Emison: From the Beginning

Chapter 22: Welcome to the Family!

It's Friday afternoon. It's been four days since Alison left for Georgia. Emily Hanna and Aria are at school. Spencer is home with her mother and Melissa.

Spencer: Why did I have to stay home today?

Mrs. Hastings walks over to the kitchen table and sits across from Spencer.

Mrs. Hastings: Because we have an important family meeting.

Spencer: I've never missed a day of school for a family meeting before.

Mrs. Hastings: This ones different.

Spencer: What's it about?

Mrs. Hastings: It's about family.

Spencer: Really mom?

Mrs. Hastings: Yes.

Spencer pulls out her phone. Melissa walks downstairs.

Melissa: What are you guys talking about?

Spencer: The family meeting we're having today.

Melissa sits next to Spencer.

Melissa: Oh.

Spencer: Can you tell me what this meeting is about?

Melissa: It's about family.

Spencer: That's telling me a whole lot.

A few seconds pass. Mrs. Hastings looks at Melissa and Spencer, smiling.

Mrs. Hastings: I am so proud of you two. I know that I've been hard on you girls but I do it all because I want the best for you and I want you to want the best for yourselves.

Spencer: Thanks mom.

Melissa: Yeah, so do you think you can ease up on us a little bit now?

Mrs. Hastings: It's easier said than done but I could try. I love you girls so much.

Melissa: I love you too, mom.

Spencer: Yeah, I love you too.

Mrs. Hastings leans forward.

Mrs. Hastings: Can I have a kiss?

Melissa leans over the table and kisses her mother on the lips.

Spencer: Mom, I'm not a kid anymore.

Melissa puts a strip of hair behind her ears and starts giggling.

Mrs. Hastings: So what, you're still my baby. I can kiss my baby on the lips.

Spencer: Fine.

Spencer leans over the tables and kisses her mother on the lips as well.

Melissa: What time did dad say they were coming?

Mrs. Hastings: They should be here in the next five minutes or so.

Spencer: They? Who else is coming?

Mrs. Hastings: You'll find out when they get here.

The front door opens and they hear footsteps walking towards the kitchen. Spencer jumps out of her seat.

Spencer: Dad!

Spencer gives her father a tight hug. Melissa gets up from her chair and hugs her father as well. Four other people walk in behind him.

Melissa: We missed you dad!