mood brightened considerably upon hearing that, but Emily immediately denied it.

"Sorry, we're not a couple," she told the waiter.

Sean's face fell and his eyes turned gloomy in an instant.

The waiter was puzzled about their relationship, but he knew he shouldn't ask more questions.

Emily ordered several dishes, pretending that she hadn't seen her brother's unhappy face. She had deliberately explained to the waiter that they were not a couple.

Though she could not always tell what attitude Sean held towards her, she had hoped that he would give up on pursuing her. He said he would, but the ambiguity he showed from time to time made her doubtful.

If he still craved taking her as lover, then she couldn't figure out why at other times he treated her as his sister.

Instinctively she knew that she had to demarcate their relationship as that of siblings, so that he could clearly understand her position on it, and that he could believe her standpoint to be set.

Although the two adults were wrapped up in their own pensive moods, they were careful not to show any signs which might confuse Beryl. The child innocently continued enjoying her meal.

After the meal, Sean treated them with a visit to the amusement park. To the undiscerning viewers they were a happy family of three enjoying the attractions.

He even insisted on buying a family package to enter the amusement park.

Emily watched him having a good time with Beryl, and though she took pictures of them, she was concerned as he was acting out of character today. Confused by her emotions and the awkward situation, she was somewhat distracted.

But she could not determine what was different about Sean and his unusual behavior.

Feeling uneasy, she thought of Jacob, who was still in the laboratory.

Sean

Jacob died. He would not risk my life to hurt Jacob,

line of thoughts calmed her fears a little,

mommy!" Beryl ran to her side and grabbed her hand excitedly, "Let's go and ride on the Ferris Wheel together. Pretty

his arm tightly around her waist. Before she could protest, she was lifted high in the

the sudden loss of contact with terra firma, she clung to Sean's

said, "You grabbed me so tightly. Are you sure that you want me to

hand and struggled in his arms disconcerted, "Sean, what are you... Please put me

seemed not to listen to her and instead hugged her even tighter, "If I release you, you will run

happened a year ago. If he hadn't let her go to Z

not going to run away. Put me down. We can't

do something even more outrageous later!" He threatened with

"Sean!" she shouted.

struggling, I'll kiss you," he cautioned.

stared at him angrily, "Sean!" Her voice grew

was looking at them with large, puzzled eyes. He quickly explained, "Mommy is not listening to me, and doesn't want to get on

her uncle acting a little strange, Beryl still answered

knowing how to explain what was happening to Beryl, and not wanting to quarrel with Sean in front of her, Emily chose to remain

Beryl's hand and carried Emily into the bucket seat of the dreamlike Ferris

She asked demurely, gritting her teeth in frustration at having had to put up

out the scenery below the Ferris wheel. "Look, that's the city of D country,"

the vista with earnest excitement. "Wow, it looks amazing!" she cheered. Emily was however not interested, and stared off into

fact, the view at night is even more breathtaking. Then you have the twinkling stars above and the rainbow colored neon lights

be wonderful, thank you, uncle." Beryl answered sweetly, "Can we bring Daddy here

he agreed calmly. Then he shifted the topic cleverly, "Beryl, do you know that

"What legend? Tell

point, the people sitting in it