The Harper Generations

Life got a lot more complicated

Misty

After Val's declaration, I asked my dad about it. He verified what Val said.

"Why would you agree to that arrangement?" I asked while my dad cooked breakfast.

"Because the boys needed a little guidance. I read Val's aunt's book."

"Then you understand how horrible they can get."

"Only because you affect them. Misty, I don't understand everything about this situation. But I know people need guidance. Who better than you?"

The front door opened and closed. Tino strolled into the kitchen and grabbed a piece of bacon from the plate.

"Don't you knock?" I asked.

"Why bother? Your dad will let me in any way." Tino shrugged while eating his bacon.

Dad chuckled.

"Where are the other fools since I became their unofficial babysitter?" I asked.

"Getting a lecture from hell from Grandpa Elias," Tino said.

"Good luck with your grandpa."

"What are you doing today?"

I opened my mouth.

"Cancel it. You're hanging out with me."

"You didn't even give me a chance to answer."

"Because you're hanging out with me." Tino smiled.

"What if I didn't want to hang out with you?"

"It doesn't matter. You're still hanging out with me." Tino shrugged.

I rolled my eyes and sat down at the kitchen table. Tino joined me while Dad set plates of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast on the table before joining us.

"So, what are we doing today since you're adamant that I change my plans?" I asked.

"I figure we could watch movies together," Tino said.

"We always watch movies together."

"Then pick something else."

"We could check out that arcade."

Tino's lips curled into a smile.

We finished breakfast. Tino helped me clean up the kitchen since Dad cooked. Once we finished, we left the house and headed to the arcade.

Tino pulled into a parking spot. We got out and headed inside. He grabbed us two cups of quarters before we checked out the place. They had all types of games that you could play. I stuck with skeeball.

*****
Valentino

Misty played skeeball while I checked out the other games. I played a few arcade games until I checked on Misty. She was still playing skeeball.

I chuckled. "Why are you still playing skeeball?"

"What's wrong with skeeball?"

"There are more games than skeeball. Broaden your horizons."

"Fine." Misty collected her tickets before we headed to other games.

She dragged me to a dance game. We put quarters into slots and started the game. We stepped around and hopped. We kept time with the machine. I glanced at Misty, wiggling her butt while she played. We played a few rounds, earning a boatload of tickets. Then, we moved on to a new game.

Honestly, I didn't care what we did as long as I could spend time with her.

******

We hung out at the arcade until Misty's stomach growled.