Chapter Four

I jumped awake ready for today. I feel so much better. It's another day without my family. I am happy that I am getting to know this family. I began to feel more welcomed by the day. They make me feel important as well. I am so thankful to them all.

"Emma, are you up?"

I walk in to see her looking out the window into the distance.

"Emma sweetie, what are you looking at?"

"Huh?" "Nothing." "Good morning Mamma."

"Morning Emma, you look so much better." "Are you ready for the girls' day?"

"Yes I am."

We ate breakfast then climbed into the car and off to the mall we went. I fell asleep on the way there. When I woke up it saw the view of the mall and it was so amazing.

"I didn't know that there was a mall here." "It's so big."

Now I feel guilty. I think I should tell her but not right now.

"Let's go inside and have a look around."

We got inside the mall.

"Wow, it's so big."

Why is everyone staring at me? Everyone's faces look pale and shocked when they look at me.

"Ohhhhh Emma come, you must try this on."

"But I thought we were her just to look around?"

I also have no money.

"No silly what would be the point in that?" "Mother is right, you should try this on." "Now come on let's get you into that dress."

We walked into the shop and I was forced to try on dress after dress. I got to say all of them that I tried on. I loved them all. It's too bad that I can't afford any of them. So I put them all back on the shelves.

"How did they fit?"

"They were all too small."

"It was too small?"

"Let's try more on." "Oh how about this one."

"Umm." "No thanks I will just watch you two try dresses on." "I am not the shopping type anyway."

"Well if you change your mind don't hesitate to join us."

"I won't."

I watched as they tried on dresses. When they finally got done we went to the check out for them to buy the ones they liked.

"Emma don't you want anything?"

"There was nothing I liked, that's all." "what did you get Aurora?"

I helped them get everything into the car and we all climbed in and it was a fun ride home. Aurora talked about everything she got. She also talked about parties and dances that she has been to. I loved the stories she told. When we finally got home I climbed out of the car.

"I had a lot of fun." "Thank you both so much."

"Well I am glad you had fun and we thank you for coming with us."

"I am going to go to my room." "I am really tired from walking."

I walked inside to get some rest.

"Smack."

"I am so sorry."

I rubbed my head.

"Haha." "You really don't remember to watch where you are going."

I helped her up.

"How was your day with your father?"

"It was so much fun."

"You should tell me all about it." "Right after I take a shower."

I kissed his cheek.

"Eww." "Get a room."

"Shut up Aurora." "I was just a kiss on the cheek."

"I am going to go get cleaned up."

I ran to the restroom locking the door behind me. My face is hot because I am very embarrassed.

"We haven't been gone long and both girls really want to get inside. I walked through the doorway to see both of my children fighting.

"That is enough for both of you!" "What is going on?" "Why are you two fighting anyway?"

"Sorry mother."

"Sorry Maverick let Emma kiss his cheek."

"Mother, I promise it was just my cheek and nothing more."

Why do I even bother asking if they are just fighting again anyways.

"Enough!" "How about we just put this all behind us alright?"

"Yes mother I understand."

"Mother, would it be alright if I went out tonight?"

"Where would you be going?"

"To a party with some of my friends." "I really want to wear a new dress to show my friends."

"Alright but stay safe and be careful." "Maverick, did you talk to Emma?"

"Yes, why?"

"The whole time we were at the mall she was trying on some dresses and I asked her how they fit and she said all of them were too small which I know wasn't true because somewhere just right for her I could also tell she was forcing a smile the whole time." "I don't know how or why she became so sad but it was right after I asked her if she wanted to try on any more dresses."

"You're right she seemed a little off when I talked to her about her time with you and Aurora." "Would you like me to talk to her about it?"

"No, I can talk to her later on about it when we are alone."

***

The shower felt so good I felt so relaxed I walked into my room.

"Emma, could I ask you something?"

"Gasp." "You scared me." "Yes you can, what's going on?"

"Sorry for scaring you." "You seemed upset when we were at the mall today and I am just wondering why?"

"I was just a little sad that my family never did anything like this with me before that's all."

I watched as Maverick's mother walked over to me and put her hands on my shoulders.

"Like I said, it's about time you start to have fun." "I will let you get some sleep." "I am going to do the same thing."

I watched her walk out.

"Sigh."

Finally she is gone. I laid down on the bed looking out the window. I can't sleep with so much on my mind. I don't know how long I have been staring out the window looking at nothing. I climbed out of bed and walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water when someone grabbed me around my mouth.

"Shhh." "It's just me."

"Sigh." "Why did you scare me?"

I wonder what he is still doing until late at night?"

"What are you doing up so late?"

I looked to see her eyes teary.

"What's going on?"

"Nothing, I just came in here for a glass of water."

"Emma, I know that you are lying."

I grabbed her by her arm and walked her into my room. I sat her down on my bed.

"Now tell me everything on your mind."

Tears rolled down my face Maverick wiped them away.

"I am just so happy that your family is so nice to me and I didn't want to buy any of the clothes because I didn't have any money." "I didn't want to ask for any because I didn't want to take your family's kindness."

I hugged her tight.

"You are a part of this family, please don't cry." "We all love you so much."

I kissed her cheek. She soon fell asleep in my arms so I carried her to her room so that she could rest.