Instant family

Chapter 4: Babysitting

It was 7pm on a Friday night and the kids were all watching TV together in the living room. The twins were sitting on the carpet on the floor, while the others sat on the couch.

Henry and Nora came into the living room dressed in elegant clothes. Listen up kids, your mother and I are going out to celebrate our anniversary, which means you guys will be babysitting. Henry briefed as he looked at the older kids. Which also means, Oliver since you are the oldest, you are in charge. Nora informed.

We'll be back by 11, so I want the twins in bed by 8:00. Nora said. Awe but its Friday. JJ and Zoe called out. Fine by 9 then. Nora looked at the twins who were now standing and had their arms folded. 9:30. JJ negotiated. Okay, 9:30 it is. Nora smiled. Remember, the diapers are in the nursery, and Jenna's bottle is in the fridge. Nora handed the baby to Oliver. Mom don't worry, we'll be fine. He assured her. Yeah, we've got this. You guys have fun, stay out as late as you want. Oh, but not too much fun, we have enough kids already. Sara said as she walked over to them.

Okay then, I guess we should get going. Nora got her purse ready. Yes we should. Henry agreed. You kids behave yourselves now. I'm looking at you Tommy. He eyed him. What? What did I do? He looked surprised. Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on him. Laurel smiled. They said their goodbyes before leaving.

Alright you heard her, mom put me in charge. I will be upstairs playing video games if you need me, which means girls you are on baby duty. Oliver handed Jenna to Sara. Can we watch cartoons now? JJ asked. Sure, why don't you guys go and watch in mom's room? I'm sure she won't mind. Oliver replied before going upstairs with the boys. Why can't we watch here? Zoe asked. Because this TV's occupied. Laurel responded from the couch where she and the other girls were sitting.

Go and watch in mom's room, I'll call you when its your bedtime. Sara smiled at the twins before they rushed off and disappeared up the stairs. Guess you're hanging with us tonight, Jenna. Sara made her way to the living room and plopped herself on the couch next to Alex.

later in the night, the girls were in the middle of a movie when an overwhelming stench filled the room. Argh, what reeks? gagged Laurel as she looked over at her sisters. Looks like Jenna needs a new diaper, I'll be right back. Sara got up from the couch and went upstairs to the twin's room which they shared with the baby.

Oliver came out from his room and went over to the master bedroom where the twins were still watching TV. JJ, Zoe, its 9:30, time for bed. He directed. Awe, can't we stay up a little longer? Zoe asked. I don't know.... Mom said you were supposed to be in bed by 9:30... Oliver recounted. Please.... They begged while making puppy dog faces. Fine. You can stay up until 10:15, but only if you don't tell mom and dad I let you stay up past your bedtime. He offered. Deal! Thanks Ollie! The twins answered at the same time.

After changing Jenna's diaper, Sara took her downstairs to the living room and fed her, her bottle. As soon as she fell asleep, she put her to bed in her crib while Oliver got the twins ready for bed. Goodnight Jenna. Oliver leaned over the crib and planted a kiss on her forehead before walking over to the twin's double bunk bed. Sara had a sleeping Kane in her arms as she placed him on the bed next to Zoe. She and Oliver wished them goodnight before leaving and closing the door behind them.

Henry and Nora returned later that night to a quiet home. They checked on each and every one of their kids by quietly opening their doors. And all they could see were sleeping kids.