This is a Hardin x Tessa fan fiction, although focuses mostly on their daughter Emery Scott.
Finished writing: March 25, 2021.
Posting schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
It is written in first person, present tense, and has many point of vi...
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TESSA.
It's so quiet on the ride home. Through the rear mirror I can see that Emery is dead asleep and Auden is getting close. Hardin has his head leaned on the passenger door's window and he's looking out to all the bright lights we pass. It's now completely dark out. We have thirty more minutes to get home.
Hardin usually drives us, so I'm surprised he didn't take over when I came to pick him up. It took me a while to get to where he was because I wasn't sure where I was actually going. When I found them, Hardin was on the concrete sidewalk with Emery cuddled up to his chest.
He silently put her in the car, buckling her up, and ruffling Auden's hair as a little greeting. He climbed into the passenger seat without a word and leaned his head on the window. "I'm sorry I didn't get here quicker." I said. As a response, he placed his hand on my thigh and squeezed.
It's been quiet ever since. The only sound is the slight muffle of the radio playing some soft autistic song.
I look over towards him, concerned for him. "Are you alright?"
He nods but doesn't answer and I sigh. "I'm sorry I wasn't there sooner. I've never driven through there before."
"It's not that." He finally speaks and I sigh.
"Then what is it?"
"I'm just really tired." He closes is eyes and I nod.
"Okay..." I mumble. I can't help but think that whatever way he is feeling is because of me. What if he's mad at me for yelling at Emery like that. I didn't mean to make a scene. I was just done with how she has been treating me lately. I miss the cuddly, smiley, nice Emery.
• • •
One year ago
"Follow my finger." Hardin instructs, and Emery follows his finger as he waves it slowly in front of her face. "You might have a small concussion." He says, leaning his elbows on his bent knees. Emery was currently on the toilet seat and Hardin is kneeled in front of her. I'm watching from the bathroom doorway, not wanting to cram up the small bathroom. "Are you sure it was nothing?" He asks for what seems like the tenth time.
"Yes, dad. I told you, I was running and I tripped and my eye hit the doorknob of the gym." She repeats and I sigh. It sound kind of believable but so far fetched! I don't know what to believe.
Hardin sighs, his thumb lightly rubbing across her bruised cheek. Emery closes her eyes as she winces and Hardin quickly looks down. "alright. Let your mum clean you up now, and then take a shower." He stands up, wiping his palms on his black jeans. He brushes his hand against my arm as he passes me and walks down the hall to our bedroom.
