Read Online A Portrait of Emily by J.P. Bowie - Free Book Online Page B

control of Paula when she ran off to get married. He has to be the dominant one.”
    “But why would he want to control you? You’re not a child anymore.”
    “Oh believe me, he knows that… He never wanted me to grow up. Just stay ‘Daddy’s little girl’ forever. The idea of me marrying and moving away is… abhorrent to him.”
    “Like it means he’s getting older?”
    “No, because I’m getting older. He doesn’t like us getting older.”
    Peter looked at her, puzzled.
    “I’ve said way too much.” Emily put down her tea cup. “I should go.”
    “Is there something I can do to help?”
    “You’re a sweet guy, Peter. You and Jeff are nice people. Until Jerry, I didn’t know many nice people, apart from Gloria and Johnny. My father doesn’t attract too many nice people.” She gathered her purse and car keys together and stood up. “I really should get going.”
    “All right, if you have to.” Peter hugged her gently. “Remember, you can always talk to me if you need to. You’re always welcome here, you and Jerry.”
    “Thanks Peter. That is really nice of you. Sorry I’m such a downer.”
    “You’re not a downer, Emily. You’ve been great company. I look forward to our next session.”
    “Next Monday, right?”
    “Right.” He walked her to the door and watched as she got in her car and drove off.
    W hat a sad little thing... Something is really troubling her.
    He climbed the stairs back to his studio. For a few moments, he gazed at the work he had done so far, then he picked up his charcoal and added some touches from memory. He knew he could already do this portrait without another sitting, his keen photographic memory still holding all her features intact in his mind.
    But he wanted her back.
    There was so much more he wanted to know about Emily Hastings. She needed help, he could tell that already. There was something in her past she wanted release from. Something she held locked up within her and could not discuss with anyone. Gloria had hinted at it the night of her party, but had stopped herself, claiming she’d drunk too much. What could it be? Peter was sure it involved Emily’s father. There was definitely no love lost between them. Was it just his heavy handed attitude, or was there more? As he stared at the sketch before him, he realized he had drawn a melancholy expression on Emily’s face.
    “That won’t do,” he muttered, rubbing at the charcoal with his thumb. Jerry probably would not appreciate his bride-to-be looking like she had just heard the worst news in the world. He walked away from the easel and sat down at the far end of the studio, looking back worriedly at the sketch.
    “What’s wrong, Emily?” he whispered, leaning back in his chair. “Tell me what I can do to help you.”
    § § § §
    That same evening, Jerry arrived at Emily’s home to take her out to dinner. They tried to spend as many nights together as they could and Jerry knew Emily was always happy to get away from the house and her parents.
    How could she have survived this long in such an oppressive atmosphere ? He wondered.
    She appeared to be such a fragile being, but some time ago Jerry had seen in her a steely resolve that was not at first apparent on the surface. He admired her for the optimism and good humor she displayed despite the uncomfortable relationship with her father. He wished she was closer to her brother and sister. Together, they might have been able to support one another. Jerry had only met Paula once and it had not been a happy occasion. There was almost as much tension between the two sisters as he had noticed between Emily and her parents.
    Her brother, Anthony, seemed not at all interested in his sister’s welfare. He hardly ever stopped to say hello when Jerry was at the house, merely passing through with perhaps a nod in their direction. Given that Emily and Anthony shared the same roof and had at one time been very close, Jerry was surprised that the two appeared