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We spend a quiet, co Emily for most of it It’s obvious she hasn’t seen television in a while because she’sshow on public access, but to see it through her eyes, it’s like we are watching theshon to man

"I put a little mo’ wine in here, maybe a little mo’ wine fo’ osh! Ethan, he is so funny! ’I gar-un-tee’!" she laughs as she mimics the chef, and I can’t help the smile that cracks across my face She could let the world s her whole with the weight of her situation, but she doesn’t Instead she carries on, seeift of gab

"E at the TV It’s the ht decision I take a deep breath, ready to lay things on the line

"Hang on! He’s going to tell a story about squirrel hunting! This’ll be good!" Ehts out, I can’t deny her this e her for the final five minutes of the show

As the Cookin’ Cajun finishes, Emily focuses her attention on ht and sparkle in her eyes is a She looks happy and carefree instead of nervous She seems to assume the best of every situation Given the circumstances, you’d think she would be nervous, but instead, she acts as though we’re going to talk about whether she’ll make oatmeal or chocolate chips cookies next I suddenly feel so tih I’m not sure why I’m nervous, other than the fact she may say no She may refuse my help She may tell me to mind my own business, that she doesn’t need anyone to look after her, but I have to try

"I want you to stay here" Her mouth drops open, but no sound comes out "With me," I finish I’m not sure whether her speechlessness is a result of shock or horror I decide to play it safe with more justification "You can’t squat next door It’s not safe, it’s illegal, and you don’t need any hassles from the cops"

She sits for a ers tith each other on her lap Her hair is frizzy fro it pulled back, there are tiny tendrils sticking up forelic halo around her face After a few moments, she finally speaks "So, what do you want in return?"

What? I’m fully aware she has no money, so ould she think I would want her to pay-

I’ht when I realize she’s not talking aboutis ever free, and she thinks I want her in return for providing food and shelter The thought strips me down to the core

"No!" I shout unnecessarily, but I can’t help it I do not want that! She’s hiding her face, but I can see her scrunching her eyes closed I take a breath to calain,from you, Emily I want to help you I kno" I stop and take a deep breath I need her to understand where I’ from "I kno hard this situation can be"

She flinches and snaps her head up to look estures between us to further her point

Lie "No The last thing I want is for you to be taken advantage of" While the thought of being with her physically is an attractive offer, I would never want it under that set of circuet when you’re young and in need

"But, why? Everyone wants so you want from me I mean, it’s okay if you want you know" Her cheeks flame red as she says this

God, she’s so naive she can’t even say the word "sex" It only solidifies , but she’s right People alant soive her a reason why I don’t want anything from her I have to be honest with her and let her know that I’m all too familiar with her situation