It Started With Hello

Chap. 77

"Thank you so much for joining us again for Christmas, Philo; it's always nice to see you," Ms. Black said while smiling at the end of the night. Christmas was over, and Philo decided now it was time to go home and call it a night. They all had a good day, enjoying watching a Christmas movie and telling embarrassing stories. Though Emma had never experienced this holiday, she had fun being around people she had come to care about.

Then she showed Ms. Black the necklace Blake gave her. Ms. Black had the biggest smile on her face, saying it was the first gift she had ever seen Blake give to anyone. She added that he usually never showed interest in the holidays until Emma came around this year. Blake couldn't stop bragging about his new leather jacket to Alex, who seemed the most jealous.

They were currently cuddled up on one of the couches while Mr. Black and Ms. Black walked Philo to the front door. He grinned, holding the tool set they gave him for Christmas in his hands.

"Thank you again, Nicole and Andy, for always letting me come over," he said, struggling to open the front door.
Alex stood up from the couch, rushing over to open it for him. Philo whispered a soft "Thank you." "It's the least we can do. You treat our son like your own. We appreciate that, Philo," Mr. Black said, patting the older man on the shoulder.

Philo's smile slightly widened as he walked out the door towards his car. Alex closed the door behind him. Mr. Black looked up towards the clock before turning to his wife.
"I'm going to take Alex to bed. It's way past his bedtime." she nodded in agreement. Alex crossed his arms, huffing. "But I'm not tired, Dad!"

Emma glanced over at the clock; it was almost midnight. Ms. Black put her hands on her hips. "Alex, we let you stay up later because it's Christmas, but it's time for bed. I know you're excited to wake up tomorrow and have your dad take you over to Mat and Nat's to show them your new toys while I'm at work, right?" she said with a smile, and Alex nodded his head, waving towards Emma, whispering a goodnight while his dad took him upstairs to bed.

Emma had to admit she was surprised to hear Ms. Black was going back to work so soon after Christmas. Blake and Alex weren't even able to enjoy having both their parents around before they were going right back to work. She turned her head, looking up at Blake. He simply shook his head as if telling her not to ask or bring it up. Ms. Black blew Alex a kiss before sitting on the couch across from them.

"Aren't your parents going to be worried about you being gone so late, dear?" Ms. Black asked. Emma guessed Blake didn't tell his mother about her parents being away until her birthday. Emma shook her head, looking down. "Um, my parents aren't home today... um, actually, they won't be home for the next few days, until my birthday, January 1st." Ms. Black raised a brow, clearly surprised. After all, what parents leave their child alone on Christmas Day?

Mr. Black walked back downstairs. Seeing his wife's expression made him ask, "What did I miss?" He sat down beside her. She turned slightly, facing him "Her parents just left her all alone on Christmas Day. They aren't even home right now; won't be for days. Isn't that just horrible?" she said while shaking her head.

She said her statement rather bluntly, leaving a bitter taste in Emma's mouth and a pain in her chest. Mr. Black glanced at her, noticing. "I'm sure they have some type of excuse," he said, trying to lessen the blow of his wife's words. It worked, but only slightly.
"Why doesn't she just stay the next few days here?" he suggested while shrugging. Ms. Black's eyes widened slightly. She looked between Emma and Blake with suspicion, making Blake slightly laugh, his chest moving under her red cheek.

"Oh... I don't know about that, Andy. We don't have a guest room, and I don't know if, at their age, that's a good idea. I'm not saying I don't trust you two, but you know how boys are at his age..." her eyebrows raised while her husband just laughed.

Blake pulled away from her, throwing his hands up. "Hello, I'm right here, guys!" He sounded kinda offended, but his parents seemed to ignore his comments.

Mr. Black nodded while rubbing his chin. "I agree. How about we just let her come over whenever she wants while her parents are away?" Ms. Black smiled, finding this plan much better than the first.

Blake stood up, taking his keys out of his pocket. "Well, now that that's decided, I'll take her home now." Emma stood up, picking up her presents beside her along with her pocketbook. They made their way to the front door. He opened the door for her.

"Come right back home after dropping her off!" his mother called out to him. Blake rolled his eyes, not replying as they made their way outside to his car.