isclaimer: They aren't mine.

 

Author:  Eviefan

 

Summary  Emma gets a boyfriend, how will her family react.

 

 

First Love.

 

 

It had been a few years since Emma and Alex took an adventure to Egypt, and life had been normal, almost boring.  Their parents still went on digs, but with she and Alex both in school, it was hard to get them away.  Now she was 15, and today found her at the Museum after her classes let out.  She was helping set up displays in the Egyptian section, with her brother, Alex who was 11 now, and a constant bother of late.  Neither of them noticed a group of people come in, ones who were a little older than both of them, but ones Emma knew well.

 

"Hey Emma, we were all going to the park, do you want to come with us?" Rueben asked.  He was 17, and handsome, at least to her.

 

"Sure I would."  She stood, and Alex looked up.

 

"Wait a sec, you told mum you would help out, and she needs this stuff set up,"  he reminded.

 

"Well go find Daniel then.  I'm going out with my friends now."   He shook his head.  His sister didn't think straight when Rueben was around, and it made him want to throw something at her at times.

 

"At least go tell mum,"  Alex grumbled, not one to start a fight with her.  The last time they had, punishment was having to help scrub the floors, and that had not been fun at all.

 

"Wait outside,"  she told Rueben, and he and their two other friends, Joseph, and Amy, did as she instructed.  Their Mum's office was on the other side of the vast room, and as Emma approached she heard her mothers raised voice, which was never a good sign.  She waited until she heard silence then walked in.

 

"Mum?"  Evelyn looked up from her notes. 

 

"Are you two finished already?"  she asked surprised.

 

"Well not exactly.  Rueben, and some others want me to go with them to the park."  Evelyn put her pen down.  She didn't like Rueben, he was very nice, almost too nice, and she didn't trust him with her daughter.

 

"I'm not sure that is a good idea.  I really could use your help here today." Evelyn said.  This did not go over well with her daughter.

 

"Mum he is not that bad.  He is polite, sweet, and you would see that if you would just look," she said on an angry note. 

 

"You will not speak to me that way.  Go on home."  Emma stormed out, and Evelyn sighed, knowing that this was far from over.

 

 

 

At the park Rueben held Emma's hand as they walked by the lake.

 

"She just doesn't want me to grow up, and doesn't realize I'm practically a woman, I'll be sweet sixteen next month you know,"  she said dancing around him.

 

"I know, and I know exactly what I am going to get for you."  She walked infront of him.

 

"Oh you must tell me,"  she said

 

"But then it wouldn't be a surprise," he said, hugging her.

 

"I'll just pretend to be surpised,"  she said looking up at him.  He shook his head.

 

"You are a little Faery, one who likes to tinker with magic,"  he told her, as he twirled her around.  That caused her to giggle.

 

"I like to tinker," she said coming into his arms.

 

"You may kiss me," she told him.  He lowered his mouth to hers, and gave her a light innocent kiss, ones they had been giving each other for a week now.

 

"When you do that I feel as though I would fly away," she told him.  He led them over to a grassy spot near the lake and the settled down there.

 

"Where would you fly to Emma?"   She thought a moment.

 

"Perhaps to Paris, or maybe to a beach.  I think a beach would be terribly romantic."  He hugged her kissing the top of her head.

 

"My parents honeymooned at the French Riviara, and there is this picture of them standing by the water, and they look so happy."  She turned to look at him.  "I want to find happiness like that.  My father always gets my mum things, he is such a romantic.

 

"So when do I get to meet them"  That brought a frown to her face.

 

"Well mum thinks I'm too young to see you, and Dad agrees, so it may not be a good idea if you come around, not till I make them see that you are a wonderful young man,"  she told him.  He lowered his forehead to hers and the rubbed noses.

 

"We better get you home before your mum finds that you didn't do what she said,"  he commented.  She nodded, and they walked to the bus stop boarding the bus which would take her home.  Rueben waved goodbye to her, and left for his home.

 

 

 

Shortly after Emma had left the Museum, Evelyn had phoned Rick to tell him their daughter was on her way, and that had been almost 2 hours ago.  Now both parents sat in the parlor waiting for her arrival.  Alex had snuck into the library above them, waiting to see what they would do when she walked in.  His wait wasn't long, and when she walked in she was spinning around not noticing anything but her dream.

 

"Emma, where have you been?"  Evelyn asked, fairly loudly.  That caused her to jump.

 

"Oh, mum your home.  I just though a walk in the park would do me a bit of good is all, " she said calmly. 

 

"And just who were you with?"  came he mothers cold reply. 

 

"Amy and I went together."

 

"Amy has been home since you left the museum,"  Evelyn replied.  That, Emma had not expected and she looked down.

 

"You went with that boy didn't you."  Her cold tone, and the way she spoke of Rueben, brought Emma's head up.

 

"He is not just  'that boy'.  Reuben loves me, just like dad loves you.  We know what love is like.  He makes me laugh, and hugs me when I'm sad,"  her voice was raising.  "And he won't let me talk bad about you when I'm mad."  she finished in a scream.  That brought dad into this very quickly

 

"Emma, you will not use that tone of voice with your mum.  Go on up to your room."  She ran out and up the stairs.

 

"Alex you stay in your room too,"  Rick added, having noticed Alex when he stood up.  In a moment one door slammed and then the other.  Rick came to his wife and gently eased her into his arms.  Evelyn accepted his touch needing it more than anything else at this moment.

 

"Maybe I'm being unfair to her," Evelyn said pulling away far enough to look in to her husbands eyes.

 

"We haven't given him a chance to prove himself,"  he pointed out.  He himself wasn't comfortable with the idea of Emma being in love.

 

"Then maybe it is time we invited him here,"  she said.  He nodded, and together they went to speak to Emma.

 

 

 

In her room, Emma lay on her bed sobbing.  It was so unfair, she found someone she really loved, and here her parents wouldn't even give him a chance.  She didn't notice the door open, nor did she notice Alex come in.  Not till he was sitting next to her rubbing her back.

