Saved for Macha

Emily:
I smiled. "Im sure if you just go, you'll find something you both agree on," I said, taking the plate from Michaels hand and placing it in the sink. "I might have some candy you can take so you don't have to buy the over priced stuff," I said, turning my back to start in on the dishes that were piling up.

"Go get ready Lex then.". I said after she nodded with enthusiasm. She ran off and i smiled softly. "I don't remember her being this happy..."

Emily:
I turned around and leaned against the counter. "I think she's generally happy when she's here...just not this happy." I smiled at him. "Her being this happy is all you," I told him. I reached over and grabbed my keys and held them out to him. I hesitated for a second. "Don't keep her out too late, please...I'll worry."

"I was about to ask about that. Would six or seven be a good curfew?" I asked while I heard a lot of tramping about upstairs.

Emily:
'Yeah, thats fine," I nodded and handed him the keys. "And you dont have to leave when you guys get back if you dont want to. Thats totally up to you," I said.

I couldn't help but look at her in surprise. "That's a generous offer, one I might take you up on...we'll have to see when we get back." My fingers curled around the keys and brushed over her hand as I took them.

Emily:
I smiled and nodded. I was silent for a moment and then I remembered something. "Oh, by the way, she's probably going to ask for a lot of gummy worms...but they make her sick if she eats too many, so just be aware of that." I said, rambling a little. I walked over to my purse and pulled out a twenty and held it out to him. "Here you go, for her stuff," I said. Her parents didn't pay me extra to take her out and do things and they never reimbursed me when I spent money on her, but I didn't care. It was fun to spend money on her and It was a habit now.

"You don't have to do that Ma'am. I've nothing to spend my money on at the moment anyway. And I'd like to dote on her just a bit." An easy smile curved my lips as I gently refused her offer of money.

Emily:
I smiled back and put the money back on the counter. "Alright...then have fun." I said, nodding. I looked towards the stairs and called out to Lexi. "Lex, are you almost ready? Your brother is waiting very patiently." I said, smiling.

In a mad dash she came down the stairs, gussied up in a dress with a binder hugged to her chest. The art that Emily hadn't displayed had been placed inside and after giving Emily a tight hug and a kiss on her cheek she ran over to me. "I'm ready!"

Softly I laughed and nodded, "Well come on then." I told her before looking at Emily. "See you in a few hours."

Emily:
I smiled as I watched them leave the house and waved from the door. Once they were gone, I went about finishing cleaning the kitchen. When that was all taken care of, I plopped myself on the couch and flicked the TV on, settling in.

I let Lexi pick out the movie and while waiting for the previews to start I flipped through her book and listened to her chatter away. She was always looking at me, touching me, trying to be sure I was still there. When she had gone into the restroom before the movie she'd come running back. And after the lights dimmed she snuggled into my side with the popcorn between us. The movie itself was an animated kids film. And when it had finished I was surprised to find I'd enjoyed it. After so many dark and horrible things it was just nice to see something innocent.

After the movie I took her to dinner, treating her and spoiling her. I even managed to find an art store where I loaded her up with new supplies and grabbed somethings for myself before it was finally time to head home. We'd been out late and it was with a slightly guilty smile on my face that we returned, Lexi heading right inside to go deposit her new things, as well as the bag of gummyworms that she'd held onto through the movie.

My own hands were full of left overs, along with my own bag of art supplies. "Sorry. We got caught up in the art store and she wanted to check out everything."

Emily:
I was awake when they had gotten home, although I had changed into some sweatpants and a tshirt. I had been pacing the floor a bit, not truly worried but anxious for them to get home. She was still my responsibility after all. Lexi had her arms full and looked like she was heading for the stairs to put it all down. "Hey munchkin, candy stays down here. Dont bring it to your room," I told her with a smirk.
I looked at him with a smile. It was way past 7, which was when he said he would be home, but I wasnt angry. He actually looked happy for the first time since I met him. "So im guessing you guys already ate? I thought you'd be home for dinner, so I did cook a little something if you're hungry," I said. Now that they were home, I felt more relaxed.

"She insisted I take her out some place. They have really expanded since I've been gone..." I admitted. I raised the two Styrofoam boxes with another guilty twitch of my lips. "I'll trade some chinese for what you made."

Emily:
I laughed. "Shes good at insisting, isnt she?" I said. I took the box from him and walked to the kitchen. "You dont have to eat what I made, it will be good tomorrow too. Its just chicken and rice, nothing special" I said, putting his leftovers into the fridge so they would be good when he wanted them.

A soft chuckle rumbled out of me as I followed along behind. I set my bag down on the table and leaned part of my weight against it as I watched her place the leftovers in the fridge. "Believe me I'll enjoy it. Having home cooked meals is something I'm getting used too still."

Emma:
I smiled and pulled one of the plates I had made out of the fridge and popped it in the microwave for him. "Well then dont let me deprive you," I said. "But keep your expectations low, I made this without your sisters help so its not gonna be fantastic," I joked.

"Heh, is she that good?" I smiled faintly as Lexi came down with the bag of gummiworms in hand, as she offered it out to Emma I shook my head slowly in amusement. "You never were this obedient with me when I babysat you Lex."

"You aren't as cool as Emma." Her tongue poked out at me along with a giggle.

Emma:
I took the bag of candy from her and set it on the counter with a laugh. "Dont feel bad, most people aren't as cool as me," I bragged. I then got a plate of food ready for him and set it on the table. "Its here if you want it, but again, no one is forcing you to eat," I said.

With a grateful smile he sat down at the table and began eating. Lexi sat across from me and watched me before looking up at Emily, "How did you cook the chicken?"

Emily:
"I just boiled the chicken and added it to the broth with the rice. Like I said, nothing special," I laughed and leaned over to poke her nose. "If I had your help it would have been a bit more extravagant."

"Oh. If we had some carrots or peas you could have boiled it with the chicken and gave it more flavor!". Lex said after pondering for a bit. I smiled though I kept my eyes on the plate.

Emily:
I smiled and shook my head. "This is why I need you here," I said, running my hand through her hair and then pushing it out of her eyes. "But, since no cooking is currently happening, I think it might be bed time," I said, hoping she hadnt had enough sugar that it would keep her awake.

Lexi giggled and beamed up at Emily, "You don't need me that much. Just for the good stuff!" My gaze softened once more as I watched the look of adoration on my sisters face as she looked up at Emily. At the mention of bed she immedietly yawned. "I'll go get ready for bed."

As she headed off I smiled at Emily, "She really likes you." I paused until I heard footsteps on the stairway before adding, "And that candy bag is a lot lighter than what she came home with."

Emily:
I laughed and shook my head. "She acts like she's not allowed to have sweets when she's here," I said. I tried to keep foods healthy, which she didn't usually mind because she always had a hand in cooking. But even I needed a little sugar in my diet, so we indulged sometime. I grabbed a water bottle and sat across from him at the table. I was starting to get a little tired after being anxious all night. "I can tell she had a really great time with you tonight," I told him.