352 EMERALD EMOTIONAL TURBULENCE

Emerald's heart raced heavily as she stood outside her father's closed door, her hand hovering uncertainly over the doorwood, questioning herself if she could place a knock. With each passing moment, her thoughts wavered, her fears heavy and almost overwhelming her. How could she find the words to express her feelings to her father for Nicholas, her online confidant and her newfound love? After what felt like an eternity of indecision, she held back from proceeding to knock and finally turned away from the closed door. Her footsteps were draggy with defeat as she went back into her room. With trembling hands, she opened her laptop and went on Skype, her heart pounding in her ears as she waited for Nicholas to answer her call. When his familiar face finally appeared on the screen, Emerald felt a rush of relief flood through her, the sight of his warm smile easing the tension in her stomach. But as she looked into his eyes, she knew she couldn't hide her fears from him. "Nicholas," sh