Helping Emma

Chapter 6

They walk into the house together. "There is a bathroom right there if you would like to wash up a bit".  "Ok. Thank you". Emma heads to the door Regina pointed out while Regina walks into the kitchen. Alice is in there taking out the lasagna from the oven. "Just in time Regina. Your sister and the boys are already in the dinning room". "Thanks Alice. There is one more joining us tonight. I'll grab the place setup after I wash my hands". When Regina is done she gets everything she needs and goes to meet Emma in the hallway. A moment later Emma walks out of the bathroom. "Ready Emma?"  She nods and walks with Regina into another room. She sees a redheaded woman and 3 boys sitting at the table. They all look at the both of them walking in. "Good evening everyone. We have a guest with us tonight. This is Emma, she's thinking about maybe helping us out around here. Emma this is my sister Zelena and these young gentlemen over there are Franky and Sebastian, you can call him Bash, they are brothers. And this handsome fella is Ian". Everyone smiles at Emma and she smiles back. Regina puts the place setting down and pulls out the chair for Emma. "Here you are dear, you can sit right next to me".  "Thank you Regina". They both sit down as an older woman comes into the room carrying a big pan. "Ok everyone, Regina's famous lasagna is ready. The perfect dinner for our new guest".  "Alice this is Emma, Emma this is Alice. She's been with my family for a very long time".  "It's lovely to meet you Emma". Emma just smiles and waves. A big bowl of salad is passed around as well as plates of lasagna. Soft conversation flows about the room as Emma keeps her head down and quietly eats. "Would you like something to drink Emma?"  Regina asks and Emma just shrugs. "We have wine, soda, beer, milk, water".  "Water would be great thank you". Regina rises from the table and goes to a drink stand that has a pitcher of ice water and pours 2 glasses. She brings them back to the table. "Would anyone else like a glass of water while I'm up?"  Ian and Bash both raise their hands, and she fills glasses for them.  "Miss Alice, May I please have another piece of lasagna?"  "You sure can Franky. Would anyone else like another piece?"  Bash and Ian both raise their hands and politely say "Yes please".  Emma is surprised at how respectful they all are for teenagers. She's taken out of her thoughts by Regina asking if she wants another piece of lasagna. "No thanks, I'm fine".  "Are you sure, there is plenty?"  "It's ok, I'm good". Regina nods. When dinner was over, the boys helped Alice with clearing the table. Zelena Excused herself to make a few calls and it was just Regina and Emma sitting at the table. "How did you like the lasagna Emma?"  "It was very delicious. I don't think I've ever had anything that good before. Thank you for inviting me for dinner. It definitely wasn't what I was expecting".  "I'm glad you felt comfortable".  "I should probably get going now though".  "Ok Emma. I'll walk you out". They both stand and Emma follows Regina out the front door and they walk to her truck. "Have you decided weather you will come back or not?"  "I'll be honest, meeting those kids definitely had me rethinking. Aside from me spilling my guts out earlier, I actually had a nice day. Thank you so much for everything".  "Will I see you tomorrow?"  "I really want to say yes, but then I don't know what will be going through my head in the morning".  "I understand. Here is my card. I wrote my personal cell number on the back. You can call me anytime, even in the middle of the night if you need to. Or we could text if you don't want to talk. I'm here for you Emma". They both smiled as Emma took the card. "Thank you Regina.  Good night". "Good night Emma". Regina watches her drive away and she really hopes she comes back.