Chapter 24: A Small Gift

Mom and I started to clean up as guests left. Aunt Clary was able to get Grandma in the car safely, and they left too. Mom, still dressed up for the day, set out some grapes and oranges along with chips and salad for us. "Thank you, Ms. Green. Today was wonderful. The food was so delicious," Emma said and hugged my mom. "No worries, sweetie, I am so glad you liked it." My mom started to blush. She was not used to my new friends in our new town acting so lovely and genuine. "Our parents are too busy to make food. They usually hire people, and it's just not the same. They are super strict, so it always tastes more like restaurant food instead of homemade." Emma let go of my mom, and my mom looked speechless. Chase jumped in. "Yes, thank you, Ms. Green. It was truly wonderful. We appreciate the invitation." She smiled and nodded. "Alright, kiddos, I am heading upstairs to read a bit. If you need anything, Aria can let me know," she explained and said her goodbyes. I figured she'