 

"Don't cry Emma,"  he wasn't sure what else he could do for her.  This whole romance thing, in his eyes, was a bunch of silly nonsense.  What was the big deal about kissing and all the other stuff adults did.

 

"Emma, you don't need a guy.  If you get one you will be just as disgusting as our parents."  That caused her to laugh a little, and she sat up, hugging him.

 

"I used to think it was disgusting, but its not."  He looked up at her. 

 

"I'm going to be the only one in this house who will think kissing and mushy is gross."  She tousled his hair.

 

"You still have Uncle John on your side." That was true enough.  Uncle John was far from finding a suitable woman, and still found public displays of affection disgusting.  Neither noticed their parents walk in.

 

"Alex, lets go work on your math,"  Rick said.  Evelyn said it would be better for she and Emma to work this out lady to lady.  When the guys had gone,  Evelyn settled in the wicker rocking chair.

 

"Emma, I'm sorry for what I said just a bit ago.  I haven't given him a chance to meet us, or to see who he is."  Emma was surprised and pleased at the same time.  She came over and settled into her mothers arms.  Emma was still small in size, and Evie noted her blond hair was tangled, and reached over to the little table and got her brush.  As they talked she began to brush her hair for her.

 

"Your  father and I talked, and if you would like too, we thought perhaps he could join us for dinner tomorrow night.  Emma turned.

 

"Really?"  she asked, hardly believing what she was hearing.  Evelyn smiled and kissed her cheek.

 

"Really."  Emma hugged her.

 

"Oh mum, you are the very best." 

 

"Thank you.  Now what shall we make for dinner?"  Emma turned around and Evelyn continued to brush her hair.

 

"Hmm, perhaps green beans, and ham?"  She said still thinking of what would go well with that.

 

"Maybe some fresh bread?" Evelyn asked.  Emma nodded.

 

"And for dessert fresh apple  pie."  So it was settled, and for a while it was just mother daughter time.  Emma loved to hear the stories about how her mother had been literally swept off her feet by her father.  She hoped that someday Rueben would sweep her off her feet, and she would find love that powerful.

 

 

More Soon...

 

Disclaimer: Not mine

 

Chapter 2:  The Dinner, and After

 

It was such a bother having to help out with dinner, and Emma was being so goofy of late, that Alex felt left out.  She and mum were up in her room now, getting ready for dinner, and Alex was setting the table, while Marie finished cooking everything.  Actually dinner smelled really good, but none of that much mattered.  Alex was on the guard of this Reuben fellow, and if he wasn't nice to Emma, then he would find a way to pay him back. 

 

"How is the table setting going?"  Marie asked him, as she come in with wine glasses.  She set them around at different places, as Alex finished his task.

 

"Just fine.  Its all done,' he said running out, before she could give him any more to do.

 

 

 

Upstairs Emma knelt in front of the rocking chair while her mum French braided her hair.

 

"There we are."  Emma stood and went to her mirror.

 

"Its so elegant,"  She said.  Before more could be said, they heard Alex yell that her guest had arrived, and Emma ran out, taking the stairs two at time.  She shoved Alex out of the way, so he wouldn't get there first, and opened the door finding Rueben with a rose. 

 

"For me?"  he shook his head.

 

"Who else?" he asked."  She took it, then took his hand and walked in glad to see that noone was hovering.  She led him into the parlor where Mum was settled with dad.

 

"Mum dad, Alex, this is Rueben "  Rick stood and greeted him with a firm handshake which was returned, with almost the same strength.

 

"Here darling let me put that it water for you," Evelyn said.  She still didn't like him, but made herself be nice.

 

"Dinner is ready," Marie said, and they all followed her into the dining room.  There Rueben pulled out Emma's chair for her, then slid it in for her when she was ready.  Once everyone was seated, and eating, Evelyn was the first with the questions. 

 

"Emma says you want to go to a University in the States,"  She said.  He nodded.

 

"Yes Harvard.  I want to study law," he told her.  Emma just starred at him, and Alex groaned, then yelped as his sister kicked his shin.  Both parents glared at him, and he looked at Uncle John who shrugged.  For the rest of dinner, it was ask a million questions, and Emma was not happy, but kept her focus on her boyfriend, who handled himself very well. 

 

"That was a delicious  meal," Reuben commented as the dishes were taken away.

 

"Thank you,"  Marie said. 

 

"If it is all right with you.  I wanted to take Emma out to get some dessert."    He looked at both her parents, and they looked at eachother, then Rick spoke, and gave him permission.  Emma stood and ran over to him.

 

"Thank you daddy, your the best."  She took Reuben's hand and the walked out, and Alex let out a woop

 

"They are just as bad as you two are,"  he said, getting disapproving looks from both of them.  Jonathan guessed they wanted to talk, and he and Alex left them.

 

"I thought he was nice,"  Rick said, knowing she didn't like him.

 

"Well I thought that was all an act," she said standing. 

 

"What happened to keeping them here with us, we hardly know him."  she scolded.  He came to her side and pulled her into his arms.

 

"I seem to remember your brother not liking me because he didn't think I was good enough."  She smiled up at him

 

"But you were, and I was 21, not 15.  He is so much older than she is."  He led her to the parlor.

 

"By 2 years, its just innocent puppy love.  She is trying out her wings, we can't keep her with us forever."  Evelyn knew that, and that scared her ever more.

 

"I suppose your right, but if he harms one part of her..."  Rick kissed her.

 

"If he hurts her he will answer to me,"  Rick said, and that for Evelyn was reassurance enough to make her relax a little.  They did have to trust her to make her own judgments, and would be there when and if she fell.

 

 

It was a chilly night, and Reuben put his coat around her as they walked through the darkening park.

 

"So weren't they terrible?"  He smiled

 

"Not so bad.  They love you, and thats all that should matter.  She walked in front of him.

 

"I love you," she said.  It was the first time she had ever told him that, and she expected him to say the same thing.  He looked down.

 

"Whats that mean," she said with a frown on her face.

 

"Emma.  I like you a whole lot, think the world of you even, but love, I'm not really ready for that.  Not right now at least.  I'll be going to college in a year, and it wouldn't make any since for us to fall head over heals in love and then me go all the way to a different Country.

