War of the Kids (On Hold)

So Soon?

Toni sat in the kitchen with her mother while her twin sister, Amberlynn, was with their younger sister, J.C.

Toni was the oldest and more serious of her sisters, so she's usually in the kitchen with her mother talking about important stuff, like making sure Amberlynn stayed out of trouble, or J.C.'s math tutor and grades, but right now they were talking about her father.

"I don't want to go ma'" Toni complained.

"It'll be good for you and your sisters. I'm not that financially stable right now and this is the only way I still get to see my babies, especially J.C." Her mother said.

Toni knew what she meant.

J.C. was thirteen so she had a long way to go before she was eighteen, a legal adult. Her and Amberlynn were going to be eighteen their next birthday so their father wanting custody didn't mean shit.

"I already told you, me and Amber can get jobs to help you out."

"I don't want any of that nonsense, you hear me. You have your whole lives to work. Be a kid and get your education while you can." Her mother said.

Toni sighed, "I just don't want to see you struggling mama."

"Now look at me Antoinette Iyanna Brown, I don't want you worrying about me. That's my job. It's only a few months. After they're over, you and Amber can do whatever you want. I'll figure things out with J.C., okay? Have I ever let you down?" She asked.

Toni shook her head.

"That's right. I sure as hell ain't going to start when ya'll need me the most, when I need ya'll the most."

Toni just nodded her head. She wasn't the most emotional person. Hugs and I Love You's weren't high on her list, unlike Amberlynn who'd say I love you or hug you when she felt you needed it.

"Hey" Amberlynn's voice rang through the house before she stepped in the kitchen.

"Hey" Toni greeted her.

"Hey honey, where's Jadelyn?" Their mother asked.

Amber dropped her keys on the table before taking a seat in the chair next to Toni.

"She's getting the mail."

"How was tutoring?" Their mother asked.

"It was fine, I guess. She's really struggling in math, so her teacher wants you to give her call, but in reading she is excellent. Got the highest grade in the state for the SRI." Amberlynn said.

J.C. then walked in with the mail and handed it to her mother, "Here you go mommy."

"Congratulations on your SRI," Toni said.

"Yeah, I'm so proud of my baby."

"Thanks" J.C. said smiling.

"So what were you guys talking about before we got in?" Amberlynn asked.

"Jade, why don't you sit down" Her mother said.

"What's going on?" She asked.

"Remember plan B with your father and this custody thing?"

"Are you saying we have to live with him?" Amberlynn asked.

"Just for a few months. That's the only way." Their mother said.

"I don't want to," J.C. complained.

"Yeah, like hell if I want to live with him and his girlfriend." Amberlynn said.

"You guys" Toni shouted before giving them her wise older sister look.

They both crossed their arms and sighed. "When are we leaving?" Amberlynn asked.