When Emma got home from work on Friday, she had a sharp headache. It had started when she was trying to settle down a screaming baby who had been left in the middle of the shop while his mother was trying on clothes. She had felt like screaming, and had hardly contained her frustration.
"Where is Ben?" Emma's southern accent was slow as she rubbed at her head. Jim Bob stared at her for a moment before answering.
"He went to join the Seebees." Jim Bob's answer was short, but full of uncertainty. Emma instantly felt even more sick as she shakily walked into the house and set her purse down. Elizabeth, who was doing her homework at the kitchen table, helped Emma sit down.
John Curtis padded over from where he was playing with some blocks, and Emma lifted him onto her knee. The three year old was the cutest little thing. "Hewo, Auntie Emma."
"Hello, Johnny." Emma hugged him tight. "Is your mama at work?" The little boy nodded.
"Yes. She has to work, and work, and work!" John Curtis laughed as he squirmed about on Emma's lap. Elizabeth gave her nephew a stern look.
"Auntie Emma has to rest, John Curtis. And don't you want to play some more?" The fifteen year old reluctantly lifted the little boy and set him by the blocks. "And I need to do homework." Elizabeth muttered to herself.
A fleeting thought flew to Emma's mind. "Lizabeth, I hope you have never felt left out. You know, cause Erin, Mary Ellen and I are older then you and we kinda never include you in conversations. That's gonna change."
Elizabeth glanced at Emma in surprise. "No, I never thought that. I'm a lot younger than you. And thanks." She smiled reassuringly.
When Ben got home, Emma was the first one at his side. He refused to tell her anything until he gotten changed out of his work clothes and had a clean shower. Even then he was quiet. But after supper, he couldn't escape his wife.
"Ben, what happened? Did you join the Seebees?" Emma questioned, her heart beating fast.
Ben shook his head and sat down. "They told me to go home, but they took my name, so they'll call me if they ever need me in the war." Emma was so relieved that she kissed him.
"I love you." Emma grinned wide, the twinkle in her eyes fading at the glare Ben gave her. "What? Am I not allowed to love you now?" She snapped, folding her arms.
Ben rolled his eyes. "Of course you are Em. But I thought you'd be a bit more considerate. I'm going to be teased a lot more now that they don't need me." Emma started to speak, but Ben cut her off. "No, don't say it. I don't want to hear it."
Emma stared at the door numbly long after Ben had disappeared out of it. Some of her wanted to roll up in a ball and cry, while another part wanted to sleep. She didn't decide on either.