 

"Well then, take me with you," she said.  He hugged her close.

 

"What about your family?"  She sighed.

 

"But you kiss me, doesn't that mean that you love me?" she asked feeling confused.  He pulled her away from him.

 

"Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't Emma. I kiss you because I care very deeply for you."  She pulled fully away from him.

 

"So you made me believe you loved me, when you didn't."  She ran from him crying, and he chased after her grabbing her.

 

"Hey wait a second there, you were doing the same thing to me,"  he tried.

 

"I do love you you idiot.  Mum was right you are a no good."  She ran into the park and wanted to have him come for her, but he didn't and she found a tree to hide behind and sobbed.

 

 

 

It was getting late, and Evelyn was worried, as was Rick.  They had called down to Reubens house, and the butler had told them he was still out with Emma.  Finally Rick stood up.

 

"I'm going to the..."  They heard the door open and slam shut, and before either of them had time to think straight Emma ran passed them, up to her room, and slammed the door.  Her parents were quick to follow, and as they approached they heard her crying.

 

"Let me," Evelyn said. He nodded as Alex cam out of his room dressed for bed.

 

"Whats wrong? " he asked as mum walked in shutting the door behind them.  Rick led Alex back to his room, swearing to himself that if that boy hurt her, he would pay dearly for it.

 

On her bed, Emma lay curled up holding her doll that Uncle John had bought for her, on his trip to Germany.  She was crying soul wrenching sobs, and Evelyn settled beside her laying next to her and gathered her into her arms.  Emma clung to her mother, needing to be held because her young heart had been broken, and it hurt worse than all the lonely nights at the orphanage she had every experienced.

 

"Shhh,"  Evelyn said rubbing her daughters back.  "I'm here my beautiful child."  Emma tried to talk but the words were not there, and she cried harder.  When her crying did stop she went to sleep.  Evelyn held her until her arms around her body loosened then she slid out.  Gently she removed her  daughters shoes, then got the Quilt from over the rocking chair and put it over her.   When she came out Rick was sitting against the wall waiting.  He stood when she closed the door, and she came willingly into his arms

 

"She was so upset," she said.

 

"Did she tell you what happened?"  Evelyn shook her head, and they went to their room to talk about what should be done.  When they left Alex came out of his room, and went into Emma's  He climbed into bed with her and snuggled against her, and she woke long enough to see it was him and they snuggled together.  He would find a way to make this stupid boy pay for hurting his sister, that part was for darn sure.  With that thought  he drifted to sleep.

 

Disclaimer:  The Mummy and The Mummy Returns are not mine...And if they were  I would be rich and wouldn't have to worry about bills.

 

 

 

Chapter: 3  Back the way they were

 

 

It was getting shoved out of the bed, which woke Alex.  Emma had been doing this half the night, and he had endured it, not wanting her to be alone.  He shoved her back on to her side, and she woke up, rolling over to face him.

 

"What are you doing in my bed?"  She asked.

 

"I didn't want you to be alone,"  he said honestly.  For a moment she felt good, then she remembered Reuben, and her heart began to hurt again.  She took in a deep breath and let it out.

 

"What did he do to make you so upset like this,"  Alex asked truly concerned for his sister.  She closed her eyes trying not to cry again.

 

"He was an idiot just like Mum said.  I told him I loved him, and he decided that wasn't what he wanted to hear,"  She started to cry again, and Alex decided he better go get mum, and dad.  He ran out and down to the end of the hall, and opened the door a crack, then more when he was sure nothing was going on, and went to dads side of the bed., pulling on Rick's hand.

 

"Alex?"  he said very softly.

 

"Emma's crying again."  He waited while his father got up and put on some jeans, then they went out of the big room, and down to Emma's.  She was still crying, and Alex was torn on what to do.  He decided that if he ever had a girl friend, which would be never, he would at least do his best to keep her happy.  Rick settled next to his daughter and lifted her into his arms.

 

"I was so dumb," she said through her sobs.  He kissed the top of her head.

 

"Tell me what happened."  She took in a deep breath, then another.

 

"I told Reuben that I loved him, and he, he said that he cares for me, but doesn't love me,"  That brought a fresh set of tears, and Rick was glad when Evelyn arrived.  She sat next to them, and Emma had all her family to help her.

 

 

 

Morning brought  rain, and it mirrored Emma's mood.  She was ready for school, but hadn't said too much, still saddened by her broken heart.  Now she and Alex sat eating warm cereal, and he was trying to think of ways to make her laugh.

 

"Emma, why did the cow cross the road."  She got up and left him, and he sighed.  Life was better before Reuben,and Alex had a plan on how to get revenge on him.  When both of them were ready they went out to the car with Mum.  Alex let Emma have the front seat, not arguing, not wanting to cause her more pain.  The drive to her school was a quite one, and when she got out she didn't even say goodbye.

 

"Mum will she be okay?"  he asked?  Evelyn nodded, worried for her daughter.

 

 

 

At school, Emma made it through the day, but just barely.  Now she and Jessica were walking to the Museum, when Reuben approached with flowers.

 

"Reuben get away from her,"  Jessica said, trying to defend her best friend from this jerk.

 

"Jessie this isn't your business.  Emma, I'm really sorry for being so narrow minded last night.  It just came as a surprise when you said you loved me, and when I thought about it,  I realized that I do love you."  Her expression changed, from that of hate, and pain to joy, and she ran into his arms, and they kissed and he spun her around.

 

"I knew you did," she said, and he tickled her.

 

"Your just my smart girl."  Neither noticed Jessica leaving.  She couldn't believe Emma could be so stupid, but she still loved her as a friend and a sister.

 

"We should probably not say anything about this with my parents and such, I was a mess last night."  he kissed her again.

 

"I'm sorry about that.  Lets take a bus tour."  She smiled liking that idea.  They road on the top floor of the bus looking more at one another than at the sites of London.  When the ride ended it was time for her to be getting home.

