The First Age

Emma held Marta while she said her goodbyes and talked about her parents. The tamales sounded good. And she was going to say something but Marta beat her to it. Emma giggled. "I think Nox might like to watch too. He keeps trying his hand at different things, why not from Mexico. And he might surprise and know how to do it himself. But I think he'd let anyone cook as long as he didn't have to. Though he wouldn't like most of our ideas of cooking."

Emma spoke to Sky. "Sky, can you get Marta a frame and a good rendering of the picture of her parents so she can have one. And make sure Marta gives you a list of groceries to have sent here so she can cook for us one night soon?"

"I can." The computer voice whispered in from the speaker closest to them. It was funny how the AI took into consideration everyone else around them too, just like a normal person.

Marta smiled despite the pain in her chest. Pain she knew would ease in time. It was already lighter, but she thought she understood what had happened. Emma had said it. She had a good life now and could feel things. Not worrying so much about survival allowed her to think of other things, and for the first time, she really had time to grieve her loss.

”Nox can watch and help, but I do want to do most of the cooking myself. I don’t think Nox will mind that.” she said. ”Thanks for thinking of the picture. I don’t think of that. That will be nice to have.”

Marta released the hug and wiped the remaining tears from her face before closing the laptop. ”You’re a good sister, Emma,” she said with a smile. They had always said she was family, but this was the first time she had called one of them sister. ”I think I might have a snack and then try to sleep if I don’t have nightmares.” she sighed. ”Can stay in your and Sophia’s room tonight?” Marta didn’t want to be alone tonight. Elyse would be back when she was done with work, so it wouldn’t be terrible if Emma said no. Marta didn’t think it would be a problem though.

Emma grinned. "I'm sure Nox will sit and watch and make notes." Though she had never actually see him take notes, but he had to he had lots of knowledge about strange and weird things.

"Of course you can sleep with us. Bed is more than big enough for the three of us." And sometimes it was more, sometimes the Blackthorn girls would join them. If they weren't in Nox's bed or one of the boys. They rarely like sleeping alone, even though they shared a room together too.

Marta got them both a snack and they ate and talked a little more. Splash followed Marta up the stairs to Elyse’s room to change into her pajamas. Marta finally checked her wallet and had messages of encouragement from both Ricky and Elyse. Seemed they approved, but they encouraged her to be careful. Marta chose a pair of flannel pajamas with short sleeves on the top. She looked at her arms - needle scars looking back. Marta frowned at them, but in a moment of acceptance chose not to change.

She headed to Emma and Sophia’s room, letting Elyse know that was where she would stay. Elyse wouldn’t be concerned that way. Splash followed and curled up in an unobtrusive corner where no one would accidentally step on her. Marta got into bed and found a spot between Emma and Sophia. Surprisingly, it didn’t take her long to fall into a dreamless sleep.