Emma

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟔

Beep... beep... beep... beep... beep... beep went the fire alarm as Emma pulled the charred turkey out of the oven vigilantly.

"Jason! I told you take the turkey out of the oven after five and a half hours!" She shouted looking at the Thanksgiving turkey which was nearly fully burnt.

"I'm sorry, I was just too engrossed in the football game," he apologized walking into the kitchen nonchalantly. That's how it had been for the past month, he had been giving her no attention and she was sick of it.

"Well, this is just another reason for your time to nit pick and make it seem way worse than I am! They will be here in half an hour and there is no turkey, the main part of the dinner."

"Well, sorry, you're the one who took on all the responsibility for cooking," Jason retorted crossing his arms over his chest angrily.

"Don't turn everything around and put the blame on me. You could've at least offered to help."

"Oh so I did nothing the whole day? What about cleaning Spike's litter box? Cleaning the mess Hailey made in the living room? Helping Mama washing the dishes? Setting the table?" He continuously questioned with wide eyes.

"Oh, don't blame me for not having a job, I'm trying just because my career hasn't boomed like yours doesn't mean I'm not as good as you!" Emma finally snapped grabbing whatever was closest to her which was the blender and threw it against the wall.

"Okay, I'm sorry I'm mad at you, Emma. It wasn't your fault. It was mine." Jason apologized fiddling with his fingers in distressed.

"Alright, apology accepted. I couldn't stay mad at you forever. You're my cousin, and I love you so much." Emma smiled as she gave Jason a big hug.

Suddenly the doorbell rang. The guests had arrived. "I'll get it!" Aunt Caroline shouted as she opened the front door. The moment she opened the door, a slight smile appeared on her face.

"James!" Aunt Caroline exclaimed.

"Hello, Aunt Caroline. I hope I'm just in time for some turkey and some mashed potatoes." he replied smiling at her.

"Why, yes. Please come in. The food will be ready in a few minutes. Come in..." she grinned stepping aside to let James in. "Wow, it smells really good in here," James smiled as he slid off his coat and hung it onto the coat rack next to the front door.

"Oh, hello, James. Would you please help me slice some celery for the stuffing?" Emma questioned courteously as she gave him a side hug and continued mashing the potatoes in the bowl. Emma lend him a knife and he started chopping the celery.

"So, how was your day?" Emma asked turning to him flashing a toothy grin at him.

"It was great. I could've been more happier. Thanks for asking. Do you have relatives coming over?" James asked smiling at her.

"I don't know I think Aunt Caroline invited the whole family over. Why?" Emma grinned.

"I was just wondering..." he beamed.

An elegant country home. Uncle Jim, his youngish, French wife, Yvette, Adam, Jeanie and their child Matthew, James and Emma are sitting at the table and listening as Stephanie and Hunter sang the chorus of Endless Love.

And your eyes, your eyes, your eyes

They tell me how much you care

Ooh yes,

You will always be

My endless love.

Every square inch of counter space had a dish in it. Decadent pies that smelled like candied pecans, a gravy boat steaming with gravy for the mashed potatoes. Even the rolls Emma had rising overnight were now taking up precious space. She pushed a hot pan of sweet potato casserole out of the way to make room for the turkey, helping James slowly lower the dish onto the counter. He wiped sweat off his brow quickly, leaving a line of flour covering his forehead before picking up the baster and zeroing in on the turkey.