To keep me company

We pull into the drive way and I go to grab the bags from the trunk-

"Summer, don't worry about it, I'll get Ryan and your dad to help later I think you'll find there are some people waiting inside to see you."

I race inside just behind Seth. As I walk through the door I see all the smiling faces I love so dearly and I feel like crying, probably because I am so tired. Dad is sitting in the big arm chair with Julie on his lap and Ryan and Marissa are lying on the ground playing with Emmalee- Marissa, Kaitlin and my little sister, she's 3 and is beyond adorable.

As I walk into the formal lounge Emi jumps up and flies into my arms.

"Sum, I missed you so much- now I don't have to miss you anymore cause you're here."

"I missed you so much too- guess who I brought with me?"

"Cohen?!"

"Yes- guess who else?"

"I don't know-"

I pull pancakes out of her carry bag-

"YAY! Pancakie, Sum, can I please play with her- I'll be gentle I promise." I hand Pancakes to her. Her eyes are mesmerising- she has dark, dark hair- like mine and dad's too; that is before he got natural highlights. And she has Marissa and Julie's cheekbones and eye colour. Her eyes are huge and they sparkle- like Marissa's used to before---.

I am brought back to reality by Marissa's warm embrace. She whispers into my ear,

"Sum, I think we need to talk about----"

I nod trying to hold back tears

"--- I am really struggling I just don't know what to do"

I pull back and look into her eyes. I see the same fear I see in the mirror. We both turn as Emi calls,

"Sum?! Coop?!"

Everyone burst out laughing. Marissa calls out-

"Emi, the adults need to talk now- just for a little bit and then Seth, Ryan, Sum and I can play the Wii with you."

"Okay, but make sure Cohen doesn't hog the control."

Everyone again bursts out laughing

"Emi's 3 and she's already funnier than you"

The laughter continues as Seth, sulking, walks over and punches Ryan- Julie states;

"Now Seth, you have to set a good example for Emi and violence is NOT a good example"

"Don't worry mommy, that wasn't violent- Chino I think you need to learn Cohen to punch before he hurts himself."

"I agree- but I don't think your mommy would like that very much."

I watch as Julie smiles at Ryan and Marissa kisses him on the cheek.

Emi skips off to play with Pancakes.

Julie followed by dad stand up and walk over to us.

"Summer, I am so glad to have you home- I have really missed you."

I smile at how much Julie has changed. Having Emi was really good for her and dad. All the parents had really missed all of us constantly not being around and needing to be parented.

I watch as dad embraces Seth, I am so glad that Seth has learnt how to act normally around him.

Julie makes her way over to Seth and dad walks towards me.

"It's so good to have you home princess, Julie and I have really missed you, and Emi has been driving us INSANE asking about you and Seth."

Everyone settles down making small talk- it has been a while since the family has been together and it is so good that everyone is permanently here for a while. Well, most of the family at least- Kaitlin is still flying between Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong working for Hailey and Suzie. Hailey offered her an internship after she finished school. I was actually talking to her on the phone and she loves being over there travelling- especially Paris, just like her sister.

Seth announces-

"Can we order Thai? Summer didn't wake me when lunch arrived on the plane-"

"I tried to wake you-"

He rambles on about how malnourished he has become.

"Unless you want a rage blackout I suggest that you shut up."

"Yes my love"

He says slipping his fingers through mine and kissing my head.

"Yes Seth, we can order Thai, make a list of what everyone wants and then I'll order."

After making the list Emi walks in-

"Mommy- daddy I am hungry, did I hear Cohen ask about Thai?"

"Yes baby, did you want something?"

"I'm cool as long as there is mu-shu pork and dumplings"

Emi is DEFININATELY part of this family- her love of Thai is a give away.

"Of course there is."

"Thankyou"

She walks over the Kirsten-

"Excuse me Kiki- do you have the fridge stocked up with Tapioca pudding? I like pudding, p-u-d-d-i-n-g it's funny to say p-u-d-d-i-n-g"

-She says giggling.

"I do- you know who else likes Pudding?"

"COHEN!"

"Yep"

She runs over to Seth and jumps waiting for him to catch her.

Hey everyone, um this chapter was too long so it is divide up into 2 parts. The second half is called Spin me 'round again. By the way; if you think I can't type when Emi speaks just remember she is only 3. I am so Zonked I just got back from Wet'n'Wild for my friends 17th birthday. Please review as always- xxx Shar-Lyn. PS. Julie and Neil's little girls name in Emmalee Raquel Roberts - or Emi for short. And she is all mine.