Emmalina's Best Tea Party Ever

Emmalina discovers her creative knack for delicious allergy-friendly parties after a big mistake. Old friends and new friends join Emmalina in this celebration of different ways to find pleasure in food. This is the 6th story in the popular Emmalina Books series. Music by Alsever Lake.

Transcript

Then my Live So meet you Emena Emena was so Emena was so excited.

Excited.

Her toes were tapping In just five minutes,

Papa would drive her over to the birthday party she'd been looking forward to all week.

One of the kids from her school had invited Emelina's whole class to come bounce and play for the afternoon.

Mama normally packed Emelina a special gluten-free treat so she could enjoy herself at birthday parties with other kids.

But Mrs.

Tomlin,

The birthday girl's mother,

Knew Emelina couldn't eat wheat and other types of gluten without feeling very sick for the next few days.

Mrs.

Tomlin also had a daughter who did not eat gluten.

Where's my little girl?

Called out Papa as he came into the room.

Are you ready for a birthday party?

Yes,

Yes!

Cried out Emelina,

Jumping up and down excitedly.

So off they went to the party at the bouncing place.

The bouncing was so much fun.

Emelina squealed and laughed until her sides ached with joy.

When it was time for lunch,

Emelina was as hungry as can be.

Mrs.

Tomlin began handing out cute little bagged lunches.

Emelina waited patiently,

Knowing her bag might come later.

But Mrs.

Tomlin placed a bag in front of Emelina,

Just like she did for all the other children.

Emelina wondered if Mrs.

Tomlin had made a mistake.

She looked around for Mrs.

Tomlin's older daughter,

Who also did not eat gluten,

To see what her bag looked like.

But Emelina did not see her there at all.

In fact,

She began to realize she hadn't seen her at the bouncy place that whole afternoon.

Emelina peeked inside her bag and sucked in her breath a little.

There in the bag was a turkey sandwich on what looked like perfectly yummy whole wheat bread.

Perfectly yummy,

But perfectly gluten-y.

As Emelina's stomach growled,

She wondered if it might be worth it to eat the sandwich anyway.

Memories flashed through her mind of when she had eaten a smidge of gluten recently,

And how achy and anxious she would feel for days.

Nope,

She resolved.

Emelina raised her hand.

Mrs.

Tomlin?

She called out as politely as she could.

Yes,

Dear,

Mrs.

Tomlin trotted over thoughtfully,

Tending to the party guests.

Mrs.

Tomlin,

Is this sandwich by any chance gluten-free?

Emelina asked shyly.

Oh,

Emelina,

I'm so sorry.

I've completely forgotten the hustle and bustle of planning,

That you do not eat gluten.

Mrs.

Tomlin looked worriedly about to find something for Emelina.

Oh,

Let's see here.

There's a little bag of potato chips in your sack lunch.

Let's just take a look and.

.

.

Oh,

Yes,

Good news.

Look here.

She pointed at the back of the bag,

Gluten-free.

Okay,

Said Emelina,

Trying to smile to help Mrs.

Tomlin feel better.

But inside she was feeling disappointed,

And like she didn't belong at the party.

I'm sorry,

Emelina.

I know it's not much,

But.

.

.

Oh,

You know,

I do have a little bag of carrots in my purse that I always carry with me for when I'm feeling peckish.

Would you like some carrot sticks?

Yes,

Ma'am,

Emelina answered quietly.

Mrs.

Tomlin returned a moment later with a warm little plastic bag of cut carrots.

Thank you,

Said Emelina,

Taking the bag.

Well,

You're so welcome,

Said Mrs.

Tomlin,

Looking quite happy to have saved the day.

Emelina ate her potato chips and carrot sticks quietly.

She tried not to look around,

But she heard the other kids laughing and joking around as they enjoyed their big juicy sandwiches.

When it was cake time,

Emelina pretended that she needed to use the bathroom.

She was glad when it was time for Papa to pick her up.

How was the party,

Emelina?

Asked Papa cheerfully as Emelina climbed into the car.

It was okay,

Emelina said with a tight,

Small voice.

And she tried not to cry as they pulled away.

What's the matter?

Asked Papa,

Surprised.

The bouncing was fun,

Said Emelina thoughtfully,

But Mrs.

Tomlin forgot that I needed gluten-free.

Forgot?

Asked Papa,

Surprised again,

But I thought her older daughter eats gluten-free.

She does,

Said Emelina,

But she wasn't there,

And Mrs.

Tomlin seemed really busy taking care of everybody.

