Janet
"Why can't we go?" Jordan whined.
"Because it's a trip for your mama and I." I put more of my things in the suitcase as the kids follow me around my room.
"But you can't just leave us like this." said Miyah.
"Who's gonna feed us?" asked Josiah. I looked at them.
"Your grandmothers are going to be coming to check on you guys, there's leftovers in the fridge and freezer, plus Tommy is here and he can cook."
"I don't want to though."
"A shame."
"Plus, I won't be here." I looked at him.
"Why won't you?"
"I'm going up to the college to visit TJ."
"Okay. Well, Josiah, you'll be in charge then."
"What?!" I looked at him. "I'm sorry."
"You got that right. Watch that tone and yes you'll be in charge. You guys are all old enough to get yourself ready for school, Joey will take you guys and bring you back and like I said, your grandmothers will be checking up on you guys. Knowing them, they'll sleep here."
"But mommy, when will you guys be back?" asked Lia.
"In a week."
"A week?!" They all spoke at once.
"That's so long." said Jordan.
"Yeah. You guys should come back sooner." said Miyah.
"Why? Why should we?"
"Because uhhhh....we need you......and uhhh....Miyah and Lia are in very fragile places of development and they need the guidance of an intelligent woman." said Josiah. I looked at him.
"Sweetie, leave the psychology to the one with the degree." I smirked. "And I don't think any huge life changes are going to happen in a week and if it does, they know to call me." I held both of their faces.
"Well, what about the baby?" asked Jordan.
"What about the baby?"
"I thought you couldn't fly when pregnant?"
"In the third trimester. I'm at the beginning of my second."
"Oh." They looked at each other and shrugged. I went back to packing my suitcase.
"What if setting happens with the dogs?" said Tommy. I stopped and turned to face them.
"Don't play with the dogs. Nothing is going to happen to the dogs."
"But something could happen." Lia put her hands on her hips and squinted.
"If anything happens to my dogs while I'm gone, I will hurt all of you."
"We're you're children."
"Exactly, so you should know not to mess with my dogs. Actually....Toni!" I walked out of the room and they followed me. "Honey!" She came up the stairs.
"Yes, love."
"We're taking the dogs with us."
"Okay. I'll get them ready. But why?"
"Your children have threatened to hurt them while I'm gone and I will not have that." She looked at them.
"You guys know better than to play with the dogs."
"But mama, why do you guys have to leave for so long?" Miyah asked.
"Because we have an anniversary and I want to spend it alone with your mother."
