SIX

Settling into Brooklyn was overwhelming for Emma. The grand brownstone was unlike anything she had ever known, and the constant buzz of the city was a stark contrast to the quiet countryside. But the greatest challenge lay ahead: meeting the rest of her uncle’s family.

A few days after their arrival, Charles invited Emma and her grandmother to a family dinner. It was to be their formal introduction to his wife, Helen, and their daughter, Isabella. Emma felt a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach as she dressed for the evening. She chose a simple but elegant dress, hoping to make a good impression.

“Are you ready, Grandma?” Emma asked, helping her grandmother with her shawl.

Her grandmother smiled warmly. “As ready as I’ll ever be, dear. Let’s go meet the rest of the family.”

They descended the staircase together, finding Charles waiting for them in the foyer. He looked nervous but smiled reassuringly.

“Helen and Isabella are eager to meet you both,” he said, leading them to the dining room.

The room was beautifully set, with a long table adorned with fine china and crystal glasses. Standing by the table was a woman who exudes grace and poise. Helen Parker was stunning, with sharp features softened by a practiced smile. Beside her stood Isabella, a striking young woman whose rebellious spirit was evident in her colorful, eclectic style.

“Helen, Isabella, this is my brother’s daughter, Emma, and my mother,” Charles introduced them.

Helen stepped forward, her eyes cool as she extended her hand. “Welcome to our home,” she said, her tone cordial but distant.

Emma shook her hand, trying to match her demeanor. “Thank you, Mrs. Parker. It’s nice to meet you.”

Helen’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Please, call me Helen.”

Isabella, on the other hand, regarded Emma with a mix of curiosity and disdain. She had a wild, untamed beauty, with vibrant clothes and expressive eyes. She stepped forward, her demeanor clearly challenging.

“So, you’re the cousin from the countryside,” Isabella said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “I’m Isabella. Call me Izzy.”

Emma smiled, deciding to meet her cousin’s boldness with a touch of her own humor. “Nice to meet you, Izzy. Brooklyn is quite different from what I’m used to.”

Isabella rolled her eyes. “I bet. Hopefully, you won’t get lost in the big city.”

Dinner was a strained affair. Helen dominated the conversation, speaking with an air of authority. “We’ll need to discuss when Mother will move to the nursing home,” she said bluntly. “I’m not comfortable having her stay here for too long. I find the presence of old people quite… unsettling.”

Emma bristled at Helen’s coldness. “We’ll make arrangements as soon as possible,” she replied, her voice steady. “But until then, I hope we can all coexist peacefully.”

Helen raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting Emma to stand her ground. “Of course,” she said, her tone clipped.

Isabella, meanwhile, continued to make snide remarks throughout the meal. “So, Emma, what do you do for fun in the middle of nowhere? Watch paint dry?”

Emma shot her a wry smile. “Sometimes. Other times, I enjoy gardening and reading. You know, simple pleasures. But I’ve never had the excitement of dodging muggers on my way to the corner store.”

“Isabella smirked, somewhat taken aback by Emma’s quick wit. “Touché.”

Emma observed the family dynamics, noting how Helen’s aloofness contrasted with Charles’s eagerness to please. Isabella’s rebelliousness seemed to be a direct reaction to her mother’s control. Despite the tension, Emma felt a growing resolve to carve out a place for herself and her grandmother in this new environment.

After dinner, they moved to the living room for dessert and coffee. Isabella took the opportunity to continue her interrogation. “So, Emma, what’s it like living with your grandma? Must be pretty dull.”

Emma looked at her cousin, her expression calm. “Actually, it’s quite rewarding. She’s taught me a lot about resilience and love. Besides, it’s not as if we have the luxury of running away from our responsibilities.”

Isabella’s eyes flashed with irritation. “I didn’t run away. I just chose my own path.”

Emma nodded, her gaze steady. “And that’s your choice. But not everyone has the same options.”

The room fell silent, the tension thick. Helen cleared her throat, clearly uncomfortable. “Well, it’s getting late. We should all get some rest.”

Charles pulled Emma aside as everyone stood up to leave. “Thank you for being so understanding, Emma. I know tonight was difficult.”

Emma nodded, her heart heavy but determined. “It was, but we’ll manage. For Grandma’s sake, we have to.”

Charles looked at her with a mix of guilt and gratitude. “I’ll do everything I can to make this transition easier for you both.”

After Isabella's invitation, Emma hesitantly agreed to explore the city with her cousin. They wandered through the bustling streets, Isabella leading the way with a confident stride. But as they reached a crowded intersection, Isabella suddenly disappeared into the throngs of people, leaving Emma alone and disoriented.

Panic set in as Emma realized she was lost in the heart of the city, her phone battery drained and no idea how to find her way back home. She wandered aimlessly, her heart pounding with fear as she attracted unwanted attention from passersby.

As darkness fell, Emma's desperation grew. She found herself in a dim alley.The shadows closing in around her. Just as she feared the worst, a voice called out to her from the darkness.

Lost, are you dear? The woman asked,her voice soft but strong. Here, let me help you.Emma hesitated,her trust worn from her ordeal.

But something in the woman's eyes spoke of genuine kindness, and Emma felt a flicker of hope.

The woman led her to a nearby bench and offered her a seat.

Take mine, she said, pressing the phone into Emma's trembling hand, Call someone you thrust, you will be safe here with me.

Emma's hand shook as she dialed her uncle's number, relief flooding through her when he answered. She explained her predicament, her voice trembling with emotion.

Her uncle wasted no time in sending a driver to fetch her,his concern evident in his voice.

As Emma waited for the driver to arrive, she found herself overwhelmed with gratitude for the kindness of a stranger in a city that had felt so cold and unforgiving.