~An Emison Story~ Second Chances

What We've Become

...Four and a half years later...

"Mama Ali!" The 4 year old squeals in excitement as she opens up the front door for me. I can't help but look down at her in a scolding manner and let out a sigh as she immediately holds out her arms. Opening and closing her hands becoming impatient with me to pick her up as she slightly jumps up and down. I swear this kid... I immediately walk in and can't help but shake my head at her. I then bend down to her eye level.

"Hey baby girl... Didn't your dad and I already talk to you about not opening the front door without an adult? You're still too small." I look at her sternly before standing back up and putting my purse down on the walk in table. After seeing her slightly start to pout with her lower lip sticking out. I can't help but smile and forgive her and pick her up as she starts squeal again in excitement.

Jessie then gladly wraps her arms around my neck as her legs immediately wrap around my body, pulling me in as close as possible. Of course me being the total softy I am, I couldn't resist burying my face in her neck and giving her kisses as she continues to squeal, hugging me tightly. The little brat not even caring one bit that I was trying to scold her. I then pull back and look at her seriously, waiting for her explanation.

"But mama I checked to see it was you first through the window before opening the door." My beautiful tiny god-daughter looks at me and pouts in the most innocent and adorable way. Playing me with those big puppy eyes as she grabs a strand of my hair and twirls it around her finger. Her beautiful hazel green eyes a perfect mix of Aria and Noel's staring right back at me.

"Jessie baby. How many times do I've have to remind you. It's God Mama Ali, baby girl. Remember?" I tell her as I try to correct her. She called me mama, again, for the millionth time. Secretly... I love it but I know it's not my place and I need to correct her.

"Aye... Ali, it's fine really. We can't expect a little girl to call you such a long drawn out name. God Mama Ali, really?" Aria rolls her eyes at me coming down the stairs, mocking me. "I mean that is a mouth full." Aria tells me as she continues to walk into the living room where her daughter and I are still hugging each other tightly.

"Okay then she needs to call me just Ali." I tell my best friend back sternly. "People may get the wrong idea."

"Oh my God... Just Ali." Aria laughs at me, again mocking me. "You're her Godmother. I don't mind her calling you mama. You practically help me deliver her anyways. SINCE her father was nowhere to be FOUND." My best friend tells me as Noel comes in from the kitchen with a sandwich in his hand. Raising her voice at the end, purposely throwing that little jab at him. He looks at her and opens his mouth wide in fake shock. Then makes a face as though he's offended. Looking at me to back him up but I just shake my head in amusement of the two. They like to play this game almost every chance they get.

"Gosh will you ever let that go woman? I tried my best to get to the hospital before you delivered. It's not my fault that one... you're with Ali 24/7 and two... last time I checked I have to make a living for our family." Noel huffs and starts to eat his sandwich before Aria walks over to him and kisses his cheek and mumbles a "Hi babe" before she takes the sandwich out of his hand.

"We're going to dinner. Why are you spoiling your appetite?" Aria scolds him by playfully swatting his arm, walking away.

"Maybe because I been at work since 7am and my lunch was a bag of chips and coffee? Oh and some chocolates." Noel counters then tries to take back his sandwich.

"No." Aria replies back as she throws away his sandwich.

"Babe..." Noel whines as he goes over to his wife and bends down to bury his face in her neck. "I'm hungry."