 

"I'll pick you up from school tomorrow.'  he told her, as she got into a cab which would take her home.  She nodded and left, feeling like she was on cloud nine.  Her life was back, and that is all that mattered to her.

 

 

 

When she got home Alex was waiting for her, and he didn't look happy.

 

"Jessie said you and Reuben are back together," he said, not able to believe how stupid she was being about this.

 

"Don't broadcast that, yes he was just afraid to tell me."  He shook his head.

 

"Emma, he is  a jerk, and he will hurt you again."  Alex said.  She walked off, up to her room to write in her diary, and Alex went outside to play kickball until it was time for dinner.  He still had a plan on revenge against Reuben, but now it was more than that, he wanted to prove to Emma that he was not good.  He put on his coat, and left to seek out that stink weed.

 

 

 

The park is where Alex started, and he had brought his dads camera with him.  Pictures were worth allot, especially when you were out to prove your point.  He went over to the lake, and just across found his target, and with another girl, which was what he had suspected.  Uncle John always dated more the one woman, and he knew that it was rare or at least in his experience, to find a love like the one his parents had.  He took several shots, then Reuben looked up and saw him. 

 

"Hey."  Alex took off, and ran as fast as he could to the bus.  He got on, and it had just started to pull away when Reuben caught up.

 

"So sorry good chap but you are busted,"  Alex yelled out the window.   When he got home no one was around, and he wished he could have the film developed now, but it would take a few days to do that.  He took out the old role putting in a new, and put it back on his fathers desk.  Then he went upstairs to get washed up for Dinner.

 

 

 

At dinner, Emma was in a much better mood, and both her parents were happy to see this, not knowing about Rueben, and that being the reason for her better mood.  Alex looked like he was about to say something, and Emma knocked his leg with her foot and eyed him, pleading for him to keep it shut.  He took a bite of corn, and didn't say a word.  It didn't matter in  a few days he would have his proof and Emma would be made to see that.

 

Disclaimer:  Not mine but May I have them?

 

 

Chapter: 4  Revelations and Revenge.

 

 

 

A few days had passed since Alex had taken the pictures, and he knew that Emma, and Reuben were still going out.  He had decided to let the pictures speak for themselves, and now he sat on his bed looking at them.  There were only four that were his.  The others were ones his Mum had taken of Emma in a new dress, and then of the garden.  The first picture was of Reuben ,and the other girl walking by the lake holding hands, the other three were of kisses to this other girl.  He heard footfall and hid all the pictures under his pillow, then grabbed his History book and pretended to be reading. 

 

"Alex?"  It was Emma.

 

"Come in."  She did.  These past few days had been heaven.  Reuben had gotten her roses, and candy, and was treating her like a princess.  She just wished she could share that with the rest of her family. 

 

"Look what he got for me."  She had on a bracelet, a very beautiful bracelet, and he pondered not telling her, but it was better she knew now rather then later.

 

"Uh you should sit down."  She looked at him, and sat on the end of his bed.

 

"I followed Reuben to the park, and well here."  He handed her the pictures.  Emma took them, looking at them,  feeling her heart fall.

 

"No, he loves me.  This is just a joke,"  Shes said standing mad.

 

"It's right in front of you sis.  He is a jerk."  Emma took the pictures and ran out, and Alex decided he better follow.  She ran outside and ripped them up screaming, and for once Alex was glad that mum and dad were still at the museum.

 

"He told me he loved me, I hate him."  She ran back into the house, up the stairs and into her room, locking the door as she cried.  Alex tried the door but couldn't get in. 

 

"Come on Emms, let me in,"  Alex said knocking.

 

"No, go away just go away."  She was laying on her bed, face down crying into her pillow.  This was worse than when he had told her he didn't love her.  He had lied to her, and she had actually believed him.  Outside her door Alex heard her crying, and was worried about her.   He slid down against the wall and waited, hoping that when she calmed down she would come out so he could hug her. Then he would go find Reuben, and make him pay.  Funny part was, Alex knew he was younger, but he had other  ways of doing things that would make Reuben realize that messing with his sister was the wrong thing to do.  He heard her crying subside, then stop, and he knocked, but she didn't answer, and he guessed she was asleep.  After getting his coat on, Alex went down the hall to his parents room.  He got the key from his dads hiding place, which was ontop of his tall dresser, and unlocked the gun cabinet, selecting one of the small revolvers.  He knew how to use this one, because Rick had been teaching him, but the rule was not to use it unless dad was around.  Punishment would be painful if he got caught, but this was well worth the risk.  A smile formed across Alex's face, and he also got the camera.  Reuben owned a Dusenberg car,  and Alex had plans for that car.  After he locked the case, he went back to his room, and started on his homework, tonight would be a fun night for him.

 

 

 

It was close to dinner, when Evelyn, and Rick arrived home.  They had been at the museum most of the day meeting with the Bembridge Scholars, discussing plans to go on a dig in Egypt next January, which would be five months away.  The house was quite, and smells of something good for dinner wafted its way to them.    When they entered the study Alex, was waiting.

 

"Hi mum, dad, I uh, sort of need to tell you something, and well its about Emma."  They were still in a good mood, Evelyn sat next to him and he gave her a hug and kiss in greeting, while Rick poured himself some bourbon. He only drank in the evening, and not every evening, but this was something that was his reward for sitting through a day with old men who were very esenteric.

 

"What is it that you want to tell us about,"  Evelyn asked, noticing that Emma was no where to be seen.  None of them noticed that she had come out of her room, and she stood away from view folding her arms and waited for Alex to tell them.  She was mad now, and it would give her good reason to yell at him for being a tattletale.

 

"She, well Reuben  made up with her, and she has been seeing him again."  Evelyn frowned, and Rick jumped up.

"Is that where she is now,"  he was ready to go down to the park,  and drag her away from that boy if he had too.

 

"No dad just wait okay.  I proved my point about him not being who she needed.  I took pictures of him with another girl, and she's up in her room,  now upset, she locked her door and won't let me in"  She let him finish then ran down the stairs.

