Down The Hall

Chapter Five

The first week of school was over and all I wanted to do was sink into my bed with a pair of headphones and imagine myself in the songs I listened to. That's what I wanted to do, but my dad had other plans.

He wanted me to hang out with the family, get to know them better, play games, and help do some of the chores around the house. I saw where he was coming from so I didn't complain, instead I walked down the left set of stairs and made my way to the living room.

To my surprise, there was no one to be found. I checked the kitchen next, then the library, then the playroom but there was no one. Until I heard whining coming from the backyard.

"You're cheating."

"I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"I'm not."

Eli and Ella were standing face to face pointing at each other accusingly. It was obvious that Eli wasn't going to give in to the accusations and Ella wasn't going to take "I'm not" as an answer. For the one week I've been here their arguing more than anything. I think it's because they each want to win something so bad, so winning an argument is the best way for them to do that.

Right when I walked outside they veered their heads in my direction. Their cheeks were puffy red and beads of sweat coated their nappy brown hair and soaked clothing. They ran up to me and each grabbed one of my arms.

"Tell Eli he can't do that," Ella pouted as she pulled me closer to her and away from Eli.

"You stupid, I didn't do anything." Eli pulled me closer to him.

I let out a small laugh at how cute this was to watch which prompted them to stop fighting momentarily.

"Isn't there another game you two can play without cheating being involved?"

"We also like to play hide and seek," Eli says.

"But it's no fun with two people," Ella said finishing his sentence.

"I see three people not two," I said pulling my arms from out of their grasp and placing my hand on each of their heads.

"You'll play with us!?" Ella's eyes light up with joy.

She is so precious. I couldn't help but comb her hair a little with my hand. She reminded me so much of me when I was young.

"Are you kidding? I am the seeker champion!"

***

After 20 rounds of playing, I was already wanting to quit but the twins still looked like they had another 30 games in them. They have been running around non-stop laughing and playing like they have eaten the most sugary candy and decided to wash it down with a two-liter soda.

I looked behind the potted plants, the ocean floats, the pool chairs, and the bar area but they just weren't around. Maybe I'm not as good at hide and seek as I thought I was.

I called out their names for help, "Eliiii.... Ellaaaa."

"Henry!!!"

"Hey, that's not my name," I yelled, looking towards the house from where the voices came from.

The twins ran out of their hiding spot together and opened the sliding glass doors. There standing at the door was no other than the name they were calling out. The twins were jumping out of their shoes at the thought of another person playing.

The corners of his mouth were turned up but he didn't look too enthused. He ran his hand through his hair and bent down to the kid's level.

"Henry, will you play with us also?" Eli asked.