Chapter 184 Emily is angry
On the way to his parents' house, Noah passed by a house. Briefly glancing at Sarah's house, Noah let a small smile form on his face before shaking his head and driving forward.
**
Click
Entering the house, Noah headed to the kitchen and saw his family seated together eating dinner.
Glancing towards the figure that entered the door, David's body relaxed slightly that it was his son.
"Good evening!" Noah said, before giving his family quick hugs.
"Good evening, Noah." They all replied.
"Son, call us or text us before you just barge into the house. You made me flinch seeing a random figure enter the kitchen whilst we were eating," David stated, with a wry smile on his face as he placed the teacup down.
"I did dad, maybe you just haven't checked your phone," Noah said with a mischievous smile.
"Oh...really?" David said, looking for his phone before checking.
After checking that his son had indeed done that, David scratched the back of his head. "That's on me," He said with a light smile.
Emily chimed in ready to back her dad up. "No Dad, it's on Noah. He should've called Mom too, why is he only trying once? He should've tried harder,"
Noah chuckled, before a grin formed on his face. "What if I told you that I did that too?"
Seeing his smile, Emily's face paled slightly at her mishap.
"No...way." She paused.
"Yes...way," He shot back sarcastically.
She hurriedly asked Caroline where the phone was to check.
"It's in the living room sweetie, on the table."
Scurrying off the living room, Emily came back shortly after with a down look.
"He indeed...called." She said in defeat, as she slumped back into her chair before continuing to eat.
Looking at Emily, Noah thought with a wry smile on his face.
'This rascal...she has been trying to get on my nerves for the past few days, she wasn't like this before. It's either she wants something, or she is upset at me.'
Caroline disrupted his train of thought.
"Come on honey, put a plate for yourself and eat with us."
Noah nodded.
"Yes Mom, I can't wait to eat your delicious food again. No restaurant can dream of competing with it." He stated, with a smile on his face as he placed some food on his plate.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Caroline chuckled at his compliment, and they continued eating peacefully while chatting.
After eating dinner, the family headed to the living room after helping each other clean.
In the living room, they sat and enjoyed their night whilst watching TV shows.
Soon, the clock ticked closer to Emily's bedtime. Caroline glanced at Emily, before calling out.
"Emily," she called, her voice carrying the tone of a mother catching her child doing something they shouldn't. "It's your bedtime now. Don't think I didn't notice your little trick, staying quiet next to your dad so I wouldn't call you out."
Emily, who had been snuggling close to David, froze as if caught red-handed. She looked up, startled, her wide eyes like a startled rabbit.
"But Mom," she whined, her tone edging on desperation, "please let me stay up just a little longer."
Caroline crossed her arms, a knowing grin playing on her face. "Oh? And why should I let you?"
Emily's mind raced, searching for a compelling excuse. Then, as if struck by inspiration, her gaze shifted to Noah.
A spark of hope lit her face.
"Mom," she began dramatically, "Noah doesn't come home often anymore. I just want to spend more time with him."
Noah raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips.
'This little rascal is using me as a shield,' he thought. Still, he decided to play along with his little sister.
"Mom," Noah interjected, "she's not wrong. Let her stay for ten more minutes. I miss her too." He patted the space next to him, motioning for Emily to join. "Come here, Em. Sit with your big brother."
Emily's eyes lit up with victory.
She scrambled over and plopped down beside Noah, quickly leaning against him. She tilted her head toward Caroline, her puppy-dog eyes working overtime.
David chuckled at the sight, shaking his head. "Come on, Caroline. Let her stay. Ten more minutes won't hurt."
Caroline sighed, her rules melting under the combined assault of her family. "Alright," she relented, her grin betraying her pretend annoyance. "Just ten minutes. After that, you go to bed without any trouble. Deal?"
Emily nodded furiously. "Promise!"
Settling beside Noah, she leaned in close and muttered, "Hmph, at least you know how to help your little sister."
Noah caught her words and couldn't help but smile, though he pretended not to hear.
The next ten minutes passed by.
As the clock ticked to mark the end of her extra time, Emily let out a yawn, snuggling closer to Noah.
"Alright, kiddo," Noah said, ruffling her hair. "Time to keep your promise."
Emily groaned slightly but nodded. "Fine," she said, dragging her feet as she stood up. "But next time, I get fifteen minutes!"
Caroline laughed, taking Emily toward her room. "Next time, maybe."
As Emily disappeared down the hallway, Noah leaned back into the couch.
David gave Noah a thumbs up.
"Well done for helping your sister," He said, with a smile on his face.
Noah returned the smile with his own.
After chilling with his parents for a few more minutes, Noah excused himself and headed to his room.
**
The next day's arrival was signalled by the sun's rays landing on Noah's face. Groaning softly, he rubbed his eyes and got out of bed.
After a quick trip to the bathroom, he washed up and went through his morning routine before heading downstairs to join his family for breakfast.
Once breakfast was done, Noah grabbed his bag, ready to drop Emily off at school whilst also going to school himself.
"Come on, Em," he called out, holding the door open.
Emily followed him out, unusually quiet. As they walked, Noah glanced at her, sensing something was still off.