 

"You set him up then. He could have been with someone who was just a friend."  That made no since, not even to her, but she was mad, and hurt, and she still loved Reuben despite all this.

 

"Emma, listen to yourself," Evelyn tried.

 

"I'm not going to stand here for this.  I'm going to see him."  She started away and Rick grabbed her. 

 

"Let me go now,"  She screamed struggling to get away from him.   He hugged her tight, not to be mean, but to be support for her which she needed, and when the fight ended the tears and soul wrenching cries took its place.  Evelyn came to them, and they held her together, and Alex left to do what he needed to do.

 

 

Reubens house was on the other side of London from theirs.  It was an estate, not as grand as their own, but nice enough.  Alex arrived as it was just getting dark, and was glad to see that the car was ready for him.  It was parked off to the side of the house, and he had woods close by, so that he could hide.  He had to decide what he wanted to shoot, because he guessed he would only get in four good shots before someone would come out of the house.  He decided that the tires would be the first to go, just the two on his side, then he would shoot out the passenger window, as well as one of the mirrors.  He got the gun ready for use, and aimed, and took his first shot, hitting the first tire, which went flat.  Then he got the second one and the Window, and the mirror and ran his butt to the woods, and climbed a tree so he could see.  His main target was the first one out of the house, and Alex knew a flash would get his attention and hoped there was enough sun to get the picture to come out.  He heard Reuben yell for his dad,and laughed taking a few shots for Emma's satisfaction, then he heard barking, and a large dog came running out to his tree.  Alex gulped, this was very bad.

 

 

 

With Emma so distraught over the pictures.  Neither Rick, nor Evelyn had noticed Alex missing.  Right now Emma and Evie were in the bath. 

 

"Mum, my heart hurts so bad,"  Emma said turning  to face her mum.  Evelyn wiped a tear away from her face.

 

"I know it does my sweet girl, and I know it will for a while, but you have your father, and myself,, and Alex who all love you."  She sighed and turned back around leaning back against her mum.  They always took baths together, sort of a mother daughter tradition, and in this case it was comforting for Emma.  She was 15, but there was still allot of little girl left in her, allot she didn't know about the real world.  Evelyn kissed the top of her head.

 

"Why don't we get out, and go snuggle in my bed.  We could read Great Expectations, or Jane Eyre," Evie suggested.  Emma nodded.

 

 

While the ladies of the house had their bath, Rick was getting dinner re heated.  He had sent Marie home, realizing this just needed to be a family night, and was setting the table when the phone wrang.  After wiping his hands he went over and picked it up.

 

"O'Connell...."  That is all he got out, before a man on the other end, began to yell into his ear, and all he got was 'your son,' and alot of profanity.

 

"Sir, please calm down, "  On the other end,  Sam Bennett took a breath.

 

"Your son is here at my house.  I'm Reuben's father, and he shot the hell out of his car.  I want to press charges against him for distroying property that didn't belong to him."  Rick had forgotten about Alex, and was shocked, mad and glad at the same time.

 

"Any damages Alex did I'll pay you for.  I'll even buy your son a new car, but he is not to go near my daughter again,"  Rick said, his voice calm, and cold.  He knew in cases like Reubens father, all that mattered was money, and the legal stuff would be dropped.

 

"Good then we have a deal."  Rick told him he would be there in a little bit, and as he hung up Jonathan came in whistling, not knowing was was up.

 

"Hey smells good,"  he said, then noticed Rick looked  like he was ready to go kill someone.

 

"I think I'll just uh go to my room."  He left, wondering what was going on, but not daring to ask at this point.

 

 

 

At the Bennetts, house, Alex sat in an office with his head down.  Sam had told Alex that he was very lucky his dad and mum were so well liked or he would have them kicked out of town.  Being Eleven that kind of thing worried him, more than any kind of punishment he would get from his father.  He looked up as the door opened and Reuben walked in, and took the seat opposite him.

 

"So you showed her the pictures?"  Alex looked down not wanting to even look at this jerk.

 

"Well I want to thank you, you saved me from having to lie to her more.  The truth is your sister is too much of a child for a man like me."   That made Alex look up.

 

"You wanted to have her like men do, and she's not the kind of girl who will give herself to just any man, especially not a looser like you, " came Alex's cold reply.

 

"Well you and she better look out, because I have plans for the two of you."   Alex didn't flinch.

 

"And I have a gun, and I know how to use it, so if you even set foot near her or me I'll blow your kneecaps off."  For a moment Alex thought he saw fear, then Reuben left.  It wasn't that much later ,when the door opened again, and his father walked in.

 

"Lets go,"  Rick said, not happy.  Alex didn't hesitate, he would rather be with his father, even with him mad, than in this  place.  When they got in the car, Rick started the motor, and Alex looked up.  His father didn't even look at him, and that was never good.  Rick was having a  hard time staying mad at his son, but what Alex had done was dangerous, and stupid, despite being for a good cause.  It was silent the whole ride home, and Alex prepared himself for the worse, which meant his dad would spank him good for this one.  When they got home, Rick stopped the car at the beginning of the driveway.

 

"Alex, I'm not going to punish you for this."  That totally shocked him, and he looked at his father who looked at him with pride in his eyes.

 

"I'm not proud of you going in and taking my gun, nor am I proud for  you using it to destroy his car.  For those two things alone I should be taking you over my lap, but I know why you did those things, and while revenge is never the way to go, you did it because you love your sister, and thats why I'm not going to punish you.  Now for future reference, if you ever, ever take my gun without me there, I will wear your behind out, do you understand me?" Alex nodded, and Rick hugged him.

 

"Now lets go check on our ladies."  Alex sighed, relieved that he wasn't going to get spanked, or grounded.

 

"What about mum?" he asked, knowing she wouldn't agree with him going unpunished.

 

"I'll talk to her."   Alex smiled, glad he had a dad who was the best.

 

"May I drive?"  Rick turned on the car, and Alex scooted over and sat on his dads lap and made it in front of the house without his dads help to steer the car.

 

"I can't wait till I'm old enough to drive the care all by myself,"  Rick tousled his hair.

