Emma {Part Four}

By the time Lila and I made it home, it was pouring rain outside. So I quickly stashed the canoe and and ran up the front porch steps, Lila holding my hand. We burst into the front room and right into the arms of our anxiously waiting mother.

"Emma! Lila! Oh, thank goodness you both made it back it time. Where have you been all afternoon, Emma?"

I didn't say anything as I kicked off my shoes and settled myself on the couch next to Dad, who looked up from the book he was reading.

"It's okay, Mom. We're fine. I would have come in eventually. I was just enjoying some time by myself out in the canoe."

"Hmm," Mom said, sitting down in the chair across from me with Lila on her lap. "Well, you shouldn't have run off like that while we were explaining to you our news, especially in front of Jack."

"Joe."

"Joe, sorry," Mom winced. "I never seem to get it right."

At the mention of his name, my heart sinks. I need to make things right with him tomorrow.

"Now we know that the girls are alive and well, how would you two like some dinner? There's mac & cheese on the stove!" Dad put in, standing up.

"Yay, dinner!" Lila exclaimed, following after him.
Mom sighed and turned towards me.
"Go on, Emma. Have some dinner. We'll sort things out later."
Thank goodness, I thought as I leaped up from the couch and and into the kitchen.