Oh,

Emelina,

I'm so sorry.

You must be hungry.

Let's go home and get you something good to eat.

Okay,

Said Emelina,

Cheering up at the thought of good food.

At home,

Mama helped Emelina make herself a goat cheese sandwich on soft gluten-free bread with a side of juicy red tomatoes.

So Mrs.

Tomlin forgot?

Asked Mama.

Yeah,

Said Emelina between bites.

I'm sorry.

I should have packed you something just in case.

It's okay,

Mama.

We didn't know.

And Mrs.

Tomlin was just really busy.

She just forgot,

That's all.

You're a wise young lady,

Emelina,

Mama said,

Smiling thoughtfully.

It's just.

.

.

Emelina trailed off.

What?

Asked Mama.

It's just that sometimes I feel like I don't belong at these parties.

Really?

I mean,

I love the bouncing and playing with my friends,

But I always feel so awkward at the food times.

I just want to shrink up and disappear.

I'm sorry,

Sweetheart.

Oh,

I'm sorry it feels that way.

I understand how you feel.

I've had experiences like that,

Too,

Where I couldn't eat the food at a party.

You have?

Yep,

Said Mama.

I have.

And you know what?

What?

That's why I like to throw my own parties,

Mama whispered.

Your own parties?

Yeah.

When you throw your own party,

You can make it special just the way you like it.

And you can make it special for your party guests,

Too.

My own party?

Emelina trailed off in thought.

Then her eyes blinked bright and a huge smile took over her face.

Mama,

May I throw my own party?

Why,

Emelina,

I believe you may,

Mama laughed.

Two weeks later,

Emelina was so excited her toes were tapping.

Georgie and Liza and Ricky and Tanya were all coming over today for Emelina's best tea party ever.

She knew she wasn't ready yet to host the whole class,

So she just invited a few close friends.

Emelina spread on the last of the almond butter and honey on her soft,

Gluten-free bread.

She smiled just thinking about how great her sandwiches were going to be.

She picked up another tray to make sure everything was right,

But as she tipped and turned a pile of sliced apples fell onto the floor.

Oh,

No,

Emelina exclaimed.

Papa leaned into the kitchen.

Is everything okay,

Emelina?

He asked.

I chopped the apples,

Squeaked Emelina.

I see,

Said Papa.

Will you have enough food without the apples?

Emelina looked around at her trays piled high with veggies and cheese and sandwiches.

Yes,

She smiled.

It's just that I want this to be the best tea party ever.

Well,

It will be,

Said Papa,

Smiling and sure.

How do you know,

Asked Emelina.

Did you dream it in your mind,

Asked Papa.

Yes,

Said Emelina.

I've imagined it a hundred happy times.

Do you believe it in your heart,

Asked Papa.

Emelina thought for a moment and then looked up smiling.

Yes,

She said,

Feeling sure.

Did you plan it,

Asked Papa.

Yes,

Said Emelina.

I have a whole menu and I invited just enough guests for my tea set and planned time to get everything ready.

That's super,

Said Papa.

And now it's time to do it.

Come what may,

I know you'll have the best tea party ever.

Let's do it,

Cheered Emelina.

Papa helped Emelina scoop the apples into the compost bin and gave her a high five.

When the doorbell rang,

Emelina danced to the front door,

Twirling and leaping and bowing before she opened the door to find Georgie and his little brother standing at the door.

Georgie,

Cheered Emelina.

Hi,

Emelina,

Said Georgie.

Is it okay if my brother Anthony comes too?

My mom said I need to stay with him today.

Oh,

Said Emelina,

Surprised.

She thought for a moment,

Thinking through her tea party supplies.

Well,

Sure.

I mean,

Of course,

But you'll have to share a teacup and a plate because I only have five.

That's okay,

Said Georgie.

He and Anthony came in.

Pretty soon,

Liza arrived and then Ricky and finally Tanya.

Come,

Come,

Said Emelina,

Putting on her best fancy voice.

I've got a picnic place spread out in my backyard.

Emelina,

Georgie,

Anthony,

Liza,

Ricky and Tanya all marched into the backyard,

Excited and giggling with their silly marching steps.

On the green grass was a large yellow cloth crisscrossed with tidy white lines.

There were five little cups,

Five little plates,

Five little napkins and five little forks making a circle of place settings.

Each balanced precariously on the blanket.

Achoo!

Excuse me,

Anthony whimpered.

He looked embarrassed.

Achoo!

He sneezed again.