 

"I'm not quite ready for that."  They went inside, where it was quite.  The guys had dinner alone, then Rick sent Alex to get ready for bed, and made plates for his princesses.  When they were ready he cleaned up the rest of the kitchen, then headed upstairs for the night.

 

 

 

Evie read from Jane Eyre, while Emma rested against her, almost asleep.  Her eyes closed about the time Rick came with dinner.  Evie smiled about to say something, but he put the finger of the hand that didn't hold the tray over his lips, and she looked down, finding that her sweet girl was asleep.  Gently she began to ease away, but Rick stopped her, and set the trey down, then came to the side of the bed closest to his daughter, leaned in and lifted her into his arms.  She opened her eyes.

 

"Shh,"  She hugged him.

 

"I, may I stay with you and mum please?" she asked barely awake. Given all she had been through this day he didn't and wouldn't deny her their comfort, and placed her back in bed, where she curled her legs up against her stomach and went to sleep.

 

"Where did you go?" Evelyn whispered.

 

"Our son decided to take justice in his own hands, and shot up his car,"  Rick said.  Evie nearly choked on her porkchop.

 

"He did what" she yelled forgetting that Emma was there.  Emma moaned but didn't wake up, and Evie rubbed her back until she felt confident all was right with her daughter.

 

"I hope you punished him."  He shook his head, and Evelyn got up.

 

"Well then we need to do this together."  He held her in his arms.

 

"Alex saved Reuben from me, and I would have done more than just shoot up his car, despite getting thrown in prison for my actions.  He did what he did because he loves his sister, and I'm not going to pushish him for that, Rick told her.  She sighed and relaxed in his arms.  Her husband was right.

 

"I did tell him that if he ever gets my guns without me there, that I would wear him out, and I think he understood that.   Now you need to finish your supper."  She nodded, and ate while Rick pepared for bed. Once he was in his night  cloths he climbed in next to Emma, so that each of them was next to her, and surrounded by their love.  Sleep was healing for all of the, though it would take time for he to fully heal being loved by her family, was a very good start.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More soon just be patient, got three other stories to work with so uh this might all drag.  Jonathan will be the next  to get an update.

 

Disclaimer:  Not mine wish they were.

 

 

Chapter 5:  Terror in O'Connell Manor

 

 

 

A few days had passed, and Emma was doing the best she could, dealing with her pain.  She hated having to go to school, always afraid she would see him after, but Alex, bless his sweet heart, had been there every day to bring her to the Museum, or walk with her to the bus, that took them to their house.  When he got around to telling her about the car, and had the pictures, that made her laugh, and feel better.  Her mum was right, life would move on, and she would find a better guy, one who really did love her for her.  Tonight their parents had gone out, leaving them alone at the house.  Right now they were playing chess, and for once Emma was winning.

 

"Oh man not my rook,"  Alex said, as she took it, adding it to her collection of Ivory chess pieces.

 

"So sorry, but its high time I got to beat you, and mum gave me pointers, " she said, grinning at him.

 

"Mum, no wonder, she beats us all the time. Oh great now me, dad, and Uncle John will just have to gang up on you girls,'  Alex said.  

 

"You know you won't win,"  Emma responded.

 

"Make your move,"  she chimed.  He groaned, and did, and she won in one fair swoop.  He groaned again, as she danced around the room.

 

"I won I won," she sang.

 

"Okay, so you won,"  He grumbled.  It was then, that they heard someone knocking on the door.

 

"Looser cleans up," she said, and ran down the hall, to the front entry way.  She unlocked the door, expecting it to be uncle John, most likely, because he was always locking himself out.  When she opened the door, she didn't even have time to scream, as Reuben pulled her to his body, and she could smell booze on him, and cigarette smoke.

 

"Now where is your brother little whore?" he asked. 

 

"I'm not going to tell you."  He held her tighter, and pulled out a knife.

 

"Oh yes you will."  She screamed.

 

"Alex run," she yelled before Reuben pushed her down.  He kicked her hard once, right in the gut.

 

"I'll deal with you later."  He walked off, and Emma cried out, as she tried to take a breath, for he had kicked her in the stomach, and it hurt a great deal.

 

 

 

 

In the study Alex heard Emma scream, and yell for him to run.  He was half way up the steps, when he looked back and saw Reuben.   He tried to go as fast as he could, then felt Reuben grab him at the back of the shirt.

 

"Hi there little buddy,"  Reuben said slinging Alex over his shoulder.  Alex kicked him hard, and Reuben dropped him, causing him to fall painfully down the steps.  Despite the pain, Alex got up, and ran into the front hall where Emma was now sitting.

 

"Get up we have to get out of here now."   He pulled her to her feet, and went through the hall to the left as Rueben came out  from the one on the right.  They ran as fast as the could, and got to uncle Johns room, and closed the door locking it just as he started to bang on it.

 

"Oh Emma come on now,  I was just playing around,"  Reuben said trying to sound sorry.

 

"Baby I'm so sorry about what I did.  It was stupid and insensitive of me to even talk to another girl when I'm with you.  You can come with me to the states just like you wanted."  His pleading was beginning to work, and she went to unlock the door, but Alex grabbed her.

 

"Are you nuts, He just tried to hurt you, and me,"  Alex said, his voice shaky

 

"But he was just mad Alex, he is a really nice guy."  He couldn't believe her.

 

"Emma use your  head, he goes out with another girl, and kisses her, and then hurts you, and in more than just emotional ways,"  She sighed.

 

"Forgive and forget,"  she said.

 

"Not when he means to hurt you, " Alex said still holding her back.

 

"Alex let go of me," she responded, annoyed now.

 

"Emma let me in," he said sounding like he was about to cry.

 

"Alex he needs me," she said starting to panic.

 

"He is lying, watch.  Hey Reuben hows your car?"  Silence.

 

"I bet all the boys at our school will be laughing their asses off when they find out me, a little 11 year old boy, who took out your favorite toy,"  Both of them jumped when he began to bang on the door.

