A New York Secret

Chapter Twenty

It didn't take them very long to reach home and soon Emily had parked in her usual parking space. "Jarvis? Is Thor still here?"

"Yes Miss Emily. At the moment, he is wandering around the staff kitchen." Jarvis replied.

"Perfect. Could you ask him to help us with the tree please?" She asked.

"One moment please." Jarvis said, then went quiet for a few minutes. "He is not understanding the request. I have asked him to go to your vehicle, but he is arguing that a tree cannot fall into the parking garage."

"Ugh... I love Thor, but he can be thick headed," Emily commented. "Just tell him we need help carrying something heavy."

"He is not familiar with these traditions either, Miss Emily." Jarvis told her, then went silent again. "He is on his way." He added after another few minutes.

"I can take everything inside. We don't need to bother my brother." Loki told Mary and Emily.

Emily turned to look at Loki as she opened the car door. "Loki, I wouldn't mind that if you were fully healed. But you're still hurt, so we need Thor's help."

"I'm healed enough to load the tree up, and taking it off the car will be even easier. After that, I can come back for the rest." Loki insisted.

"Loki, I'm sorry. You're not ready for that yet. Watch over your fish. You can carry them up to the condo," Emily replied, then got out of the car just in time to greet Thor.

"What did you need help with... why is there a tree on your roof?" Thor asked.

"It's going to be our Christmas tree. We're taking it up to the condo, then we'll put it in the stand we have and decorate it," Emily explained.

Loki shot Emily a glare, then let Mary take the fish so he could get out. "You want the tree... inside?" Thor asked Emily.

"Yes Thor, we want it inside. It's a winter tradition for us," Emily replied, ignoring Loki for the moment.

"Very well." Thor said with a shrug. He effortlessly pulled the ropes free and picked up the tree. "Is there anything else you need me to carry?" He asked Emily.

"Maybe... Mary? Do you want us to get the fish stuff? I can get a rolling cart to get it all."

"I think the cart will be best. Loki is going to need a bit of help getting inside." Mary answered.

Emily nodded. "I can get one from the lobby," she replied. "I'll be right back." She then turned back to Thor. "Looks like it'll just be the tree."

Thor smiled and with a nod, turned and headed into the tower with the tree over his shoulder. 

Mary nodded and set the box of fish on the front seat, then helped Loki out while they waited for Emily.

It didn't take long for Emily to return with the rolling cart. "Here we are! We can put most of the stuff on this."

"If you can help Loki keep his balance, I will load everything onto the cart. He really overdid it with his leg." Mary told Emily.

"Sure," Emily replied. She walked over to Loki and helped him lean against the side of the car. "Do you feel okay?" She asked him quietly.

"Never better." Loki said with the best smile he could manage. "Can I help get the fish box set up?" He asked, honestly wanting to help, but also wanting a change in subject.

"Of course you can help. We have to get the tank set up how we want it to look before we fill it with water," she explained. Why is he acting so strange? He's pushing me away.