Are you okay,

Asked Emelina?

I'm,

I'm a achoo!

Said Anthony,

Sneezing in reply.

Anthony's allergic to the grass,

Answered Georgie,

Sounding disappointed.

Oh,

Said Emelina,

Surprised.

We could pull the blanket over here on the porch.

Ricky,

Tanya and Liza each held a corner of the blanket with Emelina.

Together they carefully slid the blanket onto a covered porch and reset the cups and plates.

Yeah,

That's better,

Said Anthony,

Rubbing his nose.

Thanks,

Emelina.

Sure,

Said Emelina,

Rearranging a few forks and napkins.

Now everybody sit down because I'm going to bring out the tea party,

Emelina beamed.

I made everything myself and it's super healthy.

I don't like super healthy stuff,

Said Ricky.

It tastes yucky.

It's not yucky,

Said Emelina.

It just doesn't have all that bad stuff that makes me get sick.

Like what,

Asked Tanya?

Like gluten,

Said Emelina.

Gluten makes you sick,

Asked Liza.

What is gluten?

I don't know,

Said Emelina.

It's some sticky stuff and lots of bread.

But I don't eat it now because I was getting stomach aches and a bunch of other problems.

Anyway,

I made us little sandwiches with gluten-free bread,

Said Emelina with a twirl of her arm.

What kind of sandwiches,

Asked Georgie?

Almond butter honey,

Said Emelina cheerfully.

I like peanut butter better,

Said Ricky.

But lots of people are allergic to peanuts,

Said Emelina smartly.

So I used almond butter instead.

I can't eat almonds,

Said Tanya.

What?

Squeaked Emelina,

Terribly surprised.

My throat gets really itchy and I can't breathe very well if I eat almonds,

Said Tanya.

Is there anything else I can eat?

Oh,

Said Emelina,

Disappointed.

Then remembering herself,

She answered,

Yes,

I made a plate of vegetables and cheese and hummus.

What kind of vegetables,

Asked Tanya?

I made carrots and cucumbers and tomatoes and peppers.

I can't eat the tomatoes or peppers,

Said Georgie.

What?

Said Emelina again.

But those are super healthy vegetables.

Everybody can eat that.

Not me,

Said Georgie.

They're called nightshade plants or something.

They give me an upset tummy and I get kind of achy.

I can't eat the cheese,

Said Anthony.

Dairy cheese makes my grass allergy even worse.

I can eat all of it,

Said Ricky,

As long as there's no egg.

Egg?

Whined Emelina.

I think there's egg in the bread.

Emelina's lips started to shake.

This is awful,

She cried.

No one can eat my very healthy food.

It's not awful,

Said Tanya.

We're all just eating different healthy food.

It's different for all of us.

That's right,

Said Liza.

I don't really like cucumbers,

But I love tomatoes and peppers.

And I won't have the bread with egg in it,

Said Ricky,

So I'll take extra veggies and cheese and hummus.

That's what I'll eat too,

Said Tanya.

And Ricky and I can sit together over here so I don't end up with any almond butter by me.

Emelina smiled a little at her friends as they moved around their seats.

But then her smile dropped again into a frown.

So nobody wants any of the sandwiches I made?

I do,

Shouted Georgie.

I do,

Answered Anthony.

I do,

Cheered Liza.

And I do too,

Emelina grinned again.

And now,

Emelina twirled with a bow.

I'll go get the food.

I'll help,

Said Liza.

Me too,

Said Georgie.

Together the three friends went in through the kitchen door and carefully packed up the trays Emelina had prepared.

Georgie picked up a tray with two small plates piled high with almond butter and honey sandwiches on gluten-free bread.

Maybe the honey would help your brother,

Said Emelina.

It's local honey,

And that means peas made the honey right around here.

And that's supposed to help with grass allergies,

I guess.

Georgie shrugged,

Maybe.

Liza picked up the tray with vegetables and cheeses lined up neatly in rows.

Oh wait,

Said Emelina.

Here's the hummus.

She took a special white bowl filled with hummus and a spoon and set it carefully in the middle of the tray Liza was holding,

Where there was a space left just for that reason.

Then Emelina picked up the last tray very carefully because it was holding the teapot,

Which was heavy and nicely warm now,

And filled with yummy mint tea from her very own garden mint leaves.

The three friends made their way out with the trays and hardly tripped at all with just a few little spills.

Here comes the food,

Emelina hollered,

And everyone on the blanket ducked their heads and tucked in their feet so the tray-holding kids could get by.