 

"Let me in you little brats, or I swear ,so help me to god I'll kill both of you."  Emma had never known he had so much hate in him, and it scared her to death.  She remembered a time in her past, when she had locked herself in her room, and her father had broken the door down with an ax, and beaten her until there was barely life left in her.  Until now she had not remembered that.  She screamed and ran into the bathroom closing that door.  Alex was caught off guard, and ran to her.

 

"Emma?"

 

"Don't let daddy hurt me," she said sobbing.  Alex was totally freaked out now.  

 

"I'm going to get a gun Alex, and when I get back I'll shoot your knees out.  Your such a smart little boy,"  Reuben called out.  Alex heard him leaving.

 

"Emma we have to go."

 

"Noooo."  she cried.  He gulped, and knew that it would take Reuben time to get to any of his dads guns.  He took a big risk, and went into the hall where the phone was, grabbing it off the hook, ringing to the Restaurant.  A man answered.

 

"I need to speak to The O'Connell party of two, please hurry."  Alex waited pacing and listening for Reuben.

 

"Hi sweety," came his mothers voice.

 

"Mum come home. Reubens drunk, and he's got a gun, and Emma is freaking out, and hurry up."  He said, panic thick in his voice.  At the restaurant, Evelyn's smile drained from her face.

 

"Okay baby is he in the house?"

 

"Yes and Emma is totally, I don't know mum, she said to protect her from dad.  But he went to get a gun because I told him if he ever came round I would shoot his knees out, and he wants to do it to us..Mum hurry."  Alex tried not to cry, but this was scary.  He heard a shot go off,  very distant, but Reuben would be back. 

 

"Mum hurry I have to go he's coming."  Alex hung up before she could get a word in, and Evelyn dropped the phone and ran back to the table where Rick was just pouring wine.

 

"We have to go now.  Reuben is at the house, and Alex says he means to hurt them."  Rick helped her get her coat on and they left a generous tip, then they left to go home and save their babies.

 

 

 

In his Uncles Room, Alex was doing his best to get Emma to listen to him.

 

"Emma its okay but you need to let me in before Reuben gets back.  We will break out the Window and jump, and run into the woods. 

 

"Alex I'm too scared." 

 

"Please, because if you don't open the door,  he will get me, and I really want to live to be an adult."  That helped her make a decision, and she opened the door, and shut it, just as they heard Reuben calling out to them to let him in.

 

"Come on guys let me in and I won't hurt you all that bad."  He was mad at these kids, mad that they had parents who loved them, and mad at the little boy for poking fun at him.  It was lesson time, and Ruben didn't care about how much trouble he would get in, he wanted revenge, and he would get it.

 

"Hiding isn't going to help you two,"  Reuben said.  Emma was crying again, and Alex looked for something to break the window with, and found a part of a weight his Uncle had.  He through it and the stained glassed window shattered.

 

In the hall, Reuben heard the glass breaking.

 

"What are you two up too,"  Trying to jump out, and escape me, well it won't work."   He ran down the short flight of steps and out, seeing Alex, and shot, missing by a long shot. 

 

"Is that the best you can do,"  Alex asked, realizing that maybe he could stall this jerk until their parents got home.  Emma was in the bathtub with her ears covered in hysterics, and Alex wanted to help her, but right now he had to deal with this bozo.

 

"I'll show you."  He took another badly aimed shot, and the bullet ricocheted, and Reuben nearly got hit, and Alex howled. 

 

"You damn brat I'm out of bullets..Oh lets see I bet I can find an ax in the tool shed, and chop you into bits just like Jack the Ripper.  Don't go anywhere little brat.  He went around the house, and Alex ran out and down the steps locking the door, then back up to Emma.  He was so scared, more than when he had been taken by Imhoteps men. 

 

 

"Emma get up now, we're going up to the Attic to hide."  She kept crying, but he got her out of the room and they ran to the other part of the house and up to the Attic just as they heard glass breaking. 

 

"Shh, I know your afraid but he doesn't or won't know we moved, and that buys us time for dad okay?"  She nodded shaking, matching his own shaking, as they heard Reuben start yelling for them.  It was a far away yell but one that was scary for both of them.

 

 

 

As Rick pulled into their drive he turned off his lights in the car, and stopped it at the entry, just as Jonathan arrived.  He got out and quickly told Jonathan what was going on,  and tried to convince Evelyn to wait for the authorities, but she refused.

 

"Those are my babies in there Rick, I'm going with you."   She left them standing and they caught up to her.  When they got to the house it was pitch black, and Rick drew his revolver and gave one to Jonathan.  The front door was standing wide open, and Rick stepped in hearing a taunting voice calling out  "Where are you, when I find you you'll be sorry."  That was a true statement, however it would be Reuben who would be sorry not his children.  Jonathan and Evie followed him in from behind, and they went into the parlor.

 

"Oh well your not on the bottom level, and not on the Second so what's on the third?" 

 

"Evie stay here,  Jonathan you too."  It was best to let Rick handle things, and as hard as it was not to go help out, one person stood a better chance of sneaking up on this guy, than three.

 

 

 

In the attic Alex had hidden his sister in a steamer trunk, and was now hiding behind an old statue, waiting.  It wasn't a long wait as Reuben arrived at the entry of the attic.

 

"I bet you little punks are up here, naughty to play hiding, and I'm good at seeking."  He started up the stairs and suddenly he was pulled back and sent flying against the opposite wall.  He shook his head, and then the lights came on, and the face he saw was enough to make him afraid.

 

"I'm sorry, I was just toying with them sir,"  Reuben said as Rick stepped closer to him.

 

"For all the pain you have caused my daughter I should rip your head off, and make you pay for it,  But the authorities are on their way as we speak, so I'll let them take care of you." He turned to go up to get his kids, when his head felt like it was going to split into.  He felt dizzy, and spun around catching the shovel that Reuben thrust at him, and ripped it out of his hands.  He lifted Reuben up by his shirt, getting ready to have some of his own justice when Emma came downstairs.

 

"No daddy don't hurt him,"  She hit at Rick, and Alex grabbed her.

