Little Angel

Chapter 10

Ella's laughter rang out in the sun-dappled backyard as Emmy spread out a colorful picnic blanket under the large oak tree. "We can use this as our picnic spot!" Emmy declared with a grin, her hands on her hips in mock authority. At three years old, Emmy was a month older than Ella, and she loved to take the lead in all their games.

Ella beamed at her cousin, her small hands clutching the edge of the blanket. "I love it!" she said, carefully lowering herself onto the soft fabric. Her leg, still in the process of healing from her recent injury, made her movements slower and more deliberate. The pink cast peeking out from her shorts was a constant reminder of her limits, but Emmy, ever considerate, had planned a day of fun that didn't require running or jumping.

Emmy darted back toward the house, returning moments later with an assortment of stuffed animals, small teacups, and a mismatched teapot. "Okay, Princess Ella, what kind of tea do you want today?" she asked, her face glowing with excitement as she plopped a stuffed bunny into a seated position.

Ella's giggle bubbled out as she pretended to ponder. "Hmm... strawberry tea!" she declared, adjusting the tiny crown perched on her head. Emmy had insisted they dress up for the occasion, and Ella's pink tutu and sparkling tiara complemented Emmy's lavender dress and flower crown perfectly.

"Strawberry tea it is!" Emmy said with a dramatic flair, pouring invisible tea into the plastic cups. "Here you go, Your Highness." She handed Ella the tiny cup and curtsied, causing Ella to laugh so hard she nearly spilled her imaginary drink.

The two girls spent the next hour immersed in their make-believe world. The stuffed animals engaged in lively conversations—voiced by the girls—about royal balls and daring adventures. Emmy's voice dipped low as she mimicked Sir Bearington, the brave knight, while Ella squeaked out a high-pitched response as Princess Bunny.

When the tea party wound down, Emmy leaned closer and whispered, "Do you want to know a secret?"

Ella's eyes widened. "What?" she whispered back, leaning in conspiratorially.

"I found out that my daddy—the doctor, you know—once fainted when he saw a spider!" Emmy giggled, covering her mouth.

"No way!" Ella gasped, her hands flying to her cheeks.

"Yes, way! He told me himself, but you can't tell anyone!" Emmy insisted, her voice full of mock seriousness.

"I won't, I promise!" Ella said, crossing her heart solemnly.

As the afternoon wore on, the warm sunlight began to give way to gray clouds gathering ominously in the distance. Emmy's mom poked her head out the back door. "Girls, it looks like it might rain soon. Ella, your brother should be here any minute," she called.

Sure enough, the doorbell rang, and Xander's familiar voice carried through the house. "I'm here for Ella," he said, stepping into the backyard. His tall frame was topped with a mop of dark hair slightly ruffled by the growing breeze, and he carried a large umbrella.

Ella stood, brushing imaginary crumbs off her tutu. "Bye, Emmy!" she said, giving her cousin a quick hug.

"Bye, Ella! Let's do this again soon!" Emmy called after her as she headed toward Xander.

Xander took Ella's hand, holding the umbrella in his other as the first drops of rain began to fall. The breeze picked up, carrying the scent of rain-soaked earth. "Looks like we're just in time," Xander said, glancing at the darkening sky.

They hadn't made it far down the road when the rain turned from a light drizzle to a sudden downpour. "Hang on, Ella," Xander said, pulling her closer under the umbrella. Despite his efforts, the wind whipped droplets at them from all sides, soaking their shoes.