They set the trays down in the middle of the yellow and white picnic blanket.

I almost forgot.

Emelina reached deep into her apron pocket and pulled out three little silver tongs and set them on the vegetables,

Cheeses,

And sandwiches.

There!

Each of the children scooched and scooted back into position around the plates,

Trying very hard not to tangle the yellow and white picnic blanket too terribly.

Georgie and Anthony squeezed in around one plate together.

Do you say grace before eating?

Asked Liza.

My family says gratitudes,

Said Emelina.

What's gratitudes?

Asked Ricky.

It's when you have to say three things you're grateful for before you eat so that your tummy is happy and ready when you eat,

Said Emelina.

But don't worry,

We only have to say two since it's just tea.

Oh!

Said the other kids,

Feeling surprised.

I'm grateful for my fish and my brother,

Said Georgie.

Emelina smiled,

Grateful at Georgie for chiming in.

I'm grateful for my trees,

Said Emelina,

Pointing to the woods around her backyard.

That's only one,

Said Ricky.

Emelina squinched her nose at Ricky.

I'm grateful for my little brother,

Too,

Who just woke up from his nap,

It seems.

Emelina saw little Jack standing at the doorway with Mama.

He was rubbing his eyes with the back of his arm and still yawning.

Come on,

Said Emelina,

Reaching her hands out to little Jack.

You can sit with me,

Jackie.

And little Jack ran happily to sit with his sister.

I'm grateful you invited me to your tea party,

Emelina,

Said Liza.

Me too,

Said Tanya.

Me too,

Said Ricky.

Emelina laughed.

Oh,

Of course,

Of course.

I love having you all at my tea party.

And Liza continued.

I'm grateful my mom is getting better.

She was sick for a lot of weeks,

But today she got out of bed again.

Oh,

Yay,

Said Emelina,

Clapping a little in happiness for her friend.

Thanks for letting me come to your tea party,

Emelina,

Said Anthony.

And thanks a double time for moving the blanket off the grass.

You got it,

Anthony.

Any brother of Georgie's is a guest of mine,

Said Emelina,

Feeling very proud of her hostly words.

I have a gratitude for my bike,

Too,

Said Ricky.

And I'm grateful for.

.

.

Tanya trailed off and then looked around.

Friends that eat different foods,

Just like me.

Even different,

Different foods.

But careful,

Like me.

Me too,

Said Emelina.

Me too,

Said Anthony.

Me too.

They all laughed together.

Georgie piled his and Anthony's plate with almond butter and honey sandwiches,

Plus a few carrots to share.

Liza filled her plate with tomatoes and peppers,

Plus a half of a sandwich.

Ricky got a big dollop of hummus right in the middle of his plate and stacked veggies and cheese all around it.

Tanya did the same,

Only she fanned out her veggies around her hummus and circled her cheese around that.

Emelina asked little Jack to stand for a moment,

And she carefully poured out the tea,

Spilling just a few times on the big blanket.

Then she filled a plate for her and Jack.

She stacked up two half sandwiches with almond butter and honey and gluten-free bread.

She made a neat little section of cheese,

A neat little section of carrots and cucumber and peppers.

And then she didn't have a single spot left for the hummus.

Just then Jack yelled out,

Dear,

Dear,

Just as he always did when the deer walked along the hill behind their fence.

Everyone looked up and sure enough,

There were two deer standing majestic and frozen,

Just a few meters away from the tea party.

Emelina,

Liza gasped.

That is the most.

She trailed off and her eyes were wide with wonder.

I've never seen deer this close before,

Whispered Ricky.

Emelina beamed.

Animal visits were her absolute most favorite part of her backyard by the woods.

And she was feeling glad,

Glad,

Glad that her friends were here to see it.

Then as the two deer relaxed their ears and began to move on again,

Suddenly there were three more deer.

Babies,

Fawns,

Jumping and running and playing across the grass.

Before disappearing into the thicket of low hanging trees.

Emelina,

Georgie,

Anthony,

Tanya,

Liza and little Jack all stared after them stunned.

Anthony was the first to speak.

Emelina,

This is the best tea party ever.

The friends all picked up their teacups,

Lifting them up in the air and laughing.

Here,

Here,

Here,

Here.

Here's to the best tea party ever.

Thank you for watching.

Reviews

hello i’m probably your biggest fan in this episode five stars! i have listened to it 50 times-jackson

your story’s are awesome

I love this story. Makes me happy. To know that everyone was haveing some hard time ends up to be a different but a very happy story