Read Something Found for Free Online

together in a tight frown. She finally had someone to direct some of her own anger at. It wasn’t for Joni to judge what happened with her and Collin. And it wasn’t for anybody but Collin to decide what was best for him. Besides which Emily thought she’d made it quite clear that she’d chosen to stay in Ireland. It was a hard enough decision to make without having people second-guessing it all the time.
    Joni smiled as she watched Emily’s transformation taking place and her cat like eyes narrowed in concentration. “Yes. That’s better. Collin told me you were stronger than I realized.”
    The anger had already begun to build and Emily didn’t feel like being placated so easily. “Just because I’ve been a guest in other people’s homes every time I’ve come here and I’ve tried to be polite in that situation does not mean I’m a pushover,” she said in a low angry voice. “I won’t have you backing me into a corner in my own house. I’ve noticed the way you watch me. I know I’m being judged. But none of this is any of your business. It’s between Collin and myself. I’m not trying to come between the two of you. In fact I’d like to be friends with you. But you make it very difficult with your attitude. I have no intensions of leaving Ireland unless you drive me out of here and that’s because I actually have a rather shitty relationship with my own family and I like the way your family interacts. When you’re not bullying people around that is. So if you could get off my back maybe we might actually be able to get along.” Emily wasn’t sure if she was addressing the right points. But it didn’t matter anymore. These were the pressures she’d felt since her first visit to Ireland and she needed to get them out.
    “I know,” Joni said calmly.
    “I’m not just an American and I’m getting tired of being looked at that way. I’m a person who happens to love your brother.”
    “I know,” Joni repeated.
    “And you’re not the only one who’s had a shitty life. I’m sorry you lost your mom and I realize your brother is important to you but at least you had both your parents around for a while. My dad didn’t even stick around to say hello but I can still find the time to show compassion for other people and not get so caught up in my own shit.” It was on the tip of Emily’s tongue to mention Jeremy as well, but she didn’t feel like exposing something so personal while she was upset.
    Joni was unperturbed by Emily’s anger. If anything she seemed to be enjoying it.
    “Would you wipe that stupid smile off your face, goddamn it,” Emily all but yelled, surprising even herself.
    The smile did leave Joni’s face, but only briefly. She and Emily exchanged a look of shock, acknowledging that things had gone further than intended. Then Joni started to laugh.
    Emily’s face grew pale and stricken. “I’m so sorry Joni. I didn’t mean . . . that was horrible . . .”
    “But you did mean it. And you have every right to say it. I haven’t been on your side for any of this.”
    “Still-.”
    “And I’m sure you could tell from the beginning. I’ve had you over to my place, let you get to know the kids, had tea and conversation, but I was always holding back while you were trying so hard.”
    Emily managed a chuckle. “Yeah. You’ve been fairly fecking annoying honestly.”
    “Good girl yourself,” Joni said proudly. “Don’t hold anything back now.”
    But Emily had begun to chew on her lip nervously. She hadn’t meant to say so much.
    “It’s okay Emily. I understand. You’re probably caught up in so many emotions right now you don’t know what to feel. What to let out and what to keep in. And I’m very good at pushing people’s buttons, believe me.”
    Emily nodded, that was true. “I don’t even know how to use the washer and dryer over here,” she said in exasperation as if that explained everything. To demonstrate she pointed at the slowly churning machine.