Take A Seat

Emma gave a nervous laugh, not sure if her cousin was joking or not, and sat in the empty chair with the plate her Aunt must have set out for her.

"I didn't have the heart to wake you, Dear," Maude said as Emma sat, "So we started without you. We figured sleep would be best for you and we could always heat a plate up for you later. I hope you aren't vegetarian, we're having pot roast."

Emma politely held up a hand signalling that it was fine. "I'm sure even if I was then I would have to change my mind after smelling this. I think that's what woke me up," she said with a laugh.

Dinner went by pleasantly. The food was delicious and conversation came easy. They all had a lot to catch up on. Though conversation seemed to purposely avoid any mention of her parents, Emma assumed it was to avoid upsetting anyone, especially herself.

While catching up Emma learned that Aunt Maude had been a substitute teacher at one point. She retired early and now home schooled the twins. They were in their last year and would be done soon, and both were looking towards college now that they were eighteen.

Edward was also retired, though Emma still wasn't sure what from. They mentioned that he had been working at the local prison in the next town over, but he wasn't a guard or warden, and nobody seemed to want to speak in detail about it. Emma decided to be polite and not press the issue. More than likely he had been **** into retirement, or fired, and it was a sore subject.

The twins seemed to be polar opposites. In fact Emma jokingly suggested they weren't even siblings, which earned a laugh. But Emma kept a joke about them not even being Maude and Edward's children to herself. She had a hard time believing that such skinny teens had come from Maude's chubby frame and Edward's stocky build.

Jenny was the athlete of the sibling pair. She was a tomboy and full of energy. Though funny, she was also loud and slightly obnoxious. And it seemed that she spoke her mind before ever pausing to think if she should.

James was the silent bookworm type. He'd rather read than go outside (despite having such a large yard right on the lake). Though he was quiet, Emma could tell that he had a lot going on in that mind of his.

As the meal came to an end, Maude let Emma know that the twins would still have to have their lessons tomorrow, but Emma should make herself at home and the Cousin's would all be able to spend time together in the late afternoon.