 

"Give him a good one dad."  Evelyn and Jonathan arrived at that point as well as the Constable.  Rick dropped the boy on the floor, and turned,  Emma was already in her mothers arms sobbing, and Alex was standing next to them shaking.  So Rick lifted him into his arms, and they left the Constable, and his men to take care of Reuben.

 

 

 

An hour later Rick saw the authorities out, and locked the door.  In the morning he would call someone to fix  the damaged windows.  He walked into the parlor where Jonathan sat, and felt tired, and old.  Why was it, that things kept happening to test them?  He was too tired to thing about that, and right now he wanted to go be with Evie and the kids.

 

"I'll lock up when I'm done here,"  Jonathan said.  Rick nodded and walked up to the second floor, and down the hall to his and Evies rooms.  Both Alex and Emma would be staying in their bed tonight, and most likely more, until they again felt safe.  When he entered Evie was reading a book with both children on either side of her, asleep.

 

"I guess its good that I got us an extra big bed,"  Rick said, trying to be light hearted, but failing miserably.

 

"How is she?"  Evie put her book down and eased first Alex to the mattress, then Emma, who whimpered.

 

"Shh, your safe baby,"  Evie rubbed her back, until Emma was calm, then scooted out from in between them, and stood, walking over to her husband.  He gathered her into his arms, and she gave a shuttering sigh.

 

"She said she remembered why she didn't trust men.  Her father came in one night in a rage, and killed her mum, then tried to kill her, all of this brought that to the surface, and It's going to take her a long time to trust any guy again."

 

"So does this include me?  She saw me ready to do damage to Reuben,"  He said  still holding her, needing to feel her close.

 

"No, she knows you wouldn't hurt her. She told me she was sorry for hitting you, and wanted me to relay the message.

 

"And Alex?"  he asked, as she pulled away a bit.

 

"Also pretty shaken up.  He wants you to teach him how to use your guns."  Rick sighed.

 

"Violence isn't what I want either of them to learn from this,"  He said lowering his head and kissing her on the lips.

 

"I know.  I was thinking that we should pull them out of school and take them on vacation.  I've been so busy lately with the museum, and you with your work, that we haven't had the time we needed to be a family, and this is needed family time.  We need to get them out of London so they can heal."  She said looking up into his blue eyes, with her hazel ones.

 

"So we can all heal."  She nodded and came back into his arms about to kiss her when Emma cried out.

 

"No mum."  Evelyn came to her side.

 

"It's all right sweetheart, daddy and I were just talking,  I'm right here baby,"  Evelyn said stroking her long blond hair.  Rick came over and knelt down, and Emma reached out and took his hand holding it  to her, as if it were one of her bears, needing his touch.  He was her father, and she knew that he would never hurt her, would always keep her safe, as he had done this night.   Rick stayed where he was, until her iron grip on his hand lightened as sleep took over.  He looked up and over her.  Evelyn was back in bed holding Alex, who had come awake when his sister had. cried out.

 

"Why does all the bad stuff happen to us mum,"  Alex asked, very much awake, very much in need of answers.  Evelyn rubbed his back as she spoke.

 

"Not everything that happens is bad my sweet boy.  I know we have been through allot, but we have seen more good times then bad."  He sighed.

 

"Are we cursed?" he asked her.  She held him closer.

 

"No honey, I know that it feels that way, but  we are not cursed.  It seems like more bad than good happens, because we remember scary things more than the not so scary things,"  Evelyn said in effort to explain things.  Her talking woke Emma, who snuggled against her, then Rick joined them.

 

"How do we forget whats bad?" she asked them both.

 

"We dont forget, we just learn from the bad."  Rick told her.  She hadn't noticed him get in bed, and jumped, then snuggled with him.

 

"I'm going to be a nun,"  she told him, in an all serious tone.

 

"Emma, I know that this is the worst way to have to experience your first love,"  he said ,as he gathered her closer to him.  "But not all men, guys, are bad news.  You have to learn how to judge people, and your mum and I need to help you with that.  We were both too busy to even see that he was as dangerous as he was."  He felt her tremble.

 

"Shhh, I'm right here,"  He kissed the top of her head.

 

"Why do guys hurt girls?" Alex asked.  Evelyn answer this question for them.

 

"There is an easy explanation for that, and it is never right for anyone to hurt people, not me or your father, or you or Emma.  I'm not sure why this happened to you two, to all of us, maybe Reuben has always felt hurt inside of him.  Sometimes when people hurt, they hurt others."

 

"But he was so nice, then he got mad..and and...He wanted to kill us," Emma said beginning to cry again.  Rick sat up and lifted her, cradling her in his arms.

 

"I'm so tired of hurting inside daddy," Emma said trying not to cry.

 

"I know honey but when you keep the sadness and the hurt in you, then you will hurt more.  When you cry, you let all  of  that hurt out, and then you can begin to heal."  She cried then, and Alex moved so his mum could get closer.  Evelyn pulled him into her arms, then leaned into Rick's, and together they gave comfort to Emma.

 

 

 

 

A month passed, and the O'Connells had just returned from the French Riviara.  It was rainy as they walked back into the manor, and it was good to be home.  Emma had healed under the love her family, and had even met another guy, one who was just fun to be with, and one she decided to write letters to, her pen pal.  She had decided that she wasn't going to date for love, that mum had been right.  Evelyn had told her, that she needed to be a kid, and just have fun, that when the right time came, love would sneak up on her, and it would be a good love.  For now all the love Emma needed was here in this house, with her Uncle and her brother and her parents who had helped her too see that even the worst of experiences could be overcome, as long as there was a family there ready to give love, when it was needed, and that was the strongest and best love, and for now that was more than enough to sustain her and keep her happy.

 

 

THE END

 

NOTE:  I've said it before and I'll say it again these things right themselves, and well when I started this chaper, I didn't have any idea it would need an R rating for its freaky content.  Might not need that but this is kind of disturbing.    So I promice I'm not a bad person, but I happen to like it when Rick has to rescue his family, and his kids, so I did have that part in mind when I started this, but anyway damage done.  How did you like it.  R&R