Ch 3
799 Words
Emmalee
"Emmalee, be a dear and get these carrots chopped for the salad."
"Yes, ma'am."
I am eager to do whatever the old lady tells me to do. So far, she is kind and has really taken her time to teach me everything I need to know to be successful. In between teaching, we get to know each other a bit. Her name is Edna, and she has worked in the kitchen for over 40 years. She is in charge of it now and everyone hopes that never changes. Edna's cooking is the best. I hope to learn everything I can from her and maybe take over her position when she finally retires in a few years. From what I hear, she gets paid handsomely.
I hum while I chop the carrots. It is easy work and I actually enjoy cooking, so this is a cake walk for me. As I'm chopping, I hear the back door open. A warrior walks in, and he seems somewhat familiar. I have probably seen him hanging out with my brother.
"Aren't you Noah's sister?" He asks as he gets a water from the refrigerator.
Yup, knew it. My brother has a lot of friends.
"I am! Emmalee," I hold out my hand, "nice to meet you."
"Garrett." He smiles as he replies.
I'm not gonna lie, Garrett is pretty cute. He has perfect teeth, dark brown eyes, and shoulder-length brown hair. He flips his hair a bit and I realize I'm staring. I awkwardly smile and turn back to my work.
"Hey Emma, will you go out with me sometime?" He asks as he moves closer to me. I can almost feel his breath on the side of my neck.
His sudden question stuns me, so I hardly notice he got my name wrong.
"Um, s-sure." Wow. Smooth, Em. Real charmer.
"Great. How about tonight after dinner? I'm sure you'll be busy here until then, but we can catch a movie afterwards?"
All I can manage to do is nod and barely smile.
As he starts to leave, my brother walks in. He notices Garrett standing pretty close to me and gives me a questioning look. Oh no, here we go. Overprotective brother mode has been activated.
"Noah, don't start," I warn.
"Nah, Em. I'm definitely gonna start. What was that? Why was Garrett so close to you? Do you know him?" One question after another. He definitely got his interrogation skills from our mother; he sounds just like her right now.
"No, Mother Hen, I do not know him. He recognized me as your sister, introduced himself, and...."
"And what?"
"Well. He asked me on a date." I say it as nonchalantly as possible and even shrug a bit to really sell the idea that this is not a big deal.
"No."
"Noah! You do not get to make that decision for me."
Now I'm getting aggravated. I am 18 and I will date whoever I damn well please.
"Emmalee, you don't know him. He's not right for you. I don't think you should go."
I can't tell for sure, but I think I detect a hint of concern in his eyes.
"Fine. I'll try to blow him off."
Noah smiles and the relief is all over his face. "Thanks, bub. Maybe tell him you already had plans with Allie and just forgot?" Bub. Noah has called me that since we were kids. My parents always referred to him as “bubba”, so when I came along, he thought that’s just what little ones are called. He has used that nickname for me ever since. I don’t mind. Noah is the closest person in the world to me.
"That's a good idea, Noah. Thanks."
He gives me a peck on the forehead and leaves the kitchen. I'm torn. Half of me was really looking forward to my first date ever. But I'd have to be blind if I didn't notice the look on my brother's face.
Ugh. He loves me and I trust him. So, it looks like I won't be going on this date.
I sigh and get back to work.
___________________________________________
The rest of the day flies by and before I know it, it’s time to serve dinner. Edna seems pleased with how it turned out, so I guess I'm not half bad at this. As we serve dinner, I slip a note to Garrett letting him know that I have to cancel, and I'll take a rain check on that date. He looks pretty disappointed but nods at me.
Thank God that's over with.
As I re-enter the kitchen, and grab my things, I smell something delicious. Like a warm caramel cake. I didn't know Edna was making dessert. I'll have to try some leftovers tomorrow.
- Writer
