The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Melinda hugged and patted Emily's back.

Emily was a wreck of emotions at the moment.

"There are some things in life we just can't control... There, there, Emily. I think Corinne is a very understanding child, and she'll definitely understand why you did what you had to do. You shouldn't have run away, you know..."

Emily inhaled sharply and shook her head. "No, I really didn't know how to face her... She was so little when I gave her to Marvin, so she wouldn't understand why. I owe her too much. It was my fault that she had to be all alone..."

Melinda had a daughter too, so she could understand how Emily felt. She continued to gently pat her back while saying, "It's all in the past now. She turned out really well in the end. She's strong, decisive, independent, talented... You should be happy for her."

Emily straightened herself up and wiped away her tears. "I am proud of her, but I can't make up for what I've done to her. She's strong because she had no choice but to be strong. She could've had a softer life if I had kept her by my side..."

She took a deep breath before continuing, "But it's too late for regrets now. I must do something for her, or I'll be too ashamed to show myself in front of her."

you don't have to blame yourself so much. Like I

waved her hand. "No! I must do something for her. Let's go, Mel. I need you to go somewhere with

asked Melinda in

She grabbed Melinda

was able to find the Carews' mansion

looked out at the old mansion from her car

looking for here?" she asked her best friend

head to the front and asked her mother curiously, "Mommy, why is Miss Emily so scary right now? She's usually the most gentle." Melinda sighed. "You'll understand when you've

she saw Emily walking toward the mansion.

the doorbell a few times, but no one came out. She